Ductless systems are ideal for older homes and small spaces that don’t have pre existing ductwork. However, many homeowners don’t realize that there are some big differences between a ductless air conditioner and a ductless heat pump.
Ductless air conditioners, also known as mini-splits, are versatile and extremely efficient. Ductless systems use a main outdoor unit, which can connect to multiple units inside your home using refrigerant lines and cables. They are much easier to install than standard HVAC systems, and they tend to have a higher SEER rating because of the advanced cooling technology they use. They’re also an excellent option for larger homes because they allow you to achieve zoned cooling, which means you only cool the rooms you’re actually using them in. The only downside is they don’t give you the option to heat your home as well, but that’s where ductless heat pumps come in.
Although the name may be misleading, ductless heat pumps allow you to heat and cool your home. They are able to cool your home the same as a ductless AC, but they use the same internal mechanisms to heat your home as well. The units reverse the flow of the refrigerant in order to extract heat from the air outside and disperse it inside your home. Due to the process ductless heat pumps use to heat your home, they can adequately provide heat in temperatures as low as -26°C, but beyond that, they can no longer extract heat from the air outside. The good news is even in homes without ductwork, where ductless system use is common, there is usually an alternate source of heat. Existing heating systems can be utilized as a back up if the temperatures drop too low for the ductless system to operate.
If you find that your standard heating system leaves you feeling cold in certain rooms around your home, a ductless heat pump is likely the solution. They’re perfect for rooms that are above a garage or those with many windows that never seem to stay warm, no matter how much you raise the thermostat. Also, when you consider all the energy your standard unit uses trying to raise the temperature in those hard to heat rooms, you really won’t be spending much more to run two units.
Contact the HVAC specialists at Delta Air Systems to learn more about the benefits of ductless HVAC units or to inquire about installation.
The team at Delta Air Systems Ltd. has been the Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph regions go-to HVAC specialists for over 65 years. Our certified technicians are committed to our clients with cost-effective solutions and high-quality equipment.
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