What Is Ductless Heating & Cooling? (Homeowners Guide)

When it comes to creating a comfortable living environment, few things are as important as an efficient heating and cooling system. Traditionally, central HVAC systems with ductwork have been the go-to choice for many homeowners. However, in recent years, ductless heating and cooling systems have gained popularity due to their numerous advantages.

What advantages, you ask? Well, they include:

  • Uniform temperatures
  • Quiet noise levels
  • Long-lasting and durable

But what is ductless heating and cooling, and what makes it the go-to system for homeowners across the USA? In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of ductless systems, understand how they work, and discuss why they are a compelling option for modern homes.

How Ductless Systems Work

Ductless HVAC systems, also known as mini-split systems, consist of two main components: an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units.

  • The outdoor unit houses the compressor and condenser, while the indoor units are responsible for delivering conditioned air directly into individual rooms or zones.
  • The indoor units are connected to the outdoor unit through refrigerant lines, which require only a small hole in the wall for installation.

Unlike central HVAC systems that rely on ductwork to distribute conditioned air, ductless systems eliminate the need for ducts altogether. Instead, they use a fan and evaporator coil in the indoor units to cool or heat the air directly, allowing for precise temperature control in each room.

Benefits of Ductless HVAC Systems

We touched briefly on the benefits of ductless systems in our introduction, but you’d be surprised to learn just how many benefits there are! Here are four of the biggest pros.

1) Zoned Comfort and Energy Efficiency

One of the primary advantages of a ductless mini-split system is its ability to provide zoned comfort. Each indoor unit can be controlled independently, allowing you to customize the temperature in different areas of your home. This feature is especially beneficial for larger homes or multi-story buildings, where different areas may require different heating or cooling levels. With ductless systems, you can avoid wasting energy and achieve optimal comfort in every room.

Moreover, since air does not have to travel through ductwork, ductless systems avoid the energy losses associated with leaky or poorly insulated ducts. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, duct losses can account for up to 30% of energy consumption in traditional ducted systems. By eliminating ductwork, ductless systems deliver air directly to the desired space, minimizing energy waste and reducing utility costs.

2) Easy Installation and Versatility

Installing ductwork can be a complex and expensive process, particularly in older homes or those without existing duct systems. Ductless systems offer a simpler alternative, as they require only a small hole in the wall to connect the indoor and outdoor units. This makes them an attractive option for retrofitting existing homes or adding climate control to specific areas.

The versatility of ductless systems is also worth mentioning. With a variety of indoor unit options, such as wall-mounted, ceiling-recessed, or floor-standing units, you can choose the design that best suits your aesthetic preferences and space requirements. Additionally, ductless systems can accommodate up to four indoor units connected to a single outdoor unit, providing flexibility and scalability for different areas of your home.

3) Enhanced Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is a critical aspect of a healthy living environment. Traditional ducted systems can accumulate dust, allergens, and other contaminants within the ductwork, which are then circulated throughout the home. Ductless systems mitigate this issue by eliminating ducts, reducing the potential for allergen buildup, and improving indoor air quality.

Furthermore, many ductless systems feature advanced filtration systems that capture airborne particles, bacteria, and even odors, ensuring that the air circulating in your home is clean and fresh. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions or allergies.

4) Quiet Operation and Aesthetics

Unlike window air conditioning units or central systems that can be noisy, ductless air conditioners are known for their quiet operation. The indoor units are designed with advanced technologies to minimize sound levels, providing a peaceful and undisturbed environment. This is especially advantageous in bedrooms, offices, or other areas where noise can be a concern.

Moreover, ductless systems offer a sleek and unobtrusive appearance. With their compact design and various installation options, they blend seamlessly into the decor of any room without taking up valuable space. Whether you opt for a wall-mounted unit or a concealed ceiling unit, ductless systems can complement your interior design choices.

Cost of a Ductless HVAC System

Ductless heating and cooling systems offer a range of benefits that make them a compelling choice for homeowners seeking enhanced comfort, energy efficiency, and flexibility. By eliminating the need for ductwork, ductless systems provide zoned control, energy savings, and improved indoor air quality. Their easy installation, versatility, quiet operation, and aesthetic appeal further contribute to their appeal. But is there a downside?

The biggest downside for most homeowners is the cost. The overall cost of a ductless mini-split system will depend on the overall size of your home. Because of this, average costs can vary widely from $2,000-$14,000.

Additionally, it is important to also factor in labor costs, as you’ll want an HVAC professional to assist you with the installation.

Get the Help You Deserve!

Ready to make the leap and invest in a ductless system? Aquarius Home Services can help! Our highly trained HVAC professionals can help install your new heating and cooling system to ensure maximum efficiency and longevity. Contact us today to learn more about our services!

Matthew Oyen
Matthew Oyen
1730502092
Nicholas S did a great job
Lam Sirattanatray
Lam Sirattanatray
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They did an amazing job and were very professional
Mike Gilles
Mike Gilles
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Darren Jackson
Darren Jackson
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Jessi Ganzel
Jessi Ganzel
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Josiah and Joey were amazing. They were respectful of my home and dogs, found the issue quickly and cleaned up like they were never even there. Great, fast, wonderful service!
Linda Friberg
Linda Friberg
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The installer, Michael, was very nice and helpful. He explained everything. I’m very happy with the service.
SLHSAlum
SLHSAlum
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Deb Larson
Deb Larson
1730412126
Justin was very thorough in explaining everything. Knowledgeable about his work and skilled in making repairs. No pushy sales pressure but helpful in explaining our options and his recommendations. Comfortable experience.
Daniel Bakken
Daniel Bakken
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Scott Sayer
Scott Sayer
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Tom Igielski
Tom Igielski
1730408923
Friendly, competent tech came out. Pretty quickly determined the source of the problem and applied a fix. Problem solved!
Bruce Jaworski
Bruce Jaworski
1730405285
Thought they did a great job! Explained everything, answered our questions, cleaned up, etc. We are very pleased!
Joe Jelinek
Joe Jelinek
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Just had my water system filters replaced and the technician did a spectacular job with educating me on how I can do it myself the next time and the company is extremely educational and efficient. The water system itself has been spectacular and we love it!
Adam Scudder
Adam Scudder
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Joe Bethke
Joe Bethke
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Great service all around! Ryan and his trainee were very polite and efficient.
Debra Gilmore
Debra Gilmore
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Another awesome experience with Aquarius. Had the annual HVAC system checkup today. David was very knowledgeable, friendly and dedicated to his trade. Thanks again !!
Eric Ortman
Eric Ortman
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Pamela Jacobson
Pamela Jacobson
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Greg Lissick
Greg Lissick
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Mike, my HVAC service technician, was great. He was very knowledgeable and explained in detail all my options regarding my furnace issues. Highly recommend!
Michelle W
Michelle W
1730348132
Colton was very informative, patient and thorough. He was on time, helpful and professional. Thank you.
Susan Johnson
Susan Johnson
1730335381
Andrew was a great installer. He went out of his way to answer our questions and help make sure our needs were met.
E Pennington
E Pennington
1730333118
Andrew was great with communication, educating me on the system, offering me choices when applicable, great service all around! Thank you!
Bruce Henning
Bruce Henning
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Tom Stoltz
Tom Stoltz
1730321207
We had our HVAC system tuned up today by Nick & Carter. Great communication from the whole Aquarius team from scheduling to completion. Very thorough in their review of our system while onsite. They provided a great summary (easy to understand, pictures, etc.) of everything they went through & provided options/recommendations where necessary. Highly recommended!
Nicole Kuhl
Nicole Kuhl
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Seamus McKinsey
Seamus McKinsey
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Dawn Goodsell
Dawn Goodsell
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Justin and Andre are amazing. They are very professional and thorough, not to mention fun to chat with as they work! I want these 2 to service our products every time!
Laura Hudson
Laura Hudson
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Jay was great, he assessed the problem quickly. He was really kind and courteous through the entire appointment. Didn’t rush us when I had questions . Pleasure to work with
Joan Long
Joan Long
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Austin did wonderful job servicing my Kinetico home water system and drinking water system. He was on time, answered my questions and offered great advice on my systems. I would recommend him and Aquarius for your water needs.
Alyssa Stepan
Alyssa Stepan
1730307198
We had our water softener repaired and service was excellent. The tech was courteous and friendly. He explained what was going on and gave us an estimate for the work. The charge was what he said, no hard sales or add ons. He did a great job cleaning the area when he was done. We will definitely keep using Aquarius!
Cindy Bartels
Cindy Bartels
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Good work. Prompt. Right amount of talking and working.
Rhonda Hoida
Rhonda Hoida
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Josiah was great. Friendly, knowledgeable and considerate. He went above the call if duty. I highly recommend Josiah.
E.Brenda Cleary
E.Brenda Cleary
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Mike was very polite and knowledgeable about my drinking water and softener systems.
Karen Hites
Karen Hites
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Informative , given a written assessment, answered questions with easy to understand information
Nancy Anderson
Nancy Anderson
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Paul went above and beyond to fix our plumbing problem! The issue was extremely challenging and he was able to fix it without having to replace the entire fixture! Five Stars!
Terrie Kaminski
Terrie Kaminski
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The entire process has been extremely professional and the process smooth.
Michelle Dennard
Michelle Dennard
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Andrew was so pleasant and professional. It's staff like Andrew that makes you continue to be a customer with Aquarius Home Service. Thank you Andrew for your EXCELLENT customer service!
Janice B
Janice B
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Friendly, professional, knowledgeable, prompt and willing to answer all questions I had.
Dick Hansen
Dick Hansen
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Mike was very efficient and explained what he was doing and the results that were realized. Thank you.
Brad McNaught
Brad McNaught
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Connie
Connie
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Marcus went through the entire process step by step with me and explained in detail what needed to be done. Thank you Marcus!
Cole O'Brien
Cole O'Brien
1730151997
Nick did a great job identifying all problems with not just what we called on but also our other systems, and gave pricing options based on the recommended diagnosis. Very professional and quick service, thank you!
Mark Brown
Mark Brown
1730151378
Nate-Derek-Dylan-Derrin were here to put my new heat pump in. They were all very nice and got the job done. I would always recommend Aquarius to do the job for you. Thanks
Angela Muchlinski
Angela Muchlinski
1730150462
Jon was great! He was very thorough and maintained a good attitude while dealing with some unexpected issues. I learned a lot from his explanations in something I have very little experience in.
Werner Groth
Werner Groth
1730148617
Outstanding professional, clean, ethical, respectful and well mannered service. Colton and Tom did an outstanding job, efficient, good problem solving and clean. I extended and expanded my annual service contract with Aquarius due to the quality of their service and the OUTSTANDING way everyone in Aquarius treats their customers
Lyle Jordan
Lyle Jordan
1730148293
Service was done in a very timely fashion. Also, Joe was very professional and friendly. He answered all questions and explained each step of the repair.He provided an excellent service call.
Lisa domagall
Lisa domagall
1730134347
Jon was an exceptional service provider! He was thorough and explained in detail everything that he was doing that day. He answered all our questions and was super courteous.
Billie Kurek
Billie Kurek
1730130991
We had Aquarius install our HVAC unit several years ago and have been happy with it. Today we had a tune up service from Nick and had yet another pleasant experience with Aquarius.
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