Weighing the Pros and Cons of Ductless Heating Systems
Have you heard about ductless heating and cooling systems? They’re praised for their remarkable efficiency, but are they as awesome as they look? Explore the pros and cons of ductless mini-splits to make it easier for you to decide if going ductless is the best option for your residence in Fort Lauderdale.
What Is a Ductless Mini-Split?
unclear what “ductless” and “mini-split” describe, you’re like many others. Ductless mini-splits are fairly recent innovations in the United States, but have been commonly employed overseas for decades. These systems have two primary parts: an outdoor compressor and one or more inside air handling units that can be installed on the wall or recessed into the ceiling.
Unlike traditional forced-air heating and cooling, which depends on ductwork to distribute air across your home, ductless systems supply warm or cool air directly from the wall- or ceiling-mounted air handler. With a dedicated thermostat per indoor unit, you can achieve exact temperature control between rooms.
Benefits of Ductless Temperature Control
Ductless mini-splits provide numerous convincing benefits. Here’s what makes these systems a great choice for many Fort Lauderdale residences.
Effortless Installation
If you’re dreading a complicated installation, put your mind at ease. Ductless systems don’t need complex ductwork or drainage systems. The inside air handlers are simple to mount on a wall or ceiling. Then, drilling a couple of tiny holes in the wall facilitates running cables and refrigerant lines between the indoor and external units. This process is considerably simpler than ripping out the ceiling to install ductwork.
So, while traditional systems could take several days to install, a ductless system can be functioning in within one day.
Energy-Efficient HVAC Option
Traditional air conditioners usually have seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings of 14 to 17. While this is commendable, many ductless systems feature SEER ratings as high as 30. This means substantial savings every month for your household. Increased efficiency also means a more eco-friendly home, reducing your carbon footprint while keeping more money in your pocket.
Less Heat Loss
Ducted systems are infamous for losing as much as 25% of their heated air because of ductwork leaks, holes and malfunctioning connections. This inefficiency wastes electricity or fuel—and your hard-earned cash. Ductless systems tackle this issue by supplying air directly into each room. Since they don’t depend on ducts, you get 100% of the heating or cooling you pay for.
Control the Temperature in Each Room
If you’ve ever argued with family members over the thermostat temperature, you’ll enjoy the zoned heating and cooling offered by ductless systems. Every indoor unit can be controlled individually, letting you set different temperatures in the house. So if you like to keep your bedroom cool and the baby’s nursery warm, a ductless mini-split has the flexibility to customize your comfort.
Quiet Operation
No one likes a noisy HVAC system. Ductless mini-splits are built for nearly silent operation. The fact is, the interior units are so quiet that you might forget they’re even running. That means you can have conversations, watch TV or sleep without being disturbed by a loud blower.
Little Room Required
Space is a premium in many homes, particularly older ones with little excess room for ductwork and HVAC systems. Ductless systems are the remedy to this dilemma. Their much samller size and flexible placement options make them ideal. Mini-splits don’t require an expansive closet or attic space; a small area on your wall or ceiling will do.
Drawbacks of Ductless Heating and Cooling
It’s essential to have a well-rounded perspective of any heating and cooling technology before adopting it. These are some reasons ductless systems aren’t the most suitable option for every situation:
Not Easy to Hide
In contrast to traditional air vents that blend into the decor, ductless systems have certain interior components that are hard to ignore. If appearance are a top concern for you, the visual impact might be a downside.
Higher Up Front Cost
The price tag of a ductless system can be significantly higher than that of a traditional HVAC system. Nevertheless, you can look forward to recoup this cost over time through more energy-efficient operation.
Limited Heating Capacity in Extreme Weather
Though they supply heating, ductless systems may not be ideal for colder climates. Their heating capacity is limited and might need a backup heat source to maintain comfort.
Not for Entire Homes
Ductless systems are great for specific heating and cooling in particular rooms or zones. However, they may not be the best HVAC solution for more expansive homes with many rooms spread over multiple floors.
Get Comfortable in Fort Lauderdale with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
When picking the best heating and cooling choice in Fort Lauderdale, count on Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our ACE-certified technicians and installers offer fast, long-lasting solutions for all your comfort concerns. We stand by our 100% satisfaction guarantee, so if you’re not totally content with our job, the crew at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning will address it.
To explore exceptional comfort from a ductless mini-split or another kind of heating system, call 954-736-4314 today!
