|
How long will a ductless system last?
With proper maintenance and care a ductless systems should perform for over 20 years. Many of the systems installed during the 1980’s are still functioning well today.
How does a Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner work?
An Air Conditioner seems as if it cools your home's Air, but it actually makes your home less warm by removing heat from the indoor Air and transferring that heat to the outdoor Air. Heat is extracted from the home by passing indoor Air across a refrigerant coil in the indoor unit. Refrigerant lines then carry the heat to the outdoor unit, where it is released into the outside Air. The cooling cycle continues until the indoor temperature reaches the thermostat setting. The evaporative cooling system of the Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner operates by a simple method of drawing a large amount of Air through a membrane that is refrigerated by an eco-friendly Freon. The resultant underlying heat exchange produces a beneficial temperature fall of up to 59°F (15°C) in idle settings.
How noisy are the Mini Split Ac units ?
WHISPER QUIET OPERATION is one of the many reasons why they are very popular. The indoor units are typically no noisier than a standard domestic fan, but as they do make some noise, consideration should be given to their location.
Do the ductless split system air handlers come in different shapes and sizes?
Yes, ductless split systems indoor units comes in 4 different types. Wall mounted unit, Ceiling Recessed, Concealed Duct and Floor Mounted. Based on your application you can buy any of the 4 types. Wall mounts are way cheaper and easier to install compared ceiling or floor mounted units.
What kind of maintenance does a ductless heat pump require?
Ductless heat pumps require some basic maintenance to ensure optimum performance. In most cases keeping the filters and coils clean is all that’s needed, and can be performed easily by the homeowner.
Should I buy a Split AC or a Window AC?
Split AC systems are the obvisous choice for several reasons as explained in this category, but you can consult your HVAC professional and make an informed decision accordingly. Split AC's are preferred over other type units for energy efficiency, customized temperature control, air purification, quietness, for the fact that they last for as long as 20 years or more.
To what distance will a Window AC or Split AC throw air?
A normal Window AC or split AC will throw air upto 15 feet. However, special Split units are available to throw air upto 30 feet.
Why PTAC is not better than Mini Split AC ?
The system tends to have higher maintenance costs because of multiple compressors and fans.
Routine service in the occupied space required to change filters and clean coils.
The system is only applicable to perimeter zones.
Noise levels vary considerably and the system is generally too loud for critical applications.
PTAC's are not as energy efficient as Mini Split Acs. Humidification, when required, must be supplied by a separate system.
What are the benefits of a ductless, mini-split AC system?
Easy Installation - Copper tubing running through a small 3 to 4-inch opening in the wall or ceiling easily connects the indoor and outdoor units. Refrigerant is cycled through the lines from the outdoor condensing unit to the indoor unit, where the air is quietly distributed to the interior space.
Aesthetically Pleasing - Conventional air duct systems tend to be bulky and can require special structural attention while ductless, mini-split system piping can often be routed through walls and joists to maintain aesthetics.
Flexible, Remote Control Cooling - Because each room has its own handler, you can create up to four zones with a timer and optional wired remote that puts you in temperature control and allows you to meet the varying comfort needs of different spaces.
Quiet Operation - Ductless air conditioners are comprised of an indoor and outdoor unit, which allows for a peaceful inside environment by enabling the contractor to install louder components like compressors and motors outdoors.
Energy Efficiency - Because there are no ducts, systems lose less than 5% cooling vs. up to 40% for traditional forced-air systems. Increased efficiencies up to 27.2-SEER mean lower utility bills. Several models are even EnergyStar® Qualified, meaning they save you on your utility bill.
Individual Zoning - Why pay to heat or cool areas that no-one is occupying? Individual zoning allows you to heat or cool the areas you want, and not the areas that are unoccupied.
Environmentally Friendly - Most systems use R410A refrigerant designed to prevent the depletion of the ozone layer.
Safe and Secure - Using window AC units make it very easy for intruders to enter your home. Ductless, mini-split units mount high on a wall, away from the window, providing you with improved security and a pleasant view.
What are the main components of a ductless air conditioning system?
A ductless air conditioning system is quite simple and includes an outdoor unit, indoor unit(s), refrigerant line-sets, power and controls wires connecting them. The outdoor unit includes the condensing coil, the compressor, the expansion valve and a fan to get airflow through the condenser coil. The indoor unit includes the evaporator coil and a fan for airflow. The line-sets connecting the indoor and outdoor units are made up of heat insulated copper tubing for transferring the refrigerant.
How Many Rooms Can a Ductless Split System Service?
There are quite a few different sizes and types of ductless split heating and cooling systems. Depending on your needs, you can select a system that’s appropriate for one room or zone in your house, or you can opt for a larger system that will heat and cool as many as 8 rooms.
The flexibility of ductless split systems makes it easy to find exactly the right model for your particular needs. You don’t need to worry about spending too much or too little or about your system not being powerful enough to keep your home comfortable. Depending on the size, one outdoor unit can supply any number of indoor units, which means that you’ll essentially have the convenience of central heating and air without the hassle and expense.
How to Choosing a Mini Split System?
Ductless mini split systems are popular for a number of reasons, but energy efficiency is one of their primary selling points. These systems can save you hundreds of dollars every year if installed and used properly. However, the actual benefits will depend on which system you buy based on your unique needs, how it is installed and your current energy costs.
When looking for a system, check air conditioners for a SEER rating, the number used to rate their efficiency. If you are buying one that offers heating as well, look for HPSF ratings – a number that designates heat pump efficiency.
What size room ductless split system is right for me?
A major problem seen in homes with existing ductless systems in place is improper sizing. This happens frequently when insulation is not properly measured. For this reason, make sure you hire someone with a lot of experience sizing ductless mini split systems. These systems require a different approach than traditional forced air systems.
What is needed to mainatin the ductless split air conditioner?
There is nothing major needed to maintain the condenser outiside. While you won’t have any ductwork to worry about, you will still have an outdoor condenser that needs to be maintained to keep your heating and cooling system operational. To avoid any problems make sure no debris builds up around the system.
Grass, leaves, debris or shrubs can all block the system, reducing efficiency or causing other problems. For indoor unit, there are screens and filters on your system that need to be properly maintained – cleaned of excess debris and washed on a schedule recommended by the manufacturer.
Will a Ductless Split or Mini–Split Air Conditioning System Work For Me?
Ductless split and mini–split air conditioning systems have many qualities that make them attractive to all types of consumers. Particularly if you don’t already have ductwork in place, these are the cheapest and easiest systems to install.
The indoor components of ductless splits can also be installed in multiple locations throughout your home so that you can control the temperatures in those areas individually. Split AC units are a good option for many people in many different types of houses, but you will benefit particularly from this type of installation if you have a smaller home or one that does not lend itself easily to the installation of ducts.
To determine if a ductless split system is the right choice for you, it’s best to discuss your needs and concerns with an expert. They can walk you through the selection process and explain to you exactly what the benefits would be of splits or mini–splits relative to other types of systems in terms of your specific situation.
Is one ductless air conditioner able to cool the whole home?
Yes, if the indoor unit is properly placed such as at the top of the stair landing on the second floor, then the airflow can be adjusted to completely cool the 2nd floor and the remaining cool air travels down the stairs to the 1st floor. Through natural convection, the whole home can be cooled quickly. Hundreds of homes without ducts in Toronto have been cooled with only one unit! Usually only one 12,000 or 15,000 Btu/h unit is necessary.
What incentives are available for ductless systems?
Utility Rebates: most utilities in the Northwest are offering their customers cash rebates as high as $1,500 when they upgrade their existing electric resistance heating system to a ductless system. Interest-free financing may also be available. Check with your local utility for details.
Federal Tax Credits - Additional incentives: May be available to taxpayers who purchase a qualified energy-efficient residential ductless systems. In 2012, the Federal Tax Credit was removed.Montana - Additional Incentives: the state of Montana’s Energy Conservation Installation Credit provides a tax credit for 25% of the cost of a ductless system with a maximum credit of $500 per individual; up to $1,000 for a married couple filing jointly.Oregon - Additional Incentives: the Oregon Department of Energy has a tax credit available through the Residential Energy Tax Credit (RETC) program. The credit is valued at $50 per half-ton of rated capacity, with a maximum credit of 25% of the system cost, or $400, whichever is less.
How does a ductless system work?
Ductless systems are reversible, two-way heat pumps that use electricity to transfer heat between outdoor and indoor air by compressing and expanding refrigerant. Using a refrigerant vapor compression cycle, like a common household refrigerator, ductless systems collect heat from outside the house and deliver it inside the house on the heating cycle, and vice versa on the cooling cycle. Ductless systems use variable speed compressors with inverter technology (AC to DC) in order to continuously match the heating/cooling load, avoiding the on/off cycling of conventional electric resistance and central heating systems commonly associated with uncomfortable temperature variations and high energy consumption. Ductless systems consist of several parts, including: An outdoor unit that contains a condensing coil, an inverter-driven variable speed compressor, an expansion valve and a fan to cool the condenser coil
An indoor unit that contains an evaporator and a quiet oscillating fan to distribute air throughout the living space
A refrigerant line-set that is made of insulated copper tubing and is housed in a conduit alongside a power cable, and a condensation drain
A remote control that can be used to set the desired temperature and program for nighttime settings
The system is controlled via remote control that changes temperature and operation mode. Wall-mounted controls are also available.
What are appropriate applications for a ductless system?
Replacing an existing zonal heating system – Ductless systems are ideal for replacing or supplementing inefficient electric baseboard, wall or ceiling units, woodstoves and other space heaters such as propane or kerosene. A cost effective electric heat conversion in a small house might consist of single system serving the main area of the house, while leaving existing electric baseboards in bedrooms and bathrooms.
Room additions – A ductless system can also be implemented when a room is added onto a house or an attic is converted to living space. Rather than extending the home’s existing ductwork or pipes, or adding electric resistance heaters, the ductless sytem can provide efficient heating and cooling.
New construction – New home designs can be adapted to take advantage of a ductless system’s many benefits. One or more systems might be installed in various “zones” of the house to simplify installation and minimize refrigerant line length.
Are ductless systems efficient?
Yes! Ductless systems operate using 25% to 50% less energy than electric resistance and forced air systems. Three key factors account for the high efficiency of a ductless system:
1. Ductless systems allow the user to control each heating/cooling zone independently, eliminating the costly over-heating and cooling common to central air systems. Why pay to heat or cool rooms that are not currently occupied?
2. While central air systems lose as much as 30% efficiency through air leaks and conduction in the ductwork, ductless systems distribute air directly to each zone, resulting in 25% greater efficiency. Ductless systems use inverter-driven, variable speed compressors that allow the system to maintain constant indoor temperatures by running continuously at higher or lower speeds. Thus, the system can ramp-up or down without great losses in operating efficiency, avoiding the energy intensive on/off cycling common in electric resistance and forced air systems.
3. Modern ductless systems have ultra-high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios (SEER) between 16 and 22, and Heating Seasonal Performance Factors (HSPF) between 8.5 and 11.
What is the history of split-ductless?
At the end of World War II, modern residential air conditioning was widely introduced abroad by the United States. But typical central systems with bulky sheet metal ductwork, as well as window-type units, were not practical in many other countries, particularly in Japan, where building methods and lack of space made them unworkable. These practical concerns plus the high postwar energy costs in that country created the demand for a ductless design (also called "mini-splits" ): a cooling system that was quiet, energy efficient and easy to build into existing houses.
How Does Ductless Air Conditioning Work?
As the name implies, ductless air conditioning systems are those that do not rely on ductwork to deliver cool air. A ductless air conditioning system consists of two major parts: a small indoor air delivery unit and a larger outdoor compressor unit. On the inside of a room, the indoor component is installed near the ceiling on an exterior wall. Holes must be made through the wall to the outside, and refrigerant lines must be fed through these holes. The refrigerant lines connect to the outdoor compressor, which typically sits on a level concrete slab on the ground. The outdoor compressor is connected to a source of electricity.
Explain Ductless Air Conditioning Cooling Process
When a ductless air conditioning system is turned on, the compressor and refrigerant stored in the outdoor unit begin working together to create cool air. Cooled air and electricity are then pumped out of the outdoor unit, along a series of refrigerant lines, into the indoor unit. The electricity delivered to the indoor unit powers a fan, which blows and distributes the cooled air throughout the room in which the system is installed. Hot air inside the room is also pumped out through the indoor units and refrigerant lines, as well as condensation that collects inside the indoor unit because of the cool air.
What are components of Ductless Split System?
A ductless air conditioning system takes up very little room inside your home. It is referred to as mini split or a ductless split system because it consists of two components:
A compressor unit that is installed outside your home on a concrete slab
An indoor unit that contains a fan, which is installed near the ceiling on an exterior wall in the area to be cooled
Copper refrigerant lines connect the two units through holes that are drilled and run through the wall. Electricity is supplied to the indoor unit from the outdoor unit, so no additional wiring is need in that room.
How is a Split Air Conditioner Different From Other A/C Units?
A split air conditioner does not require major installation work because it does not require ductwork. Rather, the indoor and outdoor units are connected with a set of electrical wires and tubing. This is good for your wallet and the environment. The ductwork required for many traditional A/C units generally increases energy expenditures, as many centralized A/C units lose a lot of energy due to heat exchange in the air duct system. So, without a duct system, there is very little opportunity for heat or energy loss in a split air conditioner system.
Which Air conditioner is preferable – Window or Split AC?
Both types of ACs offer different features and advantages to the users.
Window AC
Comes in the form of a single box. It is easy to fit on a window or wall frame. This costs lesser than Split AC, but is slightly noisier than Split AC. Not much scope for aesthetics – internally and externally for the building.
Split AC
There are two units – one Indoor and the other Outdoor unit – in the Split AC.
This is slightly costlier than Window AC, but is silent and has quiet operation. Copper tubings, electrical cable and the drain pipe need to be connected to the Indoor unit and will need a suitable size hole in the wall. Installation requires more time and additional work, compared to window AC. Excellent aesthetics internally and externally. The Indoor units come in a wide choice of colors and designs for the users to choose from.
|
Split Air Conditioner Maintenance Checklist
The easiest way to make sure that your home ac maintenance is done correctly is to have it performed regularly by a qualified, professional air conditioning specialist.
• Inspection of coolant levels and pressure
• Calibration of thermostat and check of proper cycle and temperature
• Inspection of wiring, contacts, capacitors and relays, adjusting and tightening if necessary
• Checking the evaporator coil for cleanliness
• Checking that the condensate drain is clear
• Condenser inspection and cleaning
• Inspection of the outdoor disconnect
• Examination of the condenser fan motor and blades, and lubricating them if needed
• Checking the condenser amps at startup
• Safety and efficiency checks
How to Clean Home Ducts and Vents?
Over time the air ducts in a home build up with dust, debris and mold. Removing these contaminants provides your home with cleaner air and make your heating and cooling systems run more efficiently. This job is best left to a professional service who has the necessary equipment.
Instructions:
Cut two access panels-one in the main supply and one in the main return line near the furnace.
Attach a high-powered and specially-made vacuum system to these holes.
Seal all vents in the home then power up the vacuum to create negative pressure in the duct system.
Open each vent, one at a time to access its ductwork. Clean debris from all the ductwork back to the furnace using long hoses and air-powered tools. Then re-seal the vent. Repeat this process with every vent in the house.
Access and clean the blower and its motor, the cooling coil and combustion components.
Remove the vacuum and re-seal the holes created in Step 1.
|
 |
Are Split AC Weather Resistant?
Don't worry about the need to cover the outdoor unit during snow or harsh weather conditions. Split air conditioner units are built to endure under such conditions with no problems. In fact, you could ruin the unit if you tried to cover it during snow or rain.
Can the distance between indoor and outdoor be more than 25 ft. ?
1. Is it ok to extend it upto 90 ft? YES IT IS. But it depends upon the brand and product you buy, they vary from product to product.
2. What kind of pipe extentions or what quality do I need? Either solder silver the new copper lines on or flair with a coupling.
3. Where will I get this quality from? home depot? YES, Home depot or any plumbing supply store.
|