Mini-splits are quickly growing in popularity in the United States due to their superior energy efficiency when compared to the centralized HVAC systems which have remained the conventional option for Boston homeowners for decades.
You’ve probably heard the term thrown around here and there, or you might even know someone who has installed a ductless HVAC system. Regardless of your level of familiarity, there’s always more to learn.
Let’s take a closer look at the fundamentals of mini-splits to gain a better understanding of why they’re becoming so popular.
Speaking the mini-split language
There’s an entire language in the world of mini-splits used by professionals in the industry. We’re not going to get into the nitty-gritty of mini-split jargon, but mentioning a few important words can make it easier for Boston homeowners to talk about and understand these relatively new heating and cooling systems.
The term mini-split is often used interchangeably with ductless HVAC system. Both refer to the same type of heating and cooling technology that achieves temperature control without the use of central units or ductwork. You might also come across the term heat pump which is another synonym referring to the same system.
Breaking it down
Standard HVAC systems contain a centralized unit where air is heated or conditioned before being forced through a series of ductwork to reach various parts of the home. Mini-splits completely flip this design on its head. Ductless HVAC systems are composed of three primary components:
- Indoor handling units – Air handling units cycle the air within a room or zone to achieve the desired temperature.
- Outdoor compressor – The outdoor condenser uses refrigerant and heat transfer to heat or cool indoor air.
- Connecting lines – Refrigerant tubing, electrical cords, and other lines connect the indoor handling units with the outdoor compressor through walls and ceilings.
The name says it all
As the name suggests, ductless HVAC systems achieve temperature control without the need for expensive, awkward, and inefficient ductwork. But, how do mini-splits meet your heating and cooling needs? Instead of relying on a centralized unit to force air throughout the home, mini-splits allow Boston homeowners to utilize zoned heating and cooling.
Each indoor handling unit is tasked with temperature control in a single room, allowing for increased energy efficiency and improved comfort. As a result, members of a household don’t have to scrap over the thermostat setting. Everyone can set their desired temperature within their rooms or wherever they’re spending time.
The secret ingredient
If ductless mini-splits are a newly concocted recipe improving upon an older version (aka. centralized HVAC systems), refrigerant is the secret ingredient. This well-known chemical plays a crucial role in achieving heating and cooling in individual zones instead of having to rely on ductwork.
Refrigerant transfers heat to and from the inside of your home by taking advantage of heat’s tendency to move towards cooler areas. When in cooling mode, refrigerant carries heat from indoor air and transfers it outside. On the other hand, it absorbs heat from the outdoor air before releasing it inside when the heating is on.
What are the advantages of mini-splits?
Now that you have a better understanding of how ductless HVAC systems operate, you’re probably wondering how this translates into benefits. What does the average Boston homeowner stand to gain from these heating and cooling alternatives? Well, a lot actually. Here are just a few advantages:
Increased energy efficiency – Mini-splits have the ability to transfer heat instead of generating it like central units which drastically improves your home’s energy efficiency.
Decreased energy costs – Ductless HVAC systems can cut heating costs in half and cooling expenses by 30%, according to the Department of Energy.
Quicker installation – Without having to worry about clunky, bulky, and massive ductwork systems, mini-splits are much easier to install.
If you’re ready to make the switch to ductless HVAC systems, the team at New England Ductless has you covered. We specialize in helping Boston homeowners take advantage of mini-splits. Schedule an appointment today to get started.