Ductless is a great alternative heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Unlike a traditional, furnace-based HVAC system, ductless doesn’t have a series of large air ducts that need to be installed under the floors or in the walls of your home. That makes it a great choice for people who don’t want ductwork, who can’t have it because of historical restrictions, or who want better control and savings when it comes to climate control for their house.
When considering this alternative, you’ll want to understand how a ductless system is installed.
An Expert Assessment
First, you have a professional come in to see exactly what your home needs. A small bungalow, for example, will need less heating and cooling during the year than a large, split-level home. So, getting the square-footage of a building right helps determine the most cost-effective solution for the space you have. A professional consultation is essential in getting the right size and number of units.
Selecting Models
Once a professional installer knows your home requirements and whether it’s just for one treatment or for both heating and cooling, they can recommend size and models for your ductless system. Needs will vary based on square footage, climate control treatments, and the area of the home. Do you want multiple units all over your home, replacing the traditional system, or a single unit for the attic you’re converting, which will work alongside your current system? Inform your installer of your plans.
The Outdoor Unit
Like a central HVAC system, a ductless system will have an outdoor compressor or condenser unit, though it will often appear much smaller than the centralized models. Units still need a stable, flat surface (and overhead protection from snow), so a concrete base may be poured for it or a mount if nothing suitable is available on the property.
Line Installation
Cold or warm air and refrigerant need to be pumped from the condenser into your building. At this point, your installer will create a hole in the exterior to run these lines through, then block and insulate any openings made to maintain the efficiency of the home.
The Indoor Unit
Inside, the heating and cooling unit will be mounted on a wall, usually closer to the ceiling. Brackets are installed to secure the unit tightly. The installer will make a hole, usually no more than 3”, to connect the unit to the refrigerant and airlines from the condenser. Depending on how many units you want for a building, this process may occur once or for every unit. But wall- or floor-mounted indoor units are not the only choices available. Depending on your home’s layout, you may opt for flush-mounted ceiling cassettes. There are ‘ducted’ ductless units that deliver heated and cooled air through grills or small circular openings mounted on the walls. A professional, knowledgeable ductless consultant can guide your through all the choices available to you.
Always Call the Professionals
If you want the best results for your ductless installation process, you should always trust the experts to do it. A seasoned, insured, and certified professional like those at Alpine Ductless can quickly determine what works best for your home or workplace. They will assemble the hardware and team needed to do a fast, efficient installation.
If you want professional installation in Thurston, Pierce, Mason, or Lewis Counties for your ductless heating system, contact us, and we can schedule a free consultation.
Plus you can visit our Ultimate Guide to Ductless Heating & Cooling in the Northwest for more answers on the benefits of Ductless systems.