A ductless mini-split system is an HVAC system that uses a network of pipes instead of ductwork to distribute conditioned air throughout a home. A mini-split system is different from other HVAC systems in that it doesn’t use ductwork to distribute conditioned air throughout your home. Instead, it uses pipes called “flex ducts” that are connected to a central cooling unit. A ductless mini-split is an excellent alternative for homes that lack ductwork or cannot accommodate a duct-based HVAC system. It is also commonly used in renovations where ductwork isn’t feasible for the installation. A ductless mini-split system is both cost effective and highly efficient. It is estimated that they can save up to $150 per year in energy costs compared to a forced air system. Additionally, ductless mini-splits can be installed in areas that aren’t accessible to ductwork (such as basements and attics). However, this does require special consideration when designing the system and selecting the components. In addition to the obvious lack of ductwork, there are several other considerations when installing a ductless system:
Determine the size of the system
The size of the ductless system you require will be dependent on a variety of factors. If you’re renovating an older home without ductwork, the system may simply be a mini-split that runs from the main HVAC unit in the attic to a thermostat in the basement. Alternatively, you may choose to install a full-blown ductless system that covers the entire house. The first step in determining the size of your system is to determine the total square footage of the home. Once you have an idea of the amount of space you wish to cool, you can begin to determine the size of the ductless system based on the specific components.
Determine the number of zones
The next step in determining the size of the system is to determine the number ofzones. The number of zones for a ductless system is often referred to as the degree of flexibility of the system. Generally speaking, a ductless system with three zones offers the most flexibility. In this scenario, the main HVAC unit will run based on the zone that has been selected by the thermostat. For example, if you have a three-zone ductless system and select the temperature in the kitchen when you wake up, the HVAC unit will operate on the cooling mode until the temperature in the kitchen reaches a set point. If you then select the temperature in the bedroom when you get ready for work, the HVAC unit will switch to the heating mode until the bedroom reaches that set point. A two-zone ductless system offers less flexibility than a three-zone system. In this scenario, the HVAC system will always operate on the heating mode until the temperature in the selected zone reaches a set point. A one-zone ductless system offers the least amount of flexibility in that the HVAC system will always operate on the heating mode.
Determine the type of HVAC system
Another factor that will impact the selection of the ductless system is the type of HVAC system. The two basic types of ductless HVAC systems are packaged and custom-designed systems. The packaged system is generally less expensive than the custom-designed system, but it does have several drawbacks. First, packaged systems are generally less efficient than custom-designed systems. Second, packaged systems are often only available in certain sizes. This means that if you require a ductless system that is larger than the packaged system, you will have to purchase a custom-designed system that is more expensive overall. The main benefit of a custom-designed system is that it is designed to your specific needs and can be customized to fit your home’s unique space and layout. Additionally, a custom-designed system can be tailored to better suit your needs. For example, if you are in an area that experiences extreme cold or extreme heat, a packaged system may not be suitable. A custom-designed system can be designed to accommodate these extreme conditions.
Determine the capacity of the ductless system
The last factor that will impact the selection of the ductless system is the capacity. The capacity of the ductless system refers to the maximum amount of cooling or heating that can be provided by the HVAC system. The capacity of a ductless system is often determined by the capacity of the cooling unit. For example, if you have a ductless system with a cooling capacity of 12,000 Btu per hour, the system will be able to provide 12,000 Btu of cooling per hour to the house. The capacity of the cooling unit is often listed on the package or specifications for the system.
Ensure the ductless system is sized correctly for the home
Once you have determined the size of the ductless system, you will need to ensure the system is sized appropriately for the home. The size of the ductless system is based on the total square footage of the home. However, the type of ductwork that will be used to distribute conditioned air throughout the home will also impact the sizing of the system. As previously mentioned, a ductless system does not use ductwork to distribute conditioned air throughout the home. Instead, it uses flexible ductwork known as “flex ducts”. Flex ducts can be installed in areas that cannot be accessed by ductwork, such as basements and attics. They can also be installed in areas that have ductwork, but where the ductwork is not sized properly.The size of the ductless system will depend on the type of ductwork that will be used to distribute conditioned air throughout the home. Generally speaking, the ductwork for a ductless system should be sized according to the following table:
Summary
A ductless system is an excellent alternative for homes that lack ductwork or cannot accommodate a duct-based HVAC system. It is estimated that they can save up to $150 per year in energy costs compared to a forced air system. Additionally, ductless mini-splits can be installed in areas that aren’t accessible to ductwork (such as basements and attics). However, this does require special consideration when designing the system and selecting the components. In addition to the obvious lack of ductwork, there are several other considerations when installing a ductless system. First, you will need to determine the size of the system. Next, you will need to determine the number of zones. Finally, you will need to determine the type of HVAC system. Once you have determined these factors, you will be able to determine the size of the system.