Ductless air conditioning and heating units — and event split units that do both — are a very efficient and effective method of keeping your entire home a pleasant climate. Long popular in Europe and Asia, the ductless split has become the world’s most popular air conditioning and heating option.
If your home is older, has no ductwork, is Cape Cod style, or if you need to add heating or cooling to an addition or basement, going with ductless air conditioning and heating can be a great option.
How Ductless Systems Work
Ductless systems are easily installed in two main parts. The small, rectangular indoor unit is the blower, while the outdoor component is the heat pump or compressor. The outdoor unit is much smaller and quieter than the older, traditional system, and is connected to the indoor blower with just a power and refrigerant line through a three-inch insert into the home. The indoor unit is typically mounted high on the wall, and circulates the air already in the room through the blower to heat or cool the space. No air vents required, it is just connected to the electric and refrigerant line and is good to go!
Why Go Ductless?
It’s easy!
Ductless systems are very easy to install, and take up very little space. Multi-zone comfort is easily achieved, and different climate settings can easily be programmed by the remote control units. A single outdoor unit can often maintain multiple indoor blowers. And while they are very reliable, they are also designed to be very easily serviced.
It’s efficient.
The DOE estimates that duct systems lose 25-40% of their effectiveness due to leaks from gaps, cracks, or disconnections. In addition to eliminating that problem, ductless split systems like the ones Mitsubishi offers have improvements such as the system’s fan not being activated until the coils are at the right temperature, so no cold air is blowing. Also the inverter system allows for more efficient cooling and heating, without the constant cycling off and on of the compressor as happens in traditional systems.
It’s eco-friendly.
The new ductless air conditioning and heating units greatly minimize their effect on the environment. Mitsubishi alone offers 15 new Energy Star rated systems, with SEER values as high as 26. With multi-stage filtration systems to eliminate allergens and odors, indoor units operating as quietly as a human whisper, and features including sensors that automatically detect specific room temperatures and adjust accordingly, ductless units are leading the way in environmental sensitivities.
Duct No More?
If you’re seriously thinking about ductless heating and cooling (and it’s a seriously good idea!) please contact SSI to find out more. As a Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Contractor, SSI’s air conditioning service experts have reached the highest level of accreditation from Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating so you can be sure you’re working with the most professional team around. Let us help determine if a ductless system is the right option for you!