A ductless mini-split heat pump is a heating and cooling system. It conditions the air in your home without the need for ducts. This system is perfect for homes with limited space for ductwork.
Ductless heat pumps work well in additions, basements and areas such as porches that have been upgraded for year-round use. They can also be used as a whole-house system.
A ductless heat pump, or mini-split, consists of two parts. One part handles indoor air, while the other acts as the outdoor compressor. Here’s everything you need to know about ductless heating and cooling systems.
What are the Advantages of a Ductless Heat Pump?
Ductless mini-split systems are popular for renovations and home additions. They are ideal for anyone wanting the efficient heating and cooling. There are many advantages to choosing a ductless mini-split including:
- Smaller size
- Easier installation
- Less tear-down with just a 3-inch hole in the wall required for the conduit
- Flexibility and convenience
- Separate thermostat controls with remote control
- Both heating and cooling functions
- Attractive design
- Energy savings and reduced energy bills
- No ductwork required
- Safer than window units (They can fall or be used by intruders to break in)
- Longer lifespan
- Can be used to heat or cool separate areas of the home
What are Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems and How Do They Work?
A mini-split has two parts: one (or more) for indoors and one for outdoors. The indoor unit can be installed in the ceiling or mounted high on a wall. It sends the conditioned air directly into the living space.
The outdoor unit is connected to the indoor unit without the need for ducts. Instead, it uses a refrigerant line, power cable, suction tubing, and condensate drain line. Many homes have more than one indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit.
Each indoor unit can be controlled independently, even though they share the same outdoor unit.
How Do the Zones Work with Mini-Split Units?
Before Ductless Mini-split installation, we work with you to create an energy-efficient zoning plan. Multiple indoor units allow you choose the zones based on the rooms you want to heat or cool. Most systems average four zones served by the outdoor unit.
Zones depend on your home’s size and special requirements like additions or temperature-sensitive rooms. Mini-split systems are completely customized to suit your needs. Homeowners often request zones for spaces like garages or workshops, while smaller homes can use a unit per floor.
Energy Efficiency
Mini-split units are more energy-efficient because there is no risk of conditioned air leaking through ducts. You can lose up to 30% of conditioned air through ducts, leading to higher energy bills. Zones also help save energy, as you only operate the zones.
Traditional systems, on the other hand, are used to heat or cool the entire home and are far less efficient.
How Does the Ductless Heat Pump Work?
Heat pumps use existing heat energy in the air using refrigerant. Traditional A/C units remove indoor heat and transfer it outdoors. A heat pump reverses this process.
Heat pumps remove heat from the outdoor environment and transfers it indoors.
If you are asking yourself “How much does a Ductless Heat pump cost?” or wish to find out more about how a mini-split can benefit your home, contact our team today. We proudly install Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems for homeowners like you in Pierce County.
This includes Tacoma, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, Fox Island, University Place, Bonney Lake, Washington and more.