How Many Zones Can A Mini-Split Have?
Having a large house most likely means that some areas do not have occupants at different times of the day. The master bedroom might be in use at night. The children’s rooms are probably empty during the day while they go to school. The kitchen might only be busy during the morning or early evening. If you have a central air conditioner, you might be wasting a lot of power to heat or cool these spaces. Consider switching to a ductless mini-split. This type of HVAC system allows for zoning and a higher level of energy efficiency. One of the most common questions that homeowners ask is “How many mini splits do I need?”. Read on to find out more information about this query.
How A Multi-Zone Ductless Setup Works
Contents
More U.S. homeowners are shifting to ductless mini-split units for heating and cooling. Its name was taken from the fact that its primary parts are split into two components: the outdoor condenser and the indoor air handler. These two parts are bound together by a conduit where the coolant passes through from one part to the other. It does not require ducts. Its high versatility means that you can use it for heating and cooling. Its zoning feature enables you to customize each room or zone according to your preferred temperature setting.
A single outdoor condenser can typically be connected with up to eight indoor units. There is one indoor unit per zone. Each unit is equipped with a remote control of its own so that the zone/room’s occupants can change the settings however they prefer. One zone can have milder temperatures while the other can be colder if that’s how you want it to be. This will allow you to have a peaceful home where everyone gets the temperature setting that they want.
It is recommended to consult a professional HVAC contractor when you want to know how many zones your home needs. They will be able to match your heating and cooling needs with your system. The good news is that ductless HVAC systems allow you to add more zones later if needed, and you do not have to buy all the indoor air handlers in one go.
The Advantages Of Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Some of the benefits of having a ductless mini-split include:
1. HVAC Duct Installation Is Not Needed
Many homes do not have existing HVAC ductwork. The building might have been constructed before modern HVAC systems were invented. If this is the case, installing ducts can be a costly, challenging, and time-consuming project. Installing HVAC ductwork requires carving out holes along your walls and ceiling to fit in the ducts.
When you install a ductless mini-split, a professional only needs to drill a three-inch hole where the conduit will pass through. This makes ductless installation an easier and faster task. It also does not compromise your home’s structural integrity.
2. No Duct Leaks Mean No Energy Is Wasted
Ducts can have cracks, holes, and gaps as time passes. Conditioned air can escape via these holes. Energy Star claims that these duct holes cause around 30 percent of air leakages. The HVAC system ends up compensating for this loss by working harder and longer, consuming more power in the process. Therefore, it is essential to have HVAC experts check the ductwork regularly to look for any leaks and repair them. This added cost is eliminated when you have a ductless system. These types of systems do not have air leak problems.
3. Improved Indoor Air Quality
Air leaks in your home can cause poor indoor air quality. This is because contaminants can enter through the holes in your ducts and mix with the conditioned air. They end up being distributed throughout your house via the central HVAC system.
If you suffer from allergies or any respiratory problems, these impurities can trigger them. Your home will also be dustier, and you’ll have to clean more often.
Ductless units do not have to deal with issues like this. Furthermore, they are equipped with highly effective air filters. Therefore, you will have enhanced indoor air quality when you install a ductless system.
4. Less Noise Due To Clever Design
Window HVAC units become noisier as they age. The noise is mainly produced by the compressor, which is the part that’s facing the outside. With a ductless system, the compressor and air handler are two separate components. You will not hear the noise the compressor produces because they are installed outside, away from your house. You will barely hear any sound even when you set your ductless unit’s fans to high speed. This way, you can sleep peacefully without sounds from your ductless system bothering you.
5. More Efficient Energy Consumption
Ductless mini-splits are more efficient than central HVAC systems because there are no duct leaks. It will consume less energy while still providing the same comfort level. The ductless system allows you to control the settings in each zone so you can turn off the air handlers in rooms that are not in use. This will use a lot less energy, and you also become more cost-effective and eco-friendlier. Furthermore, ductless systems offer some of the highest SEER and HSPF ratings when compared to any other HVAC equipment on the market.
6. Lower Monthly Energy Bills
Consuming less power means you spend less on your monthly energy bills. Switching to ductless systems can be costly at the onset. However, you have to factor in the operational cost as well. A ductless unit is a worthy investment that will likely pay dividends in the long run. The high cost of energy these days means you need to consider the overall total ownership cost instead of the initial price of your HVAC equipment.
Conclusion
Ductless mini-split systems offer high versatility. Their zoning features allow you to control each zone or room separately. You can set up to eight zones per outdoor compressor, which is enough for the typical household. You can add more to this when needed so that you’ll have better home temperature regulation. Aside from this, you also receive advantages like reduced power consumption, lower utility bills, improved air quality, hassle-free installation, and less noise.
Call Miller Oil Company For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
When you are looking for superior HVAC services in Hartford County, Connecticut, look no further than Miller Oil Company. Rest assured, we have highly skilled and professionally certified technicians for all your heating and cooling needs, including air conditioner maintenance, ductless installations, boiler repairs, and furnace replacements. All our trained techs are knowledgeable and experienced in conducting correct HVAC services on all types of make and model.
Our company offers one of the most affordable and competitive HVAC service rates in the area. Our tune-ups can improve your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and cost-effectiveness. If you are looking for HVAC repair or replacement solutions, we provide the best ones for your needs and budget. Your satisfaction is essential to us, so all our work comes with a guarantee. Book your next service appointment with Miller Oil Company today and receive a free, in-home estimate.
Click here to contact us today or give us a call at (860) 745-0326 if you have any questions.