Ductless HVAC systems are still a mystery to many Boston homeowners. Without requiring any ductwork to heat and cool entire homes, mini-splits aren’t as straightforward as their centralized counterparts.
One of the most common questions people have about ductless systems is the number of mini splits required to make things work optimally. Do you need one in every room or will two or three suffice?
Here, we’re going to answer this question in depth to give homeowners a better idea of what to expect when installing a ductless HVAC system.
Do I need a mini-split for every room?
No, you don’t need a mini-split in every room of your home to get the benefits of ductless systems. At least, that’s the short answer. Going a little more in-depth, Boston homeowners will need to install an indoor handler in every room where they want heating and cooling capabilities.
Instead of having a single, central unit control the temperature of an entire home with ductwork carrying conditioned or heated to various rooms, ductless HVAC systems rely on individual handling units to keep your home comfortable. One of the main advantages of zoned heating and cooling is the flexibility you have to choose which rooms receive temperature control.
What are the components of a ductless HVAC system?
Indoor Handling Unit
Indoor handling units are parts of ductless HVAC systems you’ll interact with the most. They’re located on the inside of your home and communicate with a thermostat to control a room’s temperature accurately.
Outdoor Compressor
Every indoor handling unit is attached to a single outdoor condenser which is essentially the powerhouse of a ductless HVAC system. These compressors pump refrigerant, a chemical substance key to temperature control, to and from the indoor handling units during both heating and cooling modes.
Single vs Multi-Zone: What’s the difference?
Single-zone ductless systems have a single indoor handling unit responsive for temperature control in a single room. This setup is ideal for Boston homeowners who want to extend heating or AC to a room that’s not hooked up to their current system. Add-ons, porches, garages, and attics are all examples of ideal rooms for mini-splits that benefit from these alternative HVAC options.
Ductless systems with two or more indoor handling units are known as multi-zone systems because they allow for temperature control in multiple areas of the home. These dynamic systems are perfect for replacing central units or when building a new home. Multi-zone HVAC systems achieve full-house temperature control without the expensive and space-consuming ductwork of traditional systems.
All indoor handling units are attached to the same outdoor compressor, making it easy to add and take away zones as your home’s heating and cooling needs change. The capacity of your system’s outdoor compressor will determine how many indoor handling units can be attached without sacrificing any energy efficiency.
What are the advantages of zoning?
Increased comfort – With an indoor handling unit in each room, you can set a different temperature in any room to optimize comfort for everyone living in your home while paying less.
Flexibility – You can choose how many zones you want to heat and cool when installing a ductless HVAC system, limiting the amount you have to invest.
Energy efficiency – Ductless mini-splits are renowned for their improved energy efficiency compared to centralized systems that can lose up to 30% of the air through ductwork.
Consult with a professional before installation.
Every Boston homeowner has unique heating and cooling needs. These demands are influenced by your home size, personal preferences, and budget parameters. These factors will determine what the best mini-split setup is for you, including how many indoor handling units you’ll need. Working with a ductless HVAC expert is the best way to make sure you’re investing in an ideal choice.
If you’re ready to take full advantage of the many benefits of ductless HVAC systems, the experts at New England Ductless can help! We specialize in mini-split installation and service with years of experience supporting homeowners around Boston. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!