What Are the Costs and Benefits of a Ductless Heating and Cooling System?

woman next to ductless mini split unit
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Read about how installing a ductless HVAC system in your home can save you money!

What are the costs and benefits of a ductless heating and cooling system?

If you are adding a new addition to your home, are considering changing your current heating and cooling systems, or have a home that has no heating or cooling duct system, a ductless mini-split system might be for you! There are a lot of benefits to utilizing a ductless system and the cost savings can be great. Continue below for a breakdown, cost analysis, and benefits of these new innovative systems! 

What is a ductless system?

A mini-split or ductless heating and cooling system has main parts: inside and outside. The indoor component consists of the evaporator coil and blower fan while the outside component has a compressor, condenser coil, and fan. The indoor unit is placed in one room and mounted on the wall. The parts are connected by refrigerant tubing and electrical wiring. It is similar to an HVAC system, without the ductwork. Our previous article, “How Do HVAC Systems Work” goes into more in-depth detail about the inner workings of the system. 

These systems provide heat and cooling into the room it is placed in with no need for ductwork or separate systems. There can be multiple indoor units attached to the outdoor unit to heat and cool more rooms. 

Benefits

Below are the main benefits of having a ductless system. Once installed, you can enjoy these benefits all year round! 

Easy set up

The mini-split systems are easy to set up and can be installed in as little as one day. Because there is no ductwork, there is no need for construction, no ceiling removal wall reconfiguration for vents, or renovation of the home. A few small holes in the wall to attach the indoor system and connection to the electrical grid are all that is needed.  

Purification

For those who suffer from allergies, asthma, or other breathing conditions, a ductless system is a great alternative to traditional HVAC Units. Ductless systems contain multiple stages of filtration to rid the air of dust, bacteria, pollen, allergens, and other particles.

Energy efficient

Compared to a traditional HVAC unit, ductless systems are up to 30-40 percent more efficient. Traditional units use one or two-speed compressors that turn off and on, while a ductless system uses variable-speed compressors that make adjustments continuously throughout the day to keep the home at a comfortable level. There is no chance of leaks in the ductwork (because there are none) which can minimize efficiency. If you have multiple rooms in your home that have ductless units, you can turn those units off when not needed. 

Personalized comfort

Since each unit is set up for use in individual rooms, you can control the temperature to your liking. You no longer have to have a room you’re in the same temperature as the rest of your home. These units are also quieter than traditional units, so you won’t be subject to the noise of the units running. 

Low maintenance

Traditional HVAC Units require professional cleaning of the ducts, filters and vents. Ductless units can be cleaned by the homeowners and should be cleaned at least once a month to ensure top air quality. 

Money saving

Because split-systems are so energy efficient you will save money on your utility bills. You may also be eligible for tax credits and utility rebates. This might be the best benefit of all. 

Cost of a ductless system

When you are ready to change your current system or install a brand new one it is best to consult an HVAC professional. They will give you the best recommendations on units and what works best for your home. The price of the system and installation will depend on the number of systems you want in your home. If you plan on installing multiple systems it is better and more cost effective to purchase a large outdoor unit that can hold multiple indoor units. 

  • A single system costs on average 3,000 to 5,000 dollars with installation.
  • A multi-unit system for up to 4 rooms will average about 7500 - 900 dollars with installation.
  • A large multi-unit system for 4 or more rooms will cost about 12,000 dollars to install.

The price for a mini-split ductless system is more expensive than a regular split HVAC system, but the benefits, cost-effectiveness, and energy efficiency make it a great choice in the long run if it suits your home.  

Plan with a professional

It is important to have a professional HVAC company install your unit to ensure maximum efficiency. It is also important to find a company that understands how to install the unit properly. If you live in Madison, AL, or surrounding areas, our company Valley Heating and Cooling can provide you with the highest quality service. Our experienced HVAC Technicians will help you plan and choose the best system for your home and properly prepare, install, and maintain the system when needed. If you aren’t sure if you live within our service area, perform a quick search “HVAC company near me” to see if we are in range. When you are ready to install a ductless mini-split system, we are ready to service you and offer 24/7 emergency services. 

Learn more about the benefits of ductless heating and cooling systems here.