New to ductless mini-splits? You’re not alone! In fact, most Boston homeowners aren’t familiar with this technology as centralized HVAC systems have been the dominant heating and cooling solution for decades. But there’s a new alternative in town, and it’s here to stay. To help bring homeowners up to speed, let’s take a look at some common ductless mini-split questions.

What is a ductless mini-split?

A ductless mini-split also called a heat pump or simply a mini-split is a temperature control system that offers heating and cooling without using ductwork. These systems have been used in other parts of the world such as Japan and Europe for decades due to their increased energy efficiency and compactness. But they’re just starting to gain traction in the US.

What are the parts of a mini-split?

Ductless mini-splits are comprised of two primary parts:

  1. Indoor handling unit – This unit is tasked with temperature control in an individual room by pulling air and pushing it over coils that heat or cool the air before the indoor handling unit blows it back into the zone.
  2. Outdoor compressor – Also known as an outdoor condenser, this device sits outside and is responsible for releasing heat from your home into the air during the cooling phase. The process is reversed when heating.

There’s a series of connections between these two components including refrigerant tubing, power cables, and drainage lines. One of the reasons ductless mini-splits are so popular is because of their compact size.

How long does a ductless mini-split last?

If you invest in a high-quality mini-split and ensure it receives routine maintenance, you can expect your ductless mini-split to last up to 20 years. Naturally, some systems will end up getting more mileage while others will get less, but two decades is a good ballpark estimate. Central HVAC systems, on the other hand, typically only last 15 years or less. That means more money in the bank for Boston homeowners and less hassle too.

How are mini-splits different from central air?

In reality, the temperature control features of centralized HVAC systems and ductless mini-splits are largely similar. The primary difference between these two heating and cooling solutions is the way in which temperature control is achieved. While traditional systems heat or cool air within a central unit before forcing it throughout a home via ductwork, mini-splits use indoor handling units to control the temperature within a single room.

What are the advantages of a ductless mini-split?

Ductless mini-splits are becoming increasingly popular across the US because of the sheer number of benefits homeowners can unlock by installing these modern heating and cooling solutions. Here are some of the main advantages of ductless systems:

Compact Size

As the name suggests, ductless mini-splits don’t have any ductwork like their centralized cousins. With a few indoor handling units, an outdoor compressor, and some refrigerant lines, these systems are incredibly compact.

Energy Efficiency

One of the most well-known upsides of mini-splits is their energy efficiency. By only heating and cooling rooms in use, ductless systems make it easier for Boston homeowners to optimize their energy usage.

Zoning Capabilities

Mini-splits make it possible for homeowners to control the temperature in individual rooms through a process known as zoning. This flexibility is a major advantage over conventional HVAC systems that heat and cool any room connected via ductwork.

How much money does a mini-split save?

Ductless mini-splits are always touted for their energy efficiency, especially when compared to central units. This translates into considerable savings for homeowners. In fact, ductless HVAC systems can help Bostonians slash their energy costs by 30% to 40%.

Interested in learning more about the advantages of ductless mini-splits or ready to make the switch? The experts at New England Ductless can help! We’ve already helped countless Boston homeowners optimize their heating and cooling systems. We’d love to do the same for you! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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