Every Boston homeowner has a heating and cooling solution to keep their families comfortable. Other than monthly bills and occasional repairs, most people don’t think about their HVAC units. However, there’s more to these essential systems than meets the eye. Ductless HVAC systems are quickly catching the attention of energy and savings-conscious homeowners who are looking for a viable alternative to standard, centralized systems. To help you make the best decision, let’s review some key HVAC stats all Boston homeowners should know.
1. Up to 30% of air flowing through ductwork escapes
The biggest design difference between mini-split systems and their forced air counterparts is the lack of ductwork. This makes it significantly easier to install ductless HVAC systems, but that’s not the most compelling advantage. The Department of Energy reports that the average home can experience a 20-30% loss of air through its ductwork due to holes, leaks, poor connections, and other structural issues. This costly disadvantage of centralized systems results in higher energy costs as units have to work harder to compensate for the air leaks. Ductless HVAC systems avoid this downside by completely eliminating the need for ductwork.
2. HVAC makes up 51% of a homeowner’s total energy usage
It’s tough for Boston homeowners to get an accurate idea of how their various expenses compare to their overall energy usage. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), heating and air conditioning account for 51% of the average homeowner’s energy consumption. Lighting, refrigeration, and water heating combined only account for less than a third of total energy usage per household – just to give you an idea of the comparable cost of HVAC systems. If you’re looking for effective ways to cut your energy bills, it’s clear that a reduction in HVAC costs will have the largest impact on your overall expenses.
3. Ductless HVAC systems can slash heating costs in half
It’s true that heating and cooling eat up more than half of the average Boston home’s energy consumption, but that doesn’t really paint the whole picture. Heating alone comprises 43% of that total energy usage, while air conditioning makes up just 8% on average. As a result, installing a more energy-efficient heating solution will have a greater impact on your savings. Due to their ability to transfer heat instead of generating it, ductless HVAC systems can help Boston homeowners slash their heating costs in half. In fact, mini-splits use 60% less energy when compared to conventional HVAC units.
4. Mini-splits can cut cooling costs by 30%
Air conditioning costs might pale in comparison to heating expenses for the average Boston home, but optimized energy usage requires a complete approach. Ductless HVAC systems don’t just save you significantly on heating bills. These energy-efficient temperature control solutions can also cut cooling costs by nearly one-third. These savings are attributed to the advanced outdoor compressors and adjustable fans which have greater control over operational speeds to maximize energy savings.
Pro Tip: Homeowners can further increase the energy efficiency of their ductless HVAC systems by using smart thermostats to automate their use.
5. Multi-zone ductless systems can handle eight indoor units
A common misconception about ductless HVAC systems is that they’re incapable of efficiently heating and cooling an entire home. This leads many Boston homeowners to assume mini-splits are only good for use in single rooms. In reality, ductless systems are powerful enough to provide temperature control for homes of considerable size all while providing more flexibility and greater energy efficiency when compared to centralized systems. A single outdoor compressor can handle eight indoor units, providing heating and cooling for eight different zones which is more than enough for the average home. If you need more, however, a second outdoor condenser is easy to install, doubling your home’s heating and cooling capacity.
Interested in slashing your energy costs while improving your home’s comfort? Switching to a ductless HVAC system is the perfect solution. Book an appointment with experts at New England Ductless today to get started.