Cramped for space? A home addition could be the way to go. As you develop your plans, consider carefully how you will condition the new space. Extending ductwork may be an option, although sometimes adding on to an existing ductwork system is more expensive and more complicated than it’s worth. Maybe a ductless system is the answer for your addition.
What is Ductless Technology?
Ductless systems, which have been used extensively in Japan and Europe for many years, are just now becoming better known in the U.S. Also known as ductless mini splits, these systems are heat pumps, but they use indoor air handlers to distribute the air rather than a system of ducts.
Ductless mini splits are composed of two basic components: an outdoor compressor/condenser, and an indoor evaporator and air handler. The two components are connected by a conduit that contains the refrigerant tube, the condensate drain, the power cable and suction tubing.
As with all heat pumps, the ductless system cools by using refrigerant to absorb heat in the home, then exhausts it outdoors. Systems with a heating function absorb heat from the outdoors and send it indoors. Cool or warm air is distributed by one or more air handlers.
Ductless Systems are Versatile
Although ductless systems have a relatively high cost up front, they are real money savers when it comes to efficiency. Systems with ductwork commonly lose as much as 30 percent of conditioned air.
Ductless systems are also relatively simple and inexpensive to install. What’s more, the air handlers are small and offer versatility as to where they can be located. Homeowners have the choice of air handlers that hang from the ceiling, or models that are mounted on the wall or free standing. The compressor is also relatively small and may be located as much as 50 feet away from the home, so that compressor operation noise is diminished.
If you’d like to learn more about why a ductless system might be the best HVAC option for your home addition, contact Energy 1 Heating and Air Conditioning of Lorain.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about ductless systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area