Do you need a new HVAC system in an older home or recent construction in Black Mountain, NC? If so, a ductless HVAC system is an excellent choice. Learn why ductless HVAC systems are good alternatives to electric resistance heaters and what you should look for when purchasing one.
What’s a Ductless HVAC System?
A ductless HVAC system functions similar to a central system. This system relies on two-way heat pumps and a refrigeration compression cycle.
The two heat pumps transfer air between indoor and outdoor systems to provide the temperature you desire. The term “ductless” applies since they don’t need ducts to deliver the cold or hot air.
A conventional HVAC system relies on a network of vents and ducts, which adds to the cost of installing the system in your home. An HVAC system comprises two main components: an indoor unit and an outdoor system.
The outdoor and indoor systems connect via a power cable, a refrigerant line, suction tubing and a condensate drain line. The absence of ducts is an advantage because the system can avoid air leakages, pressure imbalances and heat gains.
Instances When You Need an HVAC System
Installing a new central HVAC system doesn’t always make sense in a home. A ductless unit comes in handy when:
- You have to fix ductwork in an older home and the aging structure has underlying vulnerabilities exposed during such a process.
- Some parts of a home are warmer than others because of living in a larger space.
- You add new rooms that are not covered by the existing system ductwork.
- The attic or basement temperatures are uncontrollable and uncomfortable.
- You wish to save on your energy costs.
What are the Benefits of a Ductless HVAC System?
You’ll save on your energy costs when you install a ductless air conditioning system. You’ll also spend less money during the installation process since there are no labor-intensive ducts or vents installed.
Moreover, a ductless HVAC system does a better job of distributing hot or cold air all over the house as needed. A traditional system will heat or cool the whole house simultaneously, sometimes unevenly, while ductless units can work independently if you want different rooms to have different temperatures.
What to Consider When Buying a Ductless HVAC System
You’ll want to compare costs between a ductless and central HVAC system. Also, it would help if you considered the cost between single-zone and multi-zone ductless systems. The cost between a simple, dependable system and fancier models ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 as extra features mean additional costs.
To check on the energy efficiency of a model, observe the Seasonal Energy Efficient Rating, or SEER. This is the calculated ratio of the cooling or heating output during a particular season divided by the energy consumed and measured in watt-hours.
You should consider the ductless unit’s power output. Do you wish to heat single or multiple zones within your home? A professional might recommend that you choose a single-zone unit for a small living space and a multi-zone system for numerous living spaces in a larger home.
Professionals measure ductless unit power using British Thermal Units. In simple terms, this is the amount of energy required to heat or cool a space depending on the square footage. For example, a ductless AC system with 6,000 BTU is ideal for 150 to 250 square feet of space.
Lastly, you need to consider any extra features available depending on your area. Some of the extra features include a programmable timer, dehumidifier and reusable components. Ultimately, you’ll want to choose a system that you’re comfortable with and that’s within your budget.
Once you have settled on your ductless HVAC system, contact Gentry Heating, Inc. (now Gentry Service Group) for professional installation and maintenance. We have a team of trained service technicians qualified to service ductless HVAC systems in Black Mountain, NC.
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