What Are the Pros and Cons of Ductless Mini-Splits?

You need a new HVAC system. The typical option is an AC or furnace, but that's not right for every home. Maybe you'd be better suited to a ductless mini-split. Here are some of the pros and cons of ductless mini-splits for home comfort.

Pros

The main advantage to mini-splits is their efficiency. They run on electricity, which allows the most efficient models to have SEER ratings up to 30. The most efficient AC, on the other hand, has a SEER rating of around 25.

That efficiency is compounded by the fact that mini-splits don't lose energy through ductwork. Holes and other damage to your ducts can cause energy loss in your home averaging 30%. Ductless systems don't have that problem, and they deliver all the air directly to you with no loss.

Finally, mini-splits provide zone control. While smaller systems are designed for a single room, larger ones include multiple units, which can be placed in rooms around the house. Each unit has its own thermostat and can be adjusted according to that room's needs — and the occupants' preferences — without disturbing the rest of the house.

Cons

While it's true mini-splits are efficient, they're also expensive. They cost much more to purchase and install than traditional HVAC units. You can make that money back over time through energy savings, but it's definitely a long-term investment, and not everyone can afford that initial cost.

Another problem is IAQ. Ductless mini-split air filters aren't as efficient as regular furnace and AC filters, and they won't eliminate as many contaminants. If you have allergy or asthma sufferers in your home, it might be a good idea to supplement your mini-split with an air purifier.

Ductless mini-splits aren't suited to every home. In the right situation, however, they can be a real asset in terms of comfort, savings, and other advantages. Talk to your HVAC contractor to see if a mini-split is the right option for your needs.

To learn more about ductless mini-splits and other heating and cooling options, contact us at Air Assurance. We serve all of Broken Arrow's home-comfort needs.

Ductless Systems are Perfect for Home Additions

When adding a new addition to your home, one of the most important considerations is how to most efficiently heat and cool this new space. In this situation, a ductless system can play a superior role. Here is how.

What is a Ductless System?

Ductless heating and cooling systems, sometimes called mini-split systems, consist of an outdoor condenser and an indoor unit containing the evaporator and air handler. A refrigerant line and cables connect the two units through a hole in an exterior wall.Ductless systems operate similarly to central air. The biggest difference is that there is no need for ductwork. Refrigerant travels from the compressor to the indoor unit, which is usually mounted on an exterior wall. In the cooling mode, as air circulates through the indoor unit it moves over the evaporator coils and loses heat. The cooled air is then blown directly into the room.

Why it's Perfect for Additions

When you add a new space to your home, the heating and cooling load automatically changes. This means that the current HVAC system will lose efficiency if you simply extend ductwork to the new space. Buying a brand new, larger HVAC system just because you have added new area to your home can be very costly. A mini-split system is a more efficient and a less expensive option, especially if you account for the extra ductwork you would otherwise need, the heating and cooling load calculations that would need to be performed and the price of installing a new whole-home system.A mini-split system is also easy to install and easily customized to meet the requirements of new additions. Each comes with its own thermostat so you can adjust the heating or cooling according to the particular needs of the new space. In addition, each outdoor unit of a mini-split can support several indoor air handlers. If you add more rooms later on, you don’t have to purchase full mini-split systems each time.

For more about getting a ductless system for your Broken Arrow home, please contact us at Air Assurance.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “DoublePHOTO studio/Shutterstock”

Consider Installing Ductless Mini Splits in Your Home

A central HVAC system is the most common way to keep a home comfortable year-round, but it’s not always feasible, especially in older homes without pre-existing ductwork. A ductless mini split system could be a solution to this problem, offering unparalleled flexibility and efficiency.

How Ductless Systems Keep Your Home Warm

A ductless mini split system uses the same technology that makes it possible for central HVAC systems to provide reliable warmth to your living spaces. Ductless heat pumps pull latent heat from outdoor air and transfer that heat into your home.Ductless heat pumps can also be paired with radiant panels, hydronic and other supplemental heating systems for those periods when temperatures drop below freezing.

Reasons to Consider Installing One

Ductless systems are ideal in cases where installing a duct system for a central HVAC system would either be cost prohibitive or simply impossible. Older homes and small apartments can definitely benefit from having a ductless system installed, since there’s no ductwork needed.

Ductless systems also offer better security than window-mounted air conditioner units. Instead of having an A/C unit occupy an entire window, a ductless air handler only needs a small hole for its plumbing to pass through. This removes a rather common entry point for burglars.Last but not least, most ductless heating and cooling systems are easier and less expensive to install than a traditional central HVAC system. Ductless systems also use less energy, translating into big savings for homeowners.

To learn more about installing a ductless system in your home, contact Air Assurance. We've served the Broken Arrow area for 30 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Gladskikh Tatiana/Shutterstock”

Tips for Tackling Your Ductless Maintenance

Ductless systems are attractive to homeowners for many reasons. Some may appreciate the versatile installation options when no other option seemed practical. Zoned point-of-use operation and high efficiency components are certainly favorites when energy bills arrive. Low-profile components won't disturb those who enjoy peace and quiet. Whichever aspect of your ductless system you enjoy most, make the most of your system with regular ductless maintenance.

Tackling Ductless Maintenance

Like their larger central system cousins, ductless systems use the same components to provide efficient cooling and heating. They're just packaged differently -- more compact and accessible than central units. Stay on top of the following maintenance tips and enjoy better comfort and lower energy bills this summer:

• Air filtration - It's important to keep the air filtration parts clean. The filters capture dust, germs and other contaminants to enhance indoor air quality and protect the evaporator coil and fan motor. Wash the filters by hand and let them air dry before you re-install them.

• Coil cleaning - The evaporator coil is where heat exchange takes place. To access the coil, remove the air handling cabinet. Inspect the coil for mold development and dirt. Use a disinfectant foaming coil cleaner to clean the coil. Follow instructions thoroughly, as some foam sprays will drip away on their own and others you'll need to use a soft cloth to remove.

• Drainage - The condensate pan is where condensation collects and is drained from your unit. Check the pan for signs of mold and algae. If you see any, pour a cup of 50/50 bleach and water solution into the pan.

• Compressor/condenser unit - The unit located outside the home contains the compressor and condenser coil. These components need to be rinsed off each month you use your ductless system. A dirty condenser coil degrades cooling and heating efficiency, and a dirty compressor can overheat. Make sure the power is turned off for safety when you spray the unit with a garden hose.

For more information about ductless maintenance in your Broken Arrow home, please contact the experts at Air Assurance for the answers.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “concept w/Shutterstock”

Why Would You Want Ductless Mini Splits?

If you are considering adding more air conditioning to your home or cooling rooms not currently part of the duct network, it may be more difficult and expensive than you realize. You could opt for a less costly window unit, but they can be noisy and unattractive. If you're looking for a way to add cooling to a space without installing ducts or settling for less, ductless mini splits offer a versatile, middle-of-the-road option with more than a few benefits.

• Ductless – Unlike a central air unit, mini splits do not hook into a duct system. This makes them an optimal choice for add-ons or areas that do not have ductwork.

• Quiet – Window air conditioners tend to be noisy. A ductless mini split has two separate parts, with the noisiest piece, the condenser, sitting outside the structure. This allows for quieter operation than you get with a traditional window unit.

• Energy efficiency – Leaky ductwork can lose as much as 20 percent of conditioned air, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Ductless mini splits do not work with ducts, so there is no wasted energy as air passes into your living spaces.

• Security – With a window unit, you are opening a space that might give intruders easy access to your home. Ductless mini splits require just a small hole to run tubing through. The tube connects the outside condensing unit to the indoor air handler.

• Zoning – As many as four air handlers can run off of one outdoor unit, and since each air handler has its own thermostat, ductless mini splits allow you to condition specific areas or zones. Why spend the money to cool a space no one is using?

Easy installation, security, quiet operation, efficiency and no need for ductwork -- all these features add up to savings and convenience for homeowners. Contact us for more information on purchasing and installing ductless mini splits. Air Assurance has more than 30 years of experience serving residents of the Tulsa and Broken Arrow areas.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our websiteto see our current promotionsand get started today!     

Ductless Mini Splits -- Simple Installation And Maintenance

Ductless mini splits are an ideal solution for homeowners who need a low-cost way to add heating and cooling to their home, without the added expense that extending or retrofitting ductwork requires. In addition, homeowners benefit from a simple installation process and low-maintenance system.How it worksA ductless mini split is generally comprised of one outdoor unit, which houses the condenser, and at least one indoor air handler, but you can choose to install up to four air handlers. The outdoor and indoor units are connected by a central conduit, which includes the power supply, refrigerant tube and condensate drain.InstallationInstalling the system is relatively easy. To connect the indoor air handler to the outdoor unit, your HVAC contractor will only need to drill a small hole in the room where the air handler is installed. Additionally, the air handler can be mounted in a variety of locations, including on a wall or ceiling, or you can choose a standing floor model. While installation is a simple process, it’s also flexible, because the indoor and outdoor units can be installed as far as 50 feet away from each other.MaintenanceSince ductless mini splits are simply individual heat pumps, their maintenance schedule is similar to what an expert HVAC contractor would do for standard heat pumps. Keeping your system well maintained through annual service checks will help it to operate efficiently and provide optimal comfort.An HVAC technician will perform the following tasks during maintenance:

• Conduct a comprehensive inspection of the system for proper operation

• Check the refrigerant charge

• Clear out the condensate drain

• Test the electrical controls

• Inspect the air handler for proper airflow

• Clean the entire system, including the indoor and outdoor coils

In addition to these tasks, your contractor will give special consideration to the conduit line that runs between the outdoor and indoor units to maintain the integrity of the refrigerant, power and drains.Want to take advantage of the benefits that ductless mini splits offer? Talk to the experts at Air Assurance Heating, Cooling & Air Quality to find out if this unique heating and cooling solution will work for you. We serve residents of the greater Broken Arrow area.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our websiteto see our current promotionsand get started today!     

The Ductless Mini Split: A Heating And Cooling Solution That's Mini In Name Only

The ductless mini-split system is a good option for homeowners looking to add heating and cooling capabilities to a new or remodeled space. With the power of an efficient heat pump behind the mini split, this system offers a multitude of benefits.A low-cost optionA ductless mini-split system provides heating and cooling solutions where implementing traditional systems would be cost prohibitive. Retrofitting ductwork is often an expensive undertaking, requiring that tricky modifications be made to your existing system so that heating and cooling capabilities can be extended beyond the original system’s design. But because the mini split doesn’t require ducts, it can be installed in almost any existing, new or remodeled room. The mini split can also be used to add air conditioning to just a few rooms, particularly useful in scenarios where adding central air isn’t cost feasible.FlexibilityA ductless mini-split heat pump is somewhat like a central air system. It has a single outdoor compressor and up to four indoor units, which are connected via a central conduit. In that way, you can add heating and cooling to four separate spaces of your choosing.SavingsEach indoor unit is operated individually; therefore, you can operate each unit as needed, and shut them off when those rooms aren’t in use. Whereas a central A/C unit would deliver air throughout the home, you can selectively use a ductless mini-split to cool a closed-in porch space, only when you use it.InstallationInstalling a ductless mini split is fairly easy, although an expert HVAC contractor should do the job. It will involve minimal modifications to your home. All that’s required is a small hole to guide the conduit from each indoor air handler to the outdoor system, which can be located up to 50 feet from the compressor.Get the comfort you deserve with a two-in-one system that fits the unique requirements of your home. If you have questions about the ductless mini split and you’d like to talk to a professional, contact Air Assurance Heating, Cooling & Air Quality -- serving homeowners in the Greater Broken Arrow area for more than 30 years.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our websiteto see our current promotionsand get started today!     Solution image via Shutterstock

Ductless Mini-Split System: A Unique Solution For Your Not-So-Usual Situation

Ductless mini-splits offer ideal solutions for unique situations. There are times when extending the ductwork of your current air system just won't be a viable solution. Whether you have a new space that needs cooling or an existing room just isn't getting enough air, mini-split systems can provide the comfort you need.Ductless mini-splits are composed of a single outdoor compressor that attaches to up to four indoor air handlers via various conduits. The conditioned air that is generated in the compressor gets sent through the conduit to one of the air handlers inside. Since the air isn't traveling through any ductwork, no air leaks out, making them quite efficient.They also provide more control over how you set temperatures throughout your house. Since each space with its own air handler is set independently, different rooms can be set differently. You can change the temperature in one room without having to worry about disturbing someone else.This also allows for easier energy conservation. When leaving a room that has a handler, simply shut off the whole system. This lets you avoid having to pay to cool an empty space. There are many systems that come with a remote control so that turning it on and off can be as easy as flicking a light switch.Air handlers can be configured in a number of ways. They can be placed on the floor or hung from the ceiling or walls. And because the compressor can be placed up to 50 feet away from your home, a single compressor can distribute air to rooms on the opposite ends of your home.Installation is a quick and easy process that only requires a three-inch hole to be drilled in the wall where the conduit passes through to reach the air handler.For more information about ductless mini-splits, contact Air Assurancetoday. We have been providing comfort solutions to residents of the Broken Arrow area for more than 30 years.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our current promotions and get started today!