The climate in Sacramento is ideal for using heat pumps to heat and cool your home, but if you don’t have ductwork or it’s old and inefficient, consider a ductless mini split. These heat pumps use an outdoor compressor and individual air handlers to supply air to your home directly, without needing a ducted distribution system. 

These systems provide a number of advantages in specific situations. Home additions or remodeling projects often make it difficult to extend existing ducts, and the mini-split systems provide an easy way to condition the air. In existing spaces, the units offer considerable energy efficiency, which saves money on your heating and cooling bills, and the units are easier than central heat pumps to install.

Energy efficiency

• No heating and cooling losses occur in ductless mini-split systems. According to the Department of Energy, up to 30 percent of heating and cooling costs can be lost to the ductwork, especially if the ducts run through uninsulated spaces in a home. Leaky ducts also contribute to energy drain, as well. A ductless system delivers air directly to a space.
• A ductless system may support up to four air handlers. Each has its own thermostat, which means you can condition just the areas of the home that you want.
• Some models use advanced heat pump technology like variable-speed motors and scroll compressors that increase efficiency.

Installation

• The compressor for the ductless mini split sits outdoors and installers drill a 3-inch hole through the wall to connect the air handlers to the outside unit with a conduit. Compared to window and wall air conditioners, these systems increase home security, since the hole is so small. Some of these systems use 115-volt electricity, which simplifies installing the compressor.
• The air handlers rest on the floor or hang from walls or ceilings. Remote controls make it easy for homeowners to change the temperature for hanging units. The air handlers can be added as needed and placed virtually anywhere in a space.

If you’d like more information on a ductless mini split, contact All Year Heating, Air Conditioning & Solar. Serving the Sacramento area, we’re always happy to help.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Heating and cooling image via Shutterstock