Ductless mini-split heat pumps are one of the most affordable, energy-efficient solutions for your home. Regardless of your home’s heating and cooling needs, ductless systems can provide you with the flexibility you need while also saving you money on your utility bills. With easy installation and long-term benefits, mini-splits are a great option to consider for your Washington home. Here’s everything you need to know about ductless mini-split heat pumps and installation in Olympia, WA.
WHAT ARE DUCTLESS
HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS?
Ductless heat pump systems, otherwise known as ductless mini-splits, provide cool or warm air throughout a home or area without the use of ductwork. They are known for their quiet, efficient performance, and are used in homes throughout the world.
Ductless heat pump indoor units can go wherever you need heated or cooled air, such as in the main areas of your home, special rooms, or even extensions. You can also keep your current duct system and use your ductless installation in areas that are not currently air conditioned.
You can use your ductless AC to help supplement your existing HVAC system in rooms that tend to heat up more than the rest of the home. This might include south-facing rooms, second floor or attic rooms, or even if you have outbuildings on your property such as a garage, office or work shed. Your ductless mini-split heat pump is ideal for:
It is also the perfect solution for larger homes where only a small portion of the home is used daily, or for empty nesters who have additional spare bedrooms once their kids leave. No matter the situation, the ductless heat pump installation process is easily adjustable to fit your home’s specific needs.
HOW DO DUCTLESS HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS WORK?
The unique thing about a ductless mini-split heat pump is that it provides cool or warm air throughout the home or area without the use of ductwork. Rather, it uses an outside compressor and one or more indoor, ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted “handlers” to cool air locally. It uses “zones” throughout your home to provide customized cool air in each room, with complete control over the temperatures throughout each room. The system works as follows (and the same process is reversed for heating!):
Because each indoor unit operates separately, each room temperature can be adjusted based on room use and family member preferences, with a focus on saving energy.
DUCTLESS HEAT PUMP INSTALLATION IN OLYMPIA
You can install a ductless air conditioner in any room in the home because it doesn’t depend on ductwork. This means it can be installed quickly. Most ductless mini-split heat pump installations take around 4-6 hours to complete. The installation process causes very little disruption in your home as it only requires a small hole drilled in your wall to connect the indoor unit to your outdoor unit.
The hole accommodates the electrical cable, refrigeration lines and condensate discharge lines so they can be connected to the indoor handlers. Mounting brackets are used to mount the indoor units to the ceiling or wall, depending on what kind of unit you order.
The average cost of installing a ductless system with a single indoor heating/cooling zone ranges from $6,000 to $7,000. This cost includes:
This cost range is not much different from installing baseboard heating systems, another zoned heating solution. However, the cost of installation is where the comparison between baseboard heating systems and ductless heating and cooling systems ends. Ductless heating provides extensive energy efficiencies and cost savings over time.
DON’T FORGET ABOUT REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE
With a ductless system’s easy operation and simple functionality, it can be easy to forget about its need for simple ongoing maintenance. All ductless units require simple maintenance to prevent energy loss and maintain its efficient operation, including tasks you can do at home, and tasks that require a certified ductless contractor.
Rinsing the
Air Filter
Cleaning the air filters once a month can do wonders for a ductless heating and cooling system. Most ductless systems have washable filters, so rather than replacing it frequently as you would a traditional system, you just need to wash it instead.
Cleaning the Main Indoor Units
Dust and grime can build up on a ductless unit over time - especially on the outdoor unit that is always exposed to the elements. By wiping each unit down periodically, it’ll help prevent dust blockages.
Keeping the
Units Clear
A ductless system works easier when its indoor and outdoor units are clear of obstructions. Keeping furniture, fallen branches, leaves, snow, and ice away will help the unit perform well.
Ductless repairmen can help with more hands-on maintenance and repairs, such as:
Some ductless contractors even provide regular maintenance check programs to extend the life of your equipment and reduce the need for costly repairs. These programs provide peace of mind knowing that your system is operating as efficiently as it can.
THE BENEFITS OF AN OLYMPIA, WA DUCTLESS HEAT PUMP INSTALLATION
Ductless mini-split heat pumps offer many benefits, including:
Easy Installation
Without the need for ductwork, your system can be installed with minor disruption and parts. Ductless heat pump installation just requires small holes to accommodate the connecting pipes to the indoor units. The indoor units can be mounted almost anywhere and take up very little room.
Energy efficiency
Most homeowners don’t realize they lose 30% energy through the ductwork in their central HVAC systems. As air travels from the central location, air and efficiency is lost along the way. Ductless mini-split heat pumps, on the other hand, treat the room’s air within the room’s handler, and then deliver the same treated hot or cooled air directly back into the room, reducing energy consumption.
Improved air quality
Ductless mini-split heat pumps feature multi-stage filtration technology to remove contaminants and particles from the air improving air quality. Learn more about ductless air filtration vs. purification here.
Energy savings
Higher energy efficiency means lower energy bills. According to the Department of Energy, ductless mini-split heat pump systems cut electricity use by 30-40% compared to electric resistance heating, such as with furnaces or baseboard heaters. In addition, because mini splits have no ductwork, they avoid the energy losses associated with the ductwork of central forced air systems (which can account for more than 30% of energy consumption). Overall, you can save from 25%–50% or more in some cases on your monthly heating and air conditioning bills.
Long-lasting
Ductless mini-splits last as many as 5 to 10 years longer than central HVAC systems. Overall, when properly maintained, ductless mini-split heat pumps can last up to 20 years or more.
As you can see, there are many benefits to installing ductless mini-splits in your home. One other major benefit of a ductless mini-split heat pump is that it’s easy to maintain.
SEE HOW ALPINE DUCTLESS IS DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS
At Alpine Ductless, we’re locally owned and headquartered in Olympia, Washington. We serve customers from South Seattle to Chehalis and from Hoodsport to Bonney Lake. We are certified as a Master Installer under Comfort Ready Home (formerly known as NW Ductless Project) guidelines and adhere to recommended best practices for installation. We’re proud to say that we’ve helped over 3,500 homeowners become more comfortable for less money. We continue to specialize in installing ductless systems; and we carry two of the top ductless brands so that we can pair the home or business owner with the best system for their needs. Our role is to educate and advocate for you so you can make the right choice for your unique situation.
We believe 100% in the quality of ductless heat pumps. That’s why on top of manufacturer’s warranties, we offer a Three-Year Gold Service Guarantee that covers mechanical defects. That's the best guarantee in the business!
Lastly, we are 100% virtual, which helps keep our prices low so that we can pass the savings on to you! We’ll also help find the Washington ductless rebates you qualify for in your area and process the rebates on your behalf for even more savings.
SCHEDULE A FREE IN-HOME DUCTLESS HEAT PUMP
INSTALLATION TODAY!
Contact us here or call us at (360) 615-2740 to see if a Ductless Heating system is right for you! We’ll schedule a free in-home (or virtual, depending on your preference) ductless heat pump installation for a time that works best for you.
Alpine Ductless is a certified ductless mini-split installer. We proudly serve the Thurston, Pierce, Mason, Lewis and South King county areas. Our goal is to help you determine the best system for heating and cooling your home.
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Alpine Ductless is a certified ductless mini-split installer. We proudly serve the Thurston, Pierce, Mason, Lewis and South King county areas. Our goal is to help you determine the best system for heating and cooling your home.