- Who would use a ductless split heat pump?
These systems were developed to bring heating and cooling into spaces that do not use a forced air system. So for homes that have a hydronic heating system (hot water heat either in-floor or radiators) and want to add air conditioning and supplemental heat, or for additions or spaces that are not ducted.
Ductless split systems allow you to heat or cool any space, as long as you have adequate power available, and a place to install the outdoor condenser.
- How do ductless split systems work?
A ductless system consists of 2 parts, the outdoor compressor/condenser and the indoor evaporator/blower combination unit or indoor unit. The 2 units are connected via refrigerant lines that cool the air in air conditioning mode, or heat the air in heating mode (for heatpumps only). In the AC (air conditioning) mode if the thermostat calls for cooling the compressor sends the refrigerant to the condenser as a hot and high pressure gas. In the condenser it cools and turns into a liquid and it then travels to the evaporator / blower unit inside the home. As the liquid travels through the evaporator, the blower is operating and blowing the room air over the evaporator coil which in turn is cooling the air. The refrigerant goes back into the compressor as a liquid and is then converted back into a hot, high pressure gas and starts the cycle again.
In the heating mode, the heat pump extracts heat from the outside air and sends it into the evaporator/blower unit via the refrigerant lines. Even at relatively cold temperatures the heat pump can still extract heat from the outside air. However when the temperature drops below the capability of the heat pump to provide heat, you would have to run your primary heat source such as your boiler or base board heaters.
- What are the advantages of ductless split systems?
The primary advantage of this type of system is their small size and zoning flexibility. While some units are single zone (have only one indoor unit) there are systems that can have up to 4 indoor units, all operating on their own thermostats. This can save energy and money as you only condition the spaces when they are being used.
Another advantage is their ease of installation, and the various styles of indoor units they can be fit to suit any décor and be quite unobtrusive. Also, since they have no ducts, they avoid energy losses associated with ducted systems. Duct losses can account for as much as 30% of energy consumption (according to the U.S. Department of Energy) especially when you run ductwork through unconditioned space, such as attics and crawl spaces.
- What should I look for when shopping for a ductless split system?
When shopping for a ductless split system you should look for a manufacturer whose product suits your installation requirements. You should make sure you like the design of the indoor unit and that it fits into your décor. Do you want it to “go away” and blend into your surroundings, or do you want a high tech unit mounted on your wall? Do you want a single zone or a multi-zone? Do you want it to have a remote control?
Also, what can make or break a system is the installing contractor; does the contractor have a lot of experience installing ductless split systems? Does the contractor have a service department that will back up the installation? Will the contractor size the system properly for your application? These are important questions to consider when shopping for a ductless split system, and your Comfort Plus home comfort consultant will size the system, walk you through the design choices, and insure you get the best system to fit your budget, and keep your home comfortable for years to come.
