Ductless mini-split systems offer a perfect way of maintaining constant indoor temperatures in Ocean City, MD, regardless of the weather outside. You can rely on them to keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter. This guide will explain exactly what these systems are, how they work, and the benefits you can expect if you install one.
What Is a Ductless Mini-Split System?
Generally, ductless mini-split systems consist of an outdoor and an indoor system connected by electrical wiring and refrigerant tubing. The indoor unit delivers cooled or heated air directly to your home with no ductwork needed. Commonly known as a single-zone system, it can only maintain warm or cool temperatures in one specific area.
The system circulates air through supply and return ducts connected to your indoor unit. The supply ducts deliver conditioned air to each room, and the air flows back to the indoor unit through the return ducts.
A ductless mini-split system is one of the most versatile and easiest systems to mount. This is because you only need to drill a hole in the wall for the electrical wiring and refrigerant line.
How Does a Ductless Mini-Split System Function?
Ductless mini-splits work straightforwardly. Firstly, the system takes air from your room via the air handling unit. Technicians often mount this unit on the wall inside a workplace or residence.
The air then flows to the condenser outside through a series of pipes and makes contact with coolant coils. At this point, the hot and humid air transfers its energy to the coils, turning the coolant inside into gas.
While still at the condenser, the gas then flows to the unit’s compressor section, where it recycles back into a liquid. The cooled air then passes through the air handler and back into the room.
Benefits of Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Ductless mini-split systems are the best options for additions and renovations in homes that don’t have existing ductwork. They also work efficiently in larger houses that only need to regulate the temperatures of specific rooms at a time. You can practically install one in each room since they’re independently controlled.
Controlling a ductless HVAC system is also easy since most of them come with remote controls that you can use to set and change the temperature in each room. You can connect eight air handler units to a single outdoor condensing unit, offering a viable solution for larger spaces.
There are plenty of other benefits to installing mini-split systems. They include:
- Customization options
- Longer lifespan
- Energy efficiency
- Easy installation
- Flexibility and convenience
Although installing mini-split systems comes with many benefits, they aren’t the right option for every home. For instance, if you live in a one-floor house with existing ductwork, you’ll possibly be better off exploring more traditional HVAC options.
How to Decide What Size You Need
Deciding on the perfect system size for your comfort needs is easier than you think. Simply calculate your room’s square footage, not forgetting to include additional areas like closets. You can then use a sizing chart to determine the BTUs needed for your space.
You should address your home’s insulation situation as well. If your home is poorly insulated, you’ll need a more extensive system. Just make sure that your home’s insulation is up to standard before proceeding.
Disadvantages of Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Just like any other home HVAC system, ductless mini-split systems have their downsides. They have a higher upfront cost than other systems. You’ll also need an expert to install the system. Failure to do so might lead to a system breakdown.
At Griffith Energy Services, we have well-trained technicians with the experience to provide reliable heating and cooling services. With over a century of serving Ocean City residents, we’re the experts for heat pumps, furnaces and boilers. Contact Griffith Energy Services today for world-class ductless mini-split services.
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