HVAC Evolution: Is a Ductless Mini Split Right for Your Home?
Why Ductless Mini Split AC Systems Are Gaining Popularity
Homeowners who are shopping for a new residential HVAC system are in a unique position. For decades, the vast majority (almost 90%) of homes used central heat systems and, in most locations, central heating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. A recent innovation now gives homeowners a choice between the typical HVAC and a new option, a ductless mini split system.
Typical HVAC systems. Most homes use a heating and air conditioning system with three major components.
• An indoor central air handler, is often located in a maintenance closet, garage, or attic.
• An outdoor condenser unit
• A network of ducts that carry conditioned air throughout the home.
The ducts must be installed during home construction since they are located behind wall and ceiling coverings.
Ductless Mini Split systems consist of two major components.
• An outdoor condenser unit
• A mini air handler for each room
The condenser and air handler are connected via tubes attached to the outside of the home.
Houston homeowners without a ducted HVAC have an option with very distinctive advantages.
1. Homes built before 1960 are less likely to have ducts in the wall and will have no vents or return openings. There is no space dedicated to an air handler. Retrofitting an older home for a standard HVAC system requires much more space dedicated to components. Ductless Mini Split systems do not have these space requirements.
Additionally, homes under construction have a choice between a typical central heat and air system or a Ductless Mini Split system.
2. Air conditioners move heat, they do not create cold. During the cooling season, air conditioners move heat from inside the home to the great outdoors; the result is a cooler space indoors. Mini split systems use the same components in reverse, bringing heat from outdoors to make it comfy indoors. Houston winters are ideal for heat pumps and mini split systems since the average daytime Winter temperatures stay above 500 and the average evening temperatures are still in the upper 40s. That is plenty of heat to move indoors.
Typical HVAC systems must generate heat, usually with electricity or natural gas, and move it throughout the home. Generating heat takes much more energy than moving available heat from outdoors to the indoor space. In addition, heat is lost during transportation through the duct network. Mini split systems are very energy efficient during both heating and cooling seasons.
(Many homes with Ductless Mini Split HVAC systems will use baseboard radiant heat for emergency heat during dreadfully cold arctic blasts.)
3. Ductless Mini Split systems have tremendous zoning potential. The typical HVAC system treats the entire home as one heating or cooling zone. The powerful blower motor moves the entire volume of the home every few minutes, cooling or heating every room at the same time. Large homes or homes with multiple stories may be serviced by multiple ducted systems and afford a minimum level of zoning.
Ductless Mini Split air handlers are present in each room, and each room has a thermostat. That means each room could be set at a different temperature setting—cool spaces for sleeping and warm spaces for dressing/bathing. This versatility customizes home comfort, something that is unavailable in homes with typical HVAC systems.
Ductless Mini Split HVAC systems are a little more expensive than standard HVAC systems. Each air handler will need to be serviced and the air filter cleaned or changed. However, having a choice is always good.
Discover Ductless Mini Split Systems with Doctor Cool
Traditional ducted HVAC systems are being challenged by ductless mini-split systems, which offer advantages like easier installation in older homes, superior energy efficiency, and customizable room-by-room temperature control. While slightly more expensive, mini-splits provide a versatile and efficient alternative for homeowners seeking modern climate control.
As an award-winning, BBB-accredited Ductless Mini Split and HVAC installation contractor serving the League City and surrounding area, we pride ourselves in providing exceptional service to our customers. Call Doctor Cool & Professor Heat today at 281-338-8751 or email Doctor Cool.
