The US Department of Energy (DOE) is one of the foremost experts on all things energy. They’re always on top of the latest and greatest happenings in the world of HVAC technology and energy efficiency. Many Boston homeowners have heard at least a bit about the advantages of ductless mini-splits, but what are the experts saying about this alternative? Let’s take a look at what kind of praises the DOE is singing about ductless HVAC systems.
The installation process is quick and simple.
Mini-splits might have a higher price tag than other temperature control options such as central units or window units but ductless systems steal the crown for easy installation. There are only three main components to worry about when installing a ductless heat pump: the outdoor compressor, indoor handling units, and connecting wires and hoses. The process usually just takes a few days, depending on how many indoor units you’re installing.
They’re supported by government-backed rebates.
There’s been a major push to encourage Boston homeowners to invest in more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly technologies such as ductless mini-splits. To increase the speed of adoption, the Massachusetts government offers special discounts and rebates on these HVAC alternatives. Through the MassSave program, you can save up to a $15,000 rebate when installing a ductless heat pump. It’s important to work with a licensed provider such as New England Ductless to qualify for these massive discounts.
Ductless HVAC systems are energy efficient.
Instead of heating or conditioning air before pushing it throughout the home, ductless HVAC systems rely on refrigerant to transfer heat, eliminating the need for ductwork. In addition to making ductless mini-splits significantly more compact than their central counterparts, this difference also increases the energy efficiency of ductless systems. Surprisingly, nearly one-third of the air passing through ductwork escapes through poor connections and other imperfections prone to leaks, resulting in higher energy costs.
Mini-splits are easy to design around.
When talking about improved energy efficiency and reduced costs, it might sound trivial to bring up aesthetics. However, this is another key advantage of ductless mini-splits according to the DOE. Their compact size gives Boston homeowners a lot of design flexibility. Whether you want to hang a mini-split on a wall, suspend it from the ceiling, or even mount it to the floor, you have a lot of room to choose. This is in stark contrast to centralized HVAC systems which take up a significant amount of space and need to be hidden due to their size.
They offer flexible zoning capabilities.
The DOE says that zoning is one of the main advantages of ductless mini-splits, and we agree! Unlike central units that restrict homeowners to a single temperature setting for the whole home, mini-splits allow for temperature control in individual rooms, also known as zones. A single ductless heating system can heat and cool anywhere between one and five rooms depending on your energy needs.
Ductless mini-splits are perfect for add-ons.
You don’t have to replace your entire centralized system to take advantage of ductless mini-splits. In fact, one of their primary advantages is their compatibility with standard HVAC systems to achieve your home’s heating and cooling needs. Mini-splits are ideal for rooms that aren’t hooked up to your central system where you want temperature control such as attics, pool houses, sunrooms, and add-ons. Adding a mini-split is always more affordable and simpler than extending ductwork.
When the benefits of a heating and cooling system are touted by the Department of Energy, you can rest assured the praise is warranted. However, most Boston homeowners still rely on conventional central HVAC systems despite the savings, increased energy efficiency, and variety of other perks available with ductless alternatives. If you’re ready to unlock these advantages, schedule an appointment with New England Ductless. As local Boston ductless specialists, we can help you make the switch quickly and effortlessly.