Is a Ductless Mini Split Right for Older Homes?
There are numerous benefits to living in an older home such as its unique character and backstory. However, one of the primary challenges of living in older homes is that they can be notoriously difficult to heat and cool.
This is largely because older homes are designed in such a way that adding or modifying existing HVAC components can be a costly endeavor. Fortunately, a ductless mini split system can make it easy to keep your home comfortable throughout the year.
Challenges with Older Homes
The main challenge with older homes is that they tend to be poorly insulated and drafty. This means that warm air is allowed to escape in the winter and cool air is allowed to escape in the summer. Ultimately, your home is too cold during the winter season and too hot and humid during the summer months.
You may also notice that certain parts of the house are warmer or cooler than others. Uneven heating and cooling can lead to higher utility bills and undue wear on HVAC components because you need to run your furnace or air conditioner for hours on end. In some cases, this still isn’t sufficient to reach your desired temperature in whatever space you happen to occupy.
Enter the Ductless Mini Split
A mini split system enables you to overcome many obstacles associated with traditional heating and cooling systems. For instance, it is a self-contained product that hangs from the wall or ceiling of a given space. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about adding ducts or remodeling your home to achieve your comfort goals.
This type of product is typically a foot wide about two feet tall, and that makes it perfect for a typical bedroom, family room or den. Although they don’t do a great job of cooling an entire home on their own, you can combine multiple units to create a zoned heating or cooling system throughout the house.
Why Ductless Mini Splits Are Ideal for Older Homes
The primary benefit of a mini split AC or heating system is that you don’t need ducts. Eliminating the need for ducts means no need to tear down walls or to take other actions that are expensive and take away from the overall character of the home.
A ductless AC and heating system is more efficient compared to traditional products. You’ll also notice that they are quieter and easier to maintain. Typically, a ductless system lasts for about a decade without much issue.
The use of a mini split system also means that you can create zoned heating or cooling throughout your house. A zoned system can be ideal if you have kids or live with elderly parents who want it warmer or cooler than you might prefer. It can also help to ensure that spaces aren’t warmed or cooled when no one is occupying them.
Consider Getting Help to Install Your System
The installation of the indoor unit is relatively easy as you just need to find a place large enough to hang it without interference from other objects. However, you may want to hire a professional to assist with installing the outside unit.
This is because it requires the installation of refrigerant lines and other components that you might not have a lot of experience with. Hiring a professional is also ideal if you lack the tools or time to do the job safely and properly.
A professional may also be able to help you pick a suitable location for the outdoor unit. Ideally, it will be in an area that has sufficient ventilation and is easy to access.
Why a Mini Split System Is Worth the Investment
Perhaps the only true drawback to a mini-split system is that there is a significant upfront investment. However, over time, you’ll get that money back through lower energy bills and other savings.
For example, the fact that a mini-split has fewer parts than a traditional system means that you’ll spend less on cleaning and other routine maintenance. It’s also less likely that something will break that you’ll need to pay to fix.
The presence of a mini-split system may also increase the value of your property. If you’re planning on selling the house, a buyer will appreciate being able to heat or cool the home without a lot of hassle.
If you’re planning to rent it, a tenant may be willing to pay more for a home that has a mixture of classic charm and modern creature comforts. Either way, your decision to opt for a ductless product will likely pay for itself over its useful life.
Ideal Situations for Older Homes
The use of ductless heating and cooling systems are the ideal solution for those who want to upgrade their homes in an affordable and responsible way. It’s important to note that modern ductless indoor units are designed to blend into their surroundings.
Therefore, you likely won’t notice them while going about your daily life, which means that it won’t take away from the overall aesthetic of the property. It’s also worth noting that you may be able to increase the amount of living space with a ductless heating and cooling system.
This is because you can now heat or cool a basement, attic or other previously unused space. This may allow you to use it as a storage area, a place for the kids to hangout or as extra space to rent to defray your cost of living.
Removing the needs for ducts, a new furnace or other bulky equipment makes a mini-split option ideal for those who own older homes. In addition to preserving the charm of your home, you can improve its energy efficiency and perhaps increase its value. If you are ready to install a new heating and cooling system, call the folks at Lakeland One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating today. Remember, we are on time or you don’t pay a dime for our services.