Why Ductless Systems are Perfect for Home Additions

July 28, 2016

Although the ductless system has been around for decades in Japan and Europe, it's now making its inroads into the U.S. because it's a remarkable cooling and heating appliance. It saves space, delivers optimal comfort, uses energy efficiently and has an unobtrusive presence that make it ideal for home additions, retrofits and remodeling. Ductless systems are also called mini-splits and are available as air conditioners and heat pumps that also deliver warmth. These systems have an indoor air handler that distributes the air directly and an outdoor condenser that connect with a flexible conduit to carry the refrigerant, power supply and drain line. Mini-splits work so well in home additions and retrofits because they:
  • Offer optimal energy efficiency. A ductless system must meet the same energy efficiency requirements as a central system. Their lack of ducts to deliver the air increases their efficiency, as well, since there are no air leaks or thermal losses that central ductwork often has. Manufacturers offer upgraded models of mini splits that use state-of-the art components to increase comfort and efficiency.
  • Are easy to install. The manufacturer fills the system with refrigerant, eliminating this time-consuming step on-site. HVAC technicians drill a three inch hole through an exterior wall to connect the conduit to the condenser and air handler. Smaller ductless systems can be plugged into a 120 volt outlet.
  • Provide flexibility. The design aspects of the interior aren't as limited with a mini-split, since the air handler can rest on the floor, the wall, or hang from the ceiling. The conduit and air handler are unobtrusive and there are no supply or return air registers to work around.
  • Allow expansion. A larger mini-split condenser can support up to four air handlers, making it possible to extend the system in the future.
It's no surprise that a ductless system has become the appliance of choice for new additions. To learn more, contact Lozier Heating & Cooling, proudly providing HVAC services for Des Moines area homeowners. Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Des Moines, Iowa area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: "DoublePHOTO studio/Shutterstock"