A ductless mini split with heat pump is an amazing way to get not just AC but also heating! This system is extremely efficient and works even at surprisingly low temperatures. However, it’s not as familiar to many people as central heat and air conditioning, so before you have this type of system installed, you’ve probably got some questions. We can tell you all about ductless systems, how they heat, and what the installation process is like.
What should you expect during a ductless heat pump installation?
- Wall-mounted indoor units are positioned in each room or zone for targeted comfort.
- A small 3-inch hole is drilled to connect the indoor and outdoor units.
- Refrigerant lines, power cables, and a condensate drain are run through this opening.
- The outdoor unit is placed near the home’s exterior.
- Installation usually takes one to two days depending on system size.
- Most homes don’t need major construction or ductwork modifications.
What Are Ductless Systems?
When you think of a traditional central air system, you know that all the cold air is created in one place, at the central unit. This means it must be conducted throughout the home somehow, so that rooms distant from that unit won’t stay hot. This is what the ducts are for. A ductless system is sometimes called a mini split, because instead of going to a central unit, the refrigerant lines split and go to separate air handlers.
At each air handler, the air is cooled (or heated, in the case of a heat pump) directly before flowing out into the room. There’s no opportunity for thermal loss or leaky ducts to affect it, which boosts efficiency. And each air handler has its own thermostat! You can have precise control over temperature in different parts of your home, limiting your energy use to only what you actually need, especially when applying practical heating tips for ductless systems.
How Heat Pumps Work in Ductless Systems
Another reason that a ductless heat pump system is extremely efficient is that while traditional heating systems use a great deal of energy to create heat, the heat pump does not. Why? Well, it doesn’t have to create heat at all! It simply moves it around. It’s essentially a reversible air conditioner and can be switched from carrying heat out of the home to carrying it in. If you’re transitioning between seasons, it’s important to know how to make the switch to cooling.
How does this work when it’s chilly outside? Well, the way a heat pump absorbs heat is by temperature differential, not specific temperature. As long as the air outside is a little bit warmer than the refrigerant—which is extremely cold—that difference can be applied to the air inside your home, raising the temperature.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Ductless System
Perhaps you have an old home without ducts, or you have ductwork that is old and damaged that you no longer want to repair or replace. Maybe you’re building an addition onto your home, or building a new home entirely. Ductless systems are perfect for all these situations and more! And while there is a good bit of work involved in the installation, it’s much simpler than installing or replacing ducts. Plus, these systems are often paired with high-efficiency air conditioning systems that further reduce energy consumption while delivering reliable comfort.
For a modest-sized home, all the air handlers may be installed in a single day. For a large home that needs many air handlers, a second day may be required. For each air handler, a three-inch hole must be drilled into the wall for the conduit, which contains refrigerant, drainage, and electrical lines. The frame of the handler must also be mounted on the wall.
After a day or two of work on your ductless heating installation on Long Beach Island, NJ, you’ll be comfortable—and efficient!—all year long.
You’re More Comfortable With Atlantic Air Systems. Schedule your appointment with us today.