
Heat pumps have a wide variety of residential applications, and are especially well-suited to heating and cooling add-on rooms, like sunrooms or an extra living area built off the main part of the house. Below, we explore some of the ways ductless HVAC can be used in a home and how to know if a heat pump is the right choice for you.
Sunrooms & Additions
Sunrooms and additions are often poorly insulated and difficult to keep comfortable in extreme temperatures. Ductless mini-splits are a great solution for these spaces, as they can be located in the room and will only heat or cool that space. This is much more efficient than trying to heat or cool the entire house with central air.
Ductless HVAC systems are becoming increasingly popular in sunrooms. Because a heat pump doesn’t use ductwork to distribute cool or warm air throughout your home as a central system does, they are often ideal for sunrooms that don’t have any existing ducts built in the ceiling or walls.
There are a few things to consider when choosing a location for your ductless HVAC system in a sunroom. First, you’ll want to make sure that the outdoor unit is close enough to the indoor unit so that the refrigerant lines can be properly connected. You’ll also need to make sure that there’s enough space around the outdoor unit so that it can properly circulate air, and make sure to place the outdoor unit in a shady spot so that it doesn’t overheat in direct sunlight.
Attics
It’s also common to see ductless mini splits in attics. They are often used because they don’t take up a lot of space and can be easily hidden away. That said, there are a few things to consider when putting a mini split in your attic, like insulation, ventilation, and headroom.
If your attic isn’t insulated, you’ll need to do so before installing a mini split, especially if you’re getting a ductless rebate of any kind. Otherwise, the unit will have to work harder to maintain the temperature you want, or you may not qualify for your rebate.
Most ductless mini splits also require at least 7 feet of headroom, so if your attic is shorter than that, it might not be suitable. Finally, attics can get very hot in the summer, so make sure there is adequate ventilation for the unit.
Basements
There are many benefits of installing a mini-split to heat and cool your basement, one being that it can help to control the temperature of the entire home. By keeping the basement cool in the summer and warm in the winter, you can help to regulate the temperature of the upper floors as well.
Putting your ductless HVAC in the basement can also help to improve indoor air quality. If your basement is properly insulated, it can act as a barrier to keep outside air from coming into the home. This can help to reduce dust and other allergens in the air.
Extra Bedrooms & Offices
If you have an extra room or office in your home that you don’t use very often or only use during part of the day, a ductless mini-split can be a great way to heat or cool that space without wasting energy. By only heating or cooling the room when you’re using it, you can save money on your energy bills while still keeping your home comfortable.
As Supplemental Heating & Cooling
Ductless mini-splits can also be used as a supplemental heating and cooling system in addition to central air or another type of heating, like a wood stove or gas furnace. This can be helpful if you have a large home with uneven temperatures from room to room. By using a ductless system in conjunction with central air, you can better control the temperature in your home on very cold days.
To Replace a Current HVAC System
For many homeowners, the idea of replacing their current HVAC system with a ductless system is an attractive proposition. There are several reasons for this, including improved energy-efficiency, easy installation, better temperature control, and improved indoor air quality.
Choosing to replace your current HVAC system with a ductless system is a big decision. But if you do your research and work with a qualified professional, it can be a great way to improve the comfort of your home while saving money on your energy bills.
Reach Out To a Professional HVAC Contractor Today
If you’re considering a ductless HVAC system for your home, Jones Services can help. We can come to your home and provide a quote for the cost of ductless, whether you want to put it in your basement, sunroom, or use the heat pump to replace your entire HVAC system. Contact us today to learn more at (845) 286-9603.