
At this point, most people have heard of heat pumps. Heat pumps were first developed in the 1980s-90s, as an alternative to the standard air conditioner + heater combination for home climate control. A heat pump is basically a reversible air conditioner. Where standard ACs pull heat from the home and move it outdoors, a heat pump can go in either direction – so it can also heat a home by pulling outdoor heat inside.
So, a heat pump is an all-in-one unit that does the job of two appliances, while also offering superior energy efficiency compared to older technology.
Now, there’s a new type of heat pump on the market: the ductless air conditioner, also called a “mini-split.” Mini split heat pumps work on a room-by-room basis, where every room has its small blower which handles local heating and cooling. These units attach to small outdoor units via tiny copper pipes and offer even better efficiency than full-size heat pumps.
A lot of older homes were built without central ductwork, which greatly limits their options for heating and cooling. And installing new ductwork is extremely expensive! Upgrading to ductless air conditioners allows you to move away from flaky window-mounted fan units and space heaters and embrace a far better form of home climate control.
On the other hand, if you rely on ducts for central air, you know that the ducts themselves can be a problem. They get dirty, and can even become home to vermin, requiring them to be periodically cleaned out. Also, the ductwork metal tends to absorb a lot of the cold or heat coming through the system, reducing efficiency. With mini split heat pumps, you could close off your ducts for good and never have to worry about them again.
Possibly the best part of ductless air conditioners is that you never have to fight over the thermostat again. Every room can have its own climate settings, based on what the occupant wants at the moment. It’s also great if you have rooms with specific climate needs, such as a room with a lot of plants, which can get the heat they need without heating the rest of the house.
It’s true that mini-split systems cost more to install initially, compared to centralized units. However, they will pay for themselves. Ductless air conditioners are the single most energy-efficient form of home HVAC on the market and can substantially reduce your home’s energy use year-round. That’s also great for the environment!
If you’re considering a ductless air conditioner for your Brockville home, Toshack can help! For 90 years, we’ve stayed on the cutting edge of home HVAC systems, and now install and service mini-split systems.