How Many Zones Can A Mini-Split Have?
Having a large house means that there are rooms that are left unoccupied at different times of the day. It could be the master’s bedroom because you are out for work for most of the day or the children’s bedrooms because they are at school. Your living room may only be in use during the evenings. The kitchen may be busy in the afternoons.
Central air conditioners can waste a lot of power since they provide conditioned air to rooms that do not require a lot of cooling or heating. Therefore, switching to a ductless mini-split heat pump might be better to achieve enhanced efficiency. A ductless system can achieve this through zoning. This article discusses some useful information about ductless mini-split systems. We will also answer the question “How many mini-splits do I need?” since it is a question that we are commonly asked.
How A Multi-Zone Ductless HVAC System Works
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More and more U.S. homeowners are switching to ductless systems. The name is due to the equipment having two main components: the outdoor condenser and the indoor air handler. A conduit runs between these two components so that refrigerant can travel to and from them. With a ductless unit, you do not need to install any ductwork throughout your home. It is highly versatile and is capable of providing both heating and cooling. It also lets you have different zones so that you can customize the temperature setting according to your preferences.
A single outdoor unit can have as many as eight indoor air handlers attached to it. One indoor air handler can heat or cool a zone. You can set up one indoor unit in one room or on one floor. Each air handler has a remote control that allows the occupant to change the temperature setting however they like. You can set up one zone to have a milder temperature while the another can have a lower temperature setting. This way, everyone in your household gets the temperature setting that they want.
Consult with your local, trusted HVAC technician if you want to know how many zones your home needs. They will determine your heating and cooling needs to match the system. With ductless mini-splits, you can add more zones later when needed. This way, you do not need to buy all the indoor units in one go.
Pros Of Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Having a ductless HVAC system offers some benefits, including the following:
1. No Need For HVAC Duct Installation
You might live in a house that does not have any HVAC ductwork. Older homes, for example, do not typically have HVAC ductwork in place as the home was constructed before the invention of modern HVAC equipment. Installing ductwork throughout a home can be a costly, challenging, and lengthy endeavor. It requires tearing down your walls and ceilings for ductwork placement.
A ductless mini-split system does not require ducts. It only needs a small 3-inch hole to allow the conduit to pass through. This makes ductless installation faster and easier. You can also rest easy knowing your home’s structural integrity will remain intact.
2. No Energy Waste From Duct Leakage
As time passes, ducts can develop cracks and holes where conditioned air leaks through. According to Energy Star, around 30 percent of air leaks can be attributed to ducts. When you have leaky HVAC ductwork, your system strains to compensate for the air loss, consuming more energy in the process. Homeowners with forced-air systems will need to call an HVAC contractor to check their ducts regularly. This way, any leaks are found and sealed right away. With a ductless system, you can avoid the costs that come with ductwork inspection altogether. After all, ductless units do not have ducts and, therefore, do not suffer from any air leaks.
3. Enhanced Indoor Air Quality
Ductwork holes can lead to poor indoor air quality. The impurities surrounding your ducts can enter into your ductwork via these holes. As a consequence, the HVAC system distributes dust and dirt throughout your home.
These contaminants can trigger your allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues. Ductless mini-splits do not have to deal with this issue. Furthermore, ductless heat pumps have advanced air filtration systems in place that actually improve your indoor air quality effective. With a ductless system, you and your loved ones can breathe in cleaner, healthier air.
4. Less Noise Because Of Clever Design
Window air conditioners produce a high level of noise as time passes. Most of the noise comes from the compressor, which is attached directly to the system. A ductless mini-split has the compressor placed outside, separate from the indoor unit. Therefore, you will not hear it while it is operating, as you do with other HVAC systems. Furthermore, you can even use the ductless system’s high-speed fans, and the mini-split will barely make a sound. The outdoor compressor will also produce less sound than the standard heat pump.
5. More Efficient Energy Consumption
A ductless system will not have a ductwork leak problem, so it operates more efficiently than central ACs. It is also known to consume less energy while still providing the same comfort level due to the high efficiency ratings. Ductless heat pumps also have some of the highest Seasonal Energy Efficiency (SEER) and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) ratings than other types of HVAC units. Furthermore, since you can control the temperature settings in every zone, you can switch off the air handler in unoccupied rooms. This is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
6. Lower Monthly Energy Bills
Since a ductless HVAC system consumes less energy, you will have lower monthly utility costs. Shifting to a ductless unit can be costly at the onset. However, you are guaranteed to have reduced operational costs, making it a worthy investment that will pay for itself in the long run. It is always a good idea to think about the total cost of ownership. Do not just think of the cost of the equipment and consider the charges of power companies as well.
Conclusion
Ductless mini-split units are highly versatile, allowing you to create zones for separate temperature controls. One outdoor unit can be connected to up to eight zones, typically enough for the average household. You can add more outdoor and indoor units at a later date if needed. This way, you can have better temperature regulation in your house, reduced energy consumption, less noise, lower bills, and better air quality. Ductless systems are easy to install, making this type of system one of the best heating and cooling options.
Call Lawes Company For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
Lawes Company offers high-quality HVAC services in Monmouth and Ocean County, New Jersey. We have highly skilled and professionally certified technicians for all your excellent heating and cooling needs, including repairs, replacements, installations, and maintenance. All our friendly techs are equipped with years of experience and extensive knowledge to conduct accurate and prompt HVAC services.
Our company offers one of the most affordable and competitive HVAC service rates in the area. We can enhance your home’s energy efficiency, reduce your heating and cooling costs, improve your comfort, and ensure you have a healthy indoor air quality with our maintenance services. If you are looking for a heating and cooling repair or replacement system, we can recommend the most suitable make and model for your needs and budget. All our work comes with a guarantee. Schedule your next service appointment with Lawes Company today for a free, in-home estimate.
Contact us now at (732) 741-6300 to find out more!