If you’re in the market for a new HVAC system, then you have a couple of different options to choose from. One of the most popular options on the market today is the mini-split system. Understanding how this differs from the traditional HVAC system can help you determine if it’s the right choice for your home.
Traditional HVAC System
A traditional HVAC system is typically comprised of both a cooling and a heating component. On the cooling end, you’ll have a centralized air conditioning system. On the heating end, you’ll typically have a furnace or boiler. The systems are connected to ductwork running throughout a home so that it can deliver treated air to all the different rooms. With a traditional HVAC system, the temperature in all the rooms will typically be controlled by one main thermostat.
Mini-split System
While there are a couple of different mini-split systems available on the market, one of the most popular is the ductless mini-split. A ductless mini-split system is a heat pump that provides both heating and cooling for your home. Unlike with a traditional HVAC system, a mini-split system is comprised of many different smaller units placed in each of the main rooms throughout your home.
Each unit can be controlled independently from the rest, making it easier to achieve optimal comfort in each area of your home. Unlike with the ducted HVAC system, the ductless mini-split system pulls air in at each mini-split unit, treats it, and disperses that air back into the same room. A ductless mini-split system works to both heat and cool your home with one simple system.
How Are They Powered?
With a traditional HVAC system, you’ll have one or two fuel sources. For the centralized air conditioning part, electricity is your main source of power. For your heating component, you can use a variety of fuels. These include electricity, propane, heating oil, or even natural gas. When you opt for a ductless mini-split heat pump system, it’s only powered by electricity.
Efficiency
Efficiency can make a big difference in your overall energy bills throughout the year. The more efficient your heating and cooling systems operate, the more money you’ll save. One of the biggest struggles with traditional ducted HVAC systems is that they always lose some of their air via gaps and leaks in their ducting.
In fact, the Department of Energy has estimated that homeowners can lose up to 30% of their treated air through leaks in their ducting. With a ductless mini-split system, you never have to worry about losing your treated air as it will be coming directly out of your unit and into the room. Furthermore, heat pumps can be more efficient in the wintertime months in mild climates because they’re only using energy to transport heat instead of create it. With traditional fuel-burning furnaces, you’re going to lose some energy in the combustion process.
Comfortability
The whole reason that you’re investing in an HVAC system is to help make your home environment more comfortable for your family. With a traditional HVAC system, you have one thermostat to control the temperature throughout your entire home. This can leave you with some rooms being hotter or colder than your desired temperature because of air leaks. You and your family may find it difficult to be comfortable in every room when you can only set one main temperature on your thermostat.
One of the biggest benefits of a ductless mini-split system is that each unit is individually controlled. This means that you could set the temperature in your kitchen to be different than the temperature in your bedroom or living room. When you’re able to set different temperature zones, you can create a more comfortable environment no matter what room you’re in.
Installation
Installing a ducted HVAC system is going to be more labor-intensive than installing a ductless mini-split system. This is simply due to the ducting component. It’s important to keep in mind that while ducting can be installed more effortlessly in a newly constructed home it can be invasive to install it in an existing home because existing building materials like drywall will have to be removed in order to get the ducting behind your walls and floors.
Installing a ductless mini-split system is much easier to do so in an existing home than with a traditional ducted HVAC system. With a ductless system, there’s only a small hole that needs to be drilled in the exterior wall of each room that gets a unit. The conduit is run through the small hole and connects each unit to the main outdoor condenser unit. This makes for a simple installation process that is non-invasive to your home.
Aesthetics
With a traditional HVAC system, your furnace or heating system will likely be hidden in the basement or in a closet. Your AC system will have a condenser unit that is located outside of your home. The only visual aspect of your HVAC system inside your home will be the various vents that connect to your ducting.
With a ductless mini-split system, there is a condenser unit that sits outside of your home. How the mini-split units look will highly depend on the specific type that you get. If you opt for the more affordable wall-mounted units, then you can see the box on each wall. They come in a variety of colors to help match the overall aesthetics of your room, but the box is visible.
If you’re looking for a discreet option, there are more expensive ceiling-mounted mini-split units that will simply make it look like you have a vent on the ceiling. Ductless mini-split units are versatile in their design options.
Tax Incentives
The federal government as well as many state and local governments are rewarding homeowners who invest in more energy-efficient products for their homes. Because ductless mini-split systems are so energy efficient, you can typically qualify for a tax rebate or incentive when you purchase one of these systems. You should check with your local HVAC installer to determine what tax incentives are available in your area.
Operational Noise
With a traditional ducted HVAC system, you’ll constantly hear the noise of air being pushed throughout the ducting. Ductless mini-split systems offer a whisper-quiet operation. Not only is there no ducting to worry about, but most of the noise will be created at the outdoor condenser unit.
Reliable HVAC Service
F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling offers reliable HVAC service for the entire Cheshire, CT region. We can also assist with all of your plumbing, energy conservation, roofing, solar, indoor air quality, electrical, fuel oil, and propane needs. Simply give us a call today to schedule your next service appointment.
