Ductless mini-splits are an increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking for cost-effective, energy efficient comfort solutions. Although more homeowners are becoming aware of the benefits of ductless HVAC, there’s still a lot of inaccurate information going around about the technology. To help you decide whether mini-splits are the right choice for your home, we’d like to dispel some common ductless technology myths:
Myth: Mini-splits are mainly used for supplemental heating/cooling.
Fact: Ductless systems are ideal options if you need supplemental HVAC in specific rooms or areas of your home, but when they’re properly sized and installed, they can provide heating and cooling for the entire house.
Myth: Because they’re ductless, you can install mini-splits anywhere.
Fact: As the name implies, this kind of technology doesn’t need ductwork for air distribution. However, the location of each unit is a key consideration, because poor placement can affect its energy consumption and ability to deliver ample heated or cooled air.
Myth: Ductless units require extra maintenance compared to central HVAC.
Fact: The advanced technology used in ductless systems has some homeowners believing they must need more maintenance. In fact, mini-splits only require semi-annual professional maintenance, just like traditional central split-systems.
Myth: Ductless units can only be installed in existing/new homes.
Fact: The space-saving, efficiency and expandability of ductless systems make them ideally suited for both retrofit installations and new construction.
Myth: Going ductless eliminates energy losses.
Fact: It’s true that installing mini-splits can allow you to save energy by avoiding conditioned air losses through ductwork leaks. To effectively curb energy losses in your home, though, you still need to take efficiency-wise steps like insulating and weatherizing.
Myth: Mini-splits can’t be ducted.
Fact: Although it seems contradictory, ductless units can be adapted to function efficiently with ductwork. In new construction, ductwork can be specifically designed to match the equipment. For a retrofit, it’s often possible to modify a home’s existing duct system.
If you’ve heard other ductless technology myths, contact us today at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning to get the facts and learn whether it’s the ideal comfort solution for your Lorain-area home.
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 other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area