Buying Guide: Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems

A ductless split or mini-split system is a form of heating and cooling device that uses no ductwork to cool spaces, making it popular in warmer countries such as Asia, Central and South America, and the Southern United States, as well as in certain types of residences in northern climates. Some types simply have an air conditioner, while others also include a heater. They’re also prevalent in commercial buildings and companies.

Installing new ductwork in older homes can cost upwards of $5,000 for larger homes, so ductless air conditioning units are a perfect alternative. While ductless air conditioners are more expensive than central air conditioners, they are an efficient solution to reduce household energy expenditures because they can be installed in particular regions.

Who Should Invest in a Ductless Unit?

While most homes are built to accommodate a central system, some are not. If you find yourself in any of the following situations, you should look for ductless HVAC systems for sale – 

If you live in an older home where adding or replacing ducting might jeopardize the structural integrity of the structure

If you have a large enough living space that some sections are hotter than others

If you’ve added on to your home and the new area is too far away from the existing ducting

If your basement or attic has been transformed into usable space but the temps are still too cold

If your utility expenses are excessively high

Costs of Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems

Depending on the brand/manufacturer, BTU cooling output rating, installation charges, and where you reside, ductless split systems and air conditioner units in Ontario and other provinces across Canada normally start around $2500 – $3000 and can go as high as $5000+ per unit, including installation (cost in urban areas tend to be cheaper than in rural areas).

Furthermore, ductless heating and cooling systems will be more expensive, with prices ranging from roughly $3500 to $7500 or more, including installation. Multi-zone units are usually more expensive than single-zone units. Additional additions, such as a winter heat pump, can raise the total price. Get an in-home estimate from your local HVAC professional to ensure precise installation.

There are two key factors to consider when determining the cost of a ductless system:

  1. The number of outside units required—in order to cool larger residences or commercial structures, numerous units may be required. You could need more than one outdoor unit if you’re cooling numerous separate regions that are far apart.
  2. The required number of ‘heads’ (indoor units). Each room or area to be cooled would have one cooling head installed.

As a result, the cost of a ductless air conditioner is likely to be comparable to the cost of a central air conditioner. If your home or business/commercial property does not have ductwork, a ductless mini-split system or heat pump may be a great heating and cooling solution.

How to Choose the Best Ductless Heating and Cooling System

While ductless mini-split systems have been around for a while, they have yet to acquire the same level of popularity as standard air conditioners. It’s critical to choose the correct equipment for your heating and cooling needs, and you’ll need a skilled installation to do it.

  • Consider the cooling area and the power of the unit.

You must decide if you want to cool a single living room or numerous living spaces in your home. This will assist you in deciding whether to acquire a single-zone or multi-zone system. The number of BTUs (British Thermal Units) in a unit must be appropriate for the square footage of the space in order for it to be effective. It’s important to remember that the higher the BTU figure, the more space the unit can chill.

  • Consider the Different Types of Ductless Units

Single-zone and multi-zone ductless air conditioning systems are the two most common varieties. A single-zone unit can only chill or heat one room in your home, whereas a multi-zone system can cool or heat two to six rooms. Temperature zoning is used in multi-zone apartments to overcome temperature inconsistencies in the home. Basically, they have a cutting-edge climate management system that splits your home into different zones for efficient heating and cooling. Multi-zone air conditioners provide you with customized comfort, significant energy savings, and greater control over your cooling system. However, when compared to single-zone devices, installation expenses are higher.

  • Efficiency in Energy

The majority of today’s ductless units are Energy Star certified. It also helps to keep energy usage and expenditures down by only cooling the room you intend to be in. Check the SEER rating of a unit before making a decision. The calculated ratio of an AC’s cooling output over a normal season divided by the energy utilized in watt hours is known as SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating). The lesser the energy consumption, the higher the rating.

  • Reviews of Ductless Units can be found here

Reviews provide you with first-hand knowledge of how a unit operates, as well as the unit’s efficiency rating, manufacturer’s warranty information, and comparisons to similar units. By reading these reviews, you can make sure you get the best device for your needs.

  • Extra Features

Additional features such as a dehumidifier, remote control, reusable filters, or a programmable timer may be required depending on the climatic conditions in your location. Because this is such a large investment, you may want to go with one that comes with a guarantee. This guarantees that small and large repairs will be completed. Some warranties cover the entire machine if it proves to be defective. The most important factors to consider when choosing an air conditioning unit are your comfort and your budget. Make sure you speak with an HVAC professional before making a decision. Some states provide incentives in the form of rebates, especially if your unit is equipped with heat pumps.

We can help you in lowering the cost of a ductless HVAC system. To get the best ductless HVAC systems for sale, call us at (888) 944-8684. You can also write to us at [email protected].

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