If you’re in the market for a new heating or cooling system, then you’ve likely heard about ductless mini-split systems. They are becoming a very popular choice for homeowners due to their ability to provide both heating and cooling for their homes. This article will discuss how these systems operate and whether or not they use a lot of electricity so that you can make a better-informed decision about whether a ductless mini-split system is right for you.
What’s a Ductless Mini-Split System?
A ductless mini-split is a type of heat pump system that provides both heating and cooling for your home throughout the year. Unlike traditional forced-air systems, they do not rely on ductwork. Each indoor air handler is connected to an outdoor compressor by a conduit. During installation, your technician only needs to drill a small hole in the exterior wall of each room you want to heat or cool to connect the system’s two components.
In cooling mode, the outdoor compressor absorbs heat from the air inside your home and expels it outside. During the winter months, the process reverses: the compressor extracts heat from the outdoor air (even in colder temperatures) and transfers it indoors. The refrigerant circulating through the system moves this heat to the indoor air handler units. Each air handler can be controlled independently, allowing you to set different temperatures for your home’s living spaces.
Relying Solely on Electricity
One important factor to realize about ductless mini-split systems is that they rely solely on electricity to function. They don’t burn fuel to create heat during the winter months. This could have you wondering whether or not purchasing a ductless mini-split system will drive up your energy bill significantly throughout the year.
To properly answer this question, it’s important to first understand how energy-efficient these systems are. Ductless mini-split systems are the most energy-efficient heating and cooling systems that you will find today. Their efficiency is due to the way they operate, especially during the winter months.
No Air Loss
Experts suggest that homeowners who rely on installing traditional heating systems and central ACs that use ductwork spend an extra 25 to 30% on their annual heating and cooling bills because of leaks in that ductwork. Over time, forced air systems develop gaps at joints due to the expansion and contraction of the metal ducts. Because ductless mini-split systems don’t rely on ductwork, there is no conditioned air loss. This means that you’re already saving an extra 25 to 30% by switching to a ductless HVAC system.
Zone System Capabilities
Another reason that ductless mini-split systems are so efficient is that they allow you to have zone temperature control throughout your home. This means that you could set your living room at a temperature different from your office and your bedroom. This can allow you to be more efficient with your energy usage while being more comfortable throughout your home. You can turn units in unoccupied spaces to a more economical setting so that you’re not wasting energy heating or cooling those areas when it isn’t necessary.
Variable-Speed Compressors
Another factor that makes ductless mini-split systems so energy efficient is that they have specialized inverter technology that uses a variable-speed compressor. This means that your system can run at different capacity levels depending on your specific needs. This is very different than traditional HVAC systems that run at either full capacity or are off. Those systems waste a lot of energy that isn’t necessary when you don’t need a large blast of hot or cold air.
Super Efficient Heating
One of the more concerning issues with a lot of home heating systems is that using fossil fuels to produce heat can be inefficient. Even a high-efficiency natural gas furnace will only operate at around 94 to 97% efficiency. A ductless mini-split system can reach efficiency levels between 300 and 400% during the wintertime.
This simply comes down to the fact that mini-splits do not burn fuel. They transfer heat from one place to another instead. You will see the most significant savings in winter when you invest in a ductless mini-split system for your home.
Expert Ductless Mini-Split Installation Service
Putnam Mechanical offers expert ductless mini-split installation service to the Mooresville, NC area. We can also assist with all your heating and air conditioning replacement, repair, and maintenance needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced technicians.
