A couple of months ago, the HVAC unit in my home started malfunctioning. The temperature inside my home soared to over eighty degrees Fahrenheit, even though my air conditioning system ran nonstop. After inspecting my air conditioning unit, my knowledgeable HVAC contractor recommended I purchase a new system. He discussed the pros and cons of installing different sizes of HVAC units with me. After considering my HVAC contractor’s advice, I decided to purchase a three and a half ton HVAC unit. Shortly after my HVAC contractor installed my new air conditioning unit, my house started feeling more comfortable. On this blog, I hope you will discover how an HVAC contractor can help you select the right air conditioning unit for your home. Enjoy!
If you're like most people, the homes you have lived in probably had a system of air ducts positioned within the walls. In the winter, the warm air traveled through these ducts, and during the summer, the cold, air conditioned air traveled through them. While this traditional style of forced air heating has been the standard for decades, there is now a newer, more innovative option to consider if you are building a home: ductless heating and cooling systems. Read on to learn more about these energy-efficient, space-saving HVAC systems.
If there are no ducts, how is the hot or cold air circulated through the home?
Whereas duct-based heating and cooling systems typically have the heating and cooling units in the basement, ductless systems have their heat pumps placed outdoors. The air is warmed (or cooled) in this outdoor unit, and then pushed through the wall via air transfer units. There are several air transfer units throughout the home. They are usually mounted on the walls. Usually, each one has its own outdoor heat pump associated with it, so there does not need to be a complex network of ducts carrying the heater (or cooled) air from the heat pump to the air transfer unit.
How does the heat pump both heat and cool the air?
That's another beautiful thing about this style of system. You don't need a heater and an air conditioner. The heat pumps do both! In the summer, the heat pump "moves" heat from the inside of your home to the outside. In the winter, it "moves" heat from the outside of your home to the inside. It does so by passing the air over coils that contain a pressurized refrigerant that absorbs or releases heat, depending on the setting.
What are the advantages of a ductless heating and cooling system?
One of the biggest advantages of this style of system is that they are very energy-efficient. No heat is lost as the air travels through ducts. They also require less energy to operate because they do not burn fuel during the heating season -- the heat is captured from the air outside rather than being generated by combustion. There are also "green energy" tax credits available to some homeowners who choose ductless heating and cooling systems. A local HVAC technician can tell you more about the specific credits available in your area.
This style of system also gives you more control over the temperatures throughout your home. Each air transfer unit has its own associated thermostat. You could set one to 65 degrees and another one to 70 degrees if you prefer. No longer do you need to heat up the whole home just to warm up one room.
Ductless heating and cooling systems also save you space. When designing a new home, your architect does not need to leave space within the walls for air ducts. Thus, the space occupied by your actual rooms can be larger. You have more flexibility in terms of floor plans, too.
What are the disadvantages of ductless heating and cooling systems?
The initial cost of having this type of heating system installed can be higher than with a typical forced air, duct-based system. However, this excess cost is mitigated over time with energy savings. Also, it can be difficult in some areas to find contractors who are used to working with ductless systems, since they are a rather new innovation. If you are working with a builder or architect to design your new home, they may be able to put you in touch with someone who specializes in this type of system. However, you won't have the broad choice of contractors you would have if you went with a standard, duct-based system.
If you want to save energy and have greater control over zoned temperatures in your home, then a ductless heating and cooling system is a great choice for you. To learn more, consider websites like http://mikesbremenserviceinc.com.
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