Like a lot of things that have to do with HVAC, residential ductless HVAC is not as new as you’d think. Invented in Japan, it’s been around since 1959 and has been improving ever since. Though ductless systems can be pricier to install than traditional central AC, people love them for their efficiency and versatility. Here are some things to know about them.

No Unwieldy Ducts

The ducts that run under your floors and connect to your registers and vents can be flexible or rigid, but eventually, they leak. This makes your HVAC system work harder and costs you money in terms of your energy bill and the price of equipment repairs. Not only do ducts spring leaks, but when they do, they let critters build nests inside of them.

Even ducts that aren’t leaking collect dust and debris that need to be cleaned out. It’s not that the lines that connect an air handler to the condenser never leak, but they’re much less likely to do so than ducts. And mice are certainly not going to raise their babies in them.

Zoned by Design

You can connect as many as eight air handlers to a condenser and control each one individually. Traditional central HVAC systems aren’t zoned, which is why rooms have registers that you can close partially or all the way.

However, HVAC techs say not to close your registers because it disrupts the flow of air, stresses the blower motor and can damage your evaporator coils or heat exchangers. It also won’t save you any money. Properly zoning a traditional HVAC system is expensive and labor-intensive. But with multi-zone ductless systems, the zoning mechanisms are built in.

Just the Thing for Homes Without Ducts

If you move into a home that’s never had central HVAC, a ductless system is ideal. Ducts, registers and return vents are onerous to install in a home that wasn’t built to accommodate them. Though it costs more if you’re going to have more than a couple of air handlers, a mini-split system is far easier to install. Are you wondering why a ductless system costs more although it’s easier to install? It’s because of newer technology and the time needed to put in a set of air handlers.

Newer Technology

Ductless HVAC systems also have something called advanced inverter technology. The compressor has electronics that allow you to program it to run at different speeds depending on your needs. You can order it to serve each individual air handler by remote control.

Ductless HVAC systems are worth looking into if you’re tired of your old, less efficient central system. An HVAC professional can tell you more about them. If you live in Tualatin, OR or a surrounding area and need ductless system services, make your first call to Sky Heating, AC, Plumbing & Electrical.