Is a Ductless Mini Split System Right for Me?

Forced air heating and cooling systems remain the most popular types of systems in the residential market today. The fact of the matter is, though, that our winter weather is fairly mild. Winter temperatures around here don’t drop below freezing with great regularity, and even the chilliest nights are not going to see subzero temperatures. With that in mind, forgoing the classic forced air heater — the furnace — may be an option to consider.

If you are interested in alternative HVAC systems that are a great fit for our particular climate, then you should definitely consider using a ductless mini split system in Las Vegas, NV. Not only does the way in which a ductless mini split system heat fit our location well, but it can actually double as a powerful air conditioner while eliminating issues associated with ductwork. It may sound a bit confusing, but we’re happy to help you better understand how a ductless system can benefit you.

First Things First: Heating and Cooling?

That’s right! You may have heard of a heat pump by now, as they are increasingly common and frequently used in warmer climates like ours. Heat pumps do not generate heat in order to warm homes, but instead use a refrigerant cycle in order to draw heat out of the air outside by evaporating refrigerant in the outdoor unit. The refrigerant is compressed and its heat is used to heat indoors as it is condensed. This is the opposite of how a central AC works. The system can reverse its refrigerant cycle, though, meaning that it can use that cycle to offer both heating and cooling. A ductless mini split is a heat pump, but does not use a central indoor unit or air ducts.

So How Does It Work without Ducts?

A ductless system utilizes an outdoor unit, along with individual indoor blower units. Typically, an outdoor unit will support up to 4 indoor units. These units are generally wall-mounted, and heat/cool the rooms in which they are installed directly. The indoor and outdoor units are connected via a simple conduit that contains power, refrigerant, and any necessary drainage lines.

But Why Eliminate Ductwork?

There are a few benefits that you’ll enjoy by eliminating ductwork. First of all, it makes installing the system in existing homes far more convenient and straightforward. Another benefit is that you don’t have to worry about ducts leaking, and this is a big one. When air ducts leak, and they often do, homeowners generally aren’t aware of it. At least, not for some time. That can lead to serious energy loss and high energy costs.

Plus, you don’t just have to worry about air leaking out of air ducts. It is also possible for pollutants to make their way into the system. When that happens, the air ducts can then spread those pollutants throughout the entire house. This can drag down indoor air quality, leading to aggravated allergy and asthma symptoms.

Finally, there is the fact that choosing to use a ductless system can actually just help everyone in your home to live more comfortably. Zone control is an inherent feature of the ductless mini split, as each blower is controlled independently of the other. That means that you can maintain different temperatures in different areas of the house, helping to reduce arguments about temperature settings.

Contact Goettl Air Conditioning to schedule your ductless mini split services.