Ductless Installation In Chico, CA

Ductless ‘Mini-Split’ Systems have been getting a lot of market hype. As the name suggests, they require no venting or ducts; instead, they feature one outdoor unit and one or more indoor units connected via refrigerant lines. They are an excellent solution for installing a heating and cooling system in homes with no ductwork, spaces where ductwork would be exposed to the elements like garages and attics, and additional rooms or outbuildings. Today we look at whether or not they are everything they are cracked up to be so you can make an informed decision about installing them on your property.

The Pros of a Ductless System

With ductless installations, you only need to drill a small hole for connecting the outdoor and indoor units. This makes them less vulnerable to security and air leakage problems. You’re likely to lose 25-30% of your energy to ductwork. Therefore, by installing a ductless system, you’ll be saving a lot of energy in the long run. These systems are also exceedingly energy-efficient, with SEER ratings in the 20-25 range with some pushing to 30 SEER. Mini-splits can be zoned. They come with as many as four indoor units that users can fit in different rooms. Each unit has its thermostat, allowing you to only heat/cool occupied spaces, thus saving you energy and money. Another great benefit is they offer more flexibility as the indoor units can be hung on a wall, placed on the floor, suspended from a ceiling, or installed flush with the ceiling.

Cons

The upfront cost of a ductless installation can be expensive, about 30% more than their traditional counterparts. You’ll see lower energy bills, but it will be a while before it can pay itself off. The payback period will also depend on your usage, local electricity rates, climate, etc. Mini-splits also require regular maintenance. You must clean the filters monthly; otherwise, you’ll spend hundreds of dollars on repairs and possibly shorten the lifespan of your appliance. Lastly, installation calculations are crucial to getting the many benefits of a ductless system. Oversized or incorrectly installed air handlers can result in short cycling, which causes energy loss and prevents the unit from controlling temperature and humidity properly.

Conclusion

It’s clear that the benefits of mini-splits far outweigh the disadvantages. Ultimately, ductless installation is a good investment as it offers numerous potential applications in residential and commercial properties.