When you're planning a renovation or adding more livable space, heating and cooling it can become an issue, especially if it would be difficult or expensive to extend ducts from your current HVAC system. However, ductless mini-splits are excellent ways to condition a space without ducts, since these heat pumps vent air directly into a space. Like a regular air-source heat pump, a mini-split has two main parts: an outdoor compressor/condenser and one or more interior air handlers. A conduit connects these parts.
These heating and cooling appliances are relatively new to the U.S. and they have some inherent advantages for conditioning spaces. They are energy efficient, easy to install and flexible. Ductless mini-splits have to meet the same SEER and HSPF ratings that central heat pumps do. These acronyms stand for seasonal energy efficiency ratio and heating season performance factor. The minimums currently stand at 13 and 7.7, respectively. Mini-splits also pick up efficiency by venting directly into a space, saving up to 30 percent of the energy losses that can occur through leaky ducts.
Since there aren't any ducts, the installation is simple. The technician drills a small hole through the wall to connect the conduit to the compressor and air handler. The conduit delivers the refrigerant, power, drainpipe and vacuum line. The refrigerant is installed at the factory, eliminating this step in the field. Smaller mini-splits can be plugged directly into a 110-volt outlet.
The air handler can sit on the floor or hang from a wall or the ceiling. As long as there are no obstructing walls, where it sits in the room can be a matter of preference. Some compressors can handle as many as four separate air handlers, each with its own built-in thermostat. The air handlers for ductless mini-splits can be added on an as-needed basis, lowering the initial cost for installing this kind of an HVAC system.
If you would like to learn more about the mini-split system and their advantages, contact Hartman Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning. We've been providing HVAC services to homeowners in the Fort Wayne area since 1963.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about ductless mini-splits and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Hartman Brothers services New Haven, IN and the surrounding Fort Wayne area. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!
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