Ductless Mini Splits

Residential Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pumps

Ductless Mini-Splits

evolution heat pump with basepan heater model 38MPRA

Buy a Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump

Ductless mini-split systems are a flexible solution for room additions or locations where duct work is not feasible. With a Mini Split it is possible to cool a room or an entire home. Indoor mini-splits units can be installed high on the wall, in the ceiling or near the floor.

Our mini-split experts can help you select the best solution for your location. Contact us today for more information.

Ductless Systems for Homes in the Portland Metro area and Pacific Northwest Climate

 

 

Ductless, Mini-Split Heat Pumps

Ductless, mini-split-system heat pumps (mini splits) make good retrofit add-ons to houses with “non-ducted” heating systems, such as hydronic (hot water heat), radiant panels, and space heaters (wood, kerosene, propane). They can also be a good choice for room additions, where extending or installing distribution ductwork is not feasible.

Like standard air-source heat pumps, mini splits have two main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser, and an indoor air-handling unit. A conduit, which houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and a condensate drain, links the outdoor and indoor units.

 

 

Advantages

The main advantages of mini splits are their small size and flexibility for zoning or heating and cooling individual rooms. Many models can have as many as four indoor air handling units (for four zones or rooms) connected to one outdoor unit. The number depends on how much heating or cooling is required for the building or each zone (which in turn is affected by how well the building is insulated). Since each of the zones will have its own thermostat, you only need to condition that place when someone is there. This will save energy and money.

Ductless mini-split systems are also often easier to install than other types of space conditioning systems. For example, the hook-up between the outdoor and indoor units generally requires only a three-inch hole through a wall for the conduit. Also, most manufacturers of this type of system can provide a variety of lengths of connecting conduits. If necessary, you can locate the outdoor unit as far away as 50 feet from the indoor evaporator. This makes it possible to cool rooms on the front side of a building house with the compressor in a more advantageous or inconspicuous place on the outside of the building.

Since mini splits have no ducts, they avoid the energy losses associated with ductwork of central forced air systems. Duct losses can account for more than 30% of energy consumption for space conditioning, especially if the ducts are in an unconditioned space such as an attic.

In comparison to other add-on systems, mini splits offer more flexibility in interior design options. The indoor air handlers can be suspended from a ceiling, mounted flush into a drop ceiling, or hung on a wall. Floor-standing models are also available. Most indoor units have profiles of about seven inches deep and usually come with sleek, high tech-looking jackets. Many also offer a remote control to make it easier to turn the system on and off when it’s positioned high on a wall or suspended from a ceiling.

Split-systems can also help to keep your home safer since there is only a small hole in the wall. Through-the-wall and window mounted room air-conditioners can provide an easy entrance for intruders.

 

 

Disadvantages

The primary disadvantage of mini splits is their cost. Such systems cost about $1,500–$2,000 per ton (12,000 Btu per hour) of cooling capacity. This is about 30% more than central systems (not including ductwork) and may cost twice as much as window units of similar capacity.

The installer must also correctly size each indoor unit and judge the best location for its installation. Oversized or incorrectly located air-handlers often result in short-cycling, which wastes energy and does not provide proper temperature or humidity control. Too large a system is also more expensive to buy and operate.

Some people may not like the appearance of the indoor part of the system. While less obtrusive than a window room air conditioner, they seldom have the built-in look of a central system. There must also be a place to drain condensate water near the outdoor unit.

Qualified installers and service people for mini splits may not be easy to find. In addition, most conventional heating and cooling contractors have large investments in tools and training for sheet metal duct systems. They need to use (and charge for) these to earn a return on their investment, so they may not recommend ductless systems except where a ducted system would be difficult for them to install.

 

Related Information

Click to Call: 503.698.5588

We Strive to Be One of the Best Local HVAC Companies in the Area!

Efficiency Heating & Cooling offers Heating, Cooling, Air Conditioning, Heat Pump, Ductless Mini-Split, Water Heater, and Furnace installation, repair, service, replacement, and maintenance company located in and serving the local Portland Metro area.

Efficiency Heating & Cooling employs only the best technicians for air conditioner repair, furnace repair, and ductless AC repair. We service and replace all air conditioners, replace all furnaces, and replace all types of heat pumps.

If you find yourself asking where to find “The best local HVAC company or the best heating and cooling company near me”, you’ve come to the right place!

Contact us now with any questions or to schedule and appointment!

We Strive to Be One of the Best Local
HVAC Companies in the Area!

Efficiency Heating & Cooling offers Heating, Cooling, Air Conditioning, Heat Pump, Ductless Mini-Split, Water Heater, and Furnace installation, repair, service, replacement, and maintenance company located in and serving the local Portland Metro area.

Efficiency Heating & Cooling employs only the best technicians for air conditioner repair, furnace repair, and ductless AC repair. We service and replace all air conditioners, replace all furnaces, and replace all types of heat pumps.

If you find yourself asking where to find “The best local HVAC company or the best heating and cooling company near me”, you’ve come to the right place!

Contact us now with any questions or to schedule and appointment!

Click to Call: 971.364.8440

Address:   4040 SE International Way
STE E105 Milwaukie, OR 97222

Hours:   Mon – Fri: 7AM – 6PM
Sat – Sun: by Appointment

CCB#   187834