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Ductless Mini Split Heat
Pumps: Pros and Cons
Cooling and heating
Mini-split heat pump systems provide air
conditioning and may be more efficient than conventional
air-conditioners, without requiring ductwork.
They work like a
refrigerator in reverse, and
though they are mainly used for
cooling purposes, ductless mini splits heat pumps may also provide heating.
The technology
In common heat pumps systems air is cooled at
the outdoor evaporator coil and distributed around the house
through ductwork. In typical mini-split heat pumps the
refrigerant is produced at the outdoor unit and driven via
small-diameter insulated refrigerant lines directly to the rooms
or parts of the house, where the air is blown by fans located in
small indoor units. Each room unit may have its own thermostat.
Ductless mini split
heat pumps: less energy losses
Because they do not rely on ductwork, mini-split heat pumps can
boost energy efficiency.
Energy losses in
conventional systems based on ducts are often estimated at 30%,
especially if the ducts are in non-insulated spaces (attics, for
instance).
Other
possible advantages
The ductless side of mini-split heat pumps is often their major
advantage. But they also
offer...
- high flexibility in
interior design options: there are floor-standing,
ceiling-suspending, wall-hanging models…
- small size and high flexibility for
zoning or heating and cooling individual rooms. This makes it
possible to best acclimatize the divisions.
- the number of indoor
air handling units may vary with the specific heating and cooling
needs in each home's rooms, through different thermostats – a
way of saving energy and money.
- easy installation; they do not require large holes in the
walls: a three-inch
hole is often sufficient.
Installation
Sizing and installation should be done properly: oversized or incorrectly located air-handlers
are a cause of higher operational
costs and inadequate temperature and control of humidity.
These issues are similar to those of
ductless air
conditioners.
Costs
Mini split heat pumps cost are higher than central
systems based on existent ducts.
Costs
between $500 and $1,000 per ton are common, and depend upon the configuration and the number of zones covered by each
unit.
Warranties
Warranties vary with manufacturers.
Warranties of one year on indoor units and three to six years on
compressors are common.
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