Ductless mini split systems are unlike other heating and cooling units in that they move air into a room without the need for a set of air ducts. And it’s not the same as a window unit or a portable heater! These have a reputation for being loud, inefficient, and/or ineffective. But a ductless system is completely different.
Ductless heating and air conditioning systems look a lot like a standard heat pump (or central AC), and they’re just as powerful too! Is it the right choice for your home?
How It Works
Ductless mini split systems consist of an outdoor unit along with one or more indoor units. The indoor units have individual blower fans, and you can typically connect up to 4 of them to any 1 outside unit.
Refrigerant moves between the inside and outside components, which means a technician will have to drill a small hole to feed a refrigeration line through—but no major renovations are required. Refrigerant, a chemical blend, is able to absorb heat from inside of the home and move it outdoors to provide cool air into each room or zone of the home in the summer. When temperatures drop, the ductless heat pump can absorb heat from the outside air and move it inside.
Efficiency and More
Ductless mini split systems offer summertime efficiency like you won’t see from a portable air conditioner or window unit. But they are also highly efficient in the summer. Moving heat is a more efficient process than generating heat, so efficiency goes above and beyond any other electric heating source and some gas heaters for much of the summer.
Is It Right for You?
A ductless mini split system is not right for those who already have air ducts and a forced-air setup. But it could be a good choice for someone with a boiler system hoping to add a warm and cool air unit to all or part of the house. It’s also great for homes or buildings without any source of heating and AC, though you may need a backup system for when temperatures drop too low.
Boehmer Heating & Cooling offers ductless mini split system installation and service in Upper St. Clair. Contact our friendly team today!