A-1 Mechanical Blog: Archive for the ‘Ductless’ Category

5 Benefits of Ductless Mini Split Systems

Monday, July 3rd, 2023

If your home has a central air conditioner, you’re still probably familiar with ductless cooling systems. Perhaps a friend or relative owns one or maybe you’ve rented a place on Airbnb or been in a shop that had an air conditioner mounted on the wall. 

This type of air conditioner is called a ductless mini split. It’s actually a 2-in-1 system that not only provides cooling, but can heat a home as well. If you’re considering AC installation and are curious about these systems, read on to learn the 5 benefits of ductless mini split systems.

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What Is the Cost of a Ductless Heating and Cooling System?

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022

How Do Ductless Systems Work?

Ductless

As their name suggests – ductless heating and cooling systems do not require ductwork to move air throughout your home. Instead of ductwork, mini-split systems use indoor air handling units. These devices are installed on the walls of rooms, allowing each room to be controlled separately from one another.

Any room with an air handler on the wall can create its own temperature “zone”; each “zone” is fully capable of its own temperature control. When paired with a heat pump,homeowners can heat and cool any room in their home separately from the rest. One ductless unit can accommodate several indoor units.

How Much Does a Ductless System Cost?

The total cost of a ductless HVAC unit can vary widely, and several factors need to be considered. Through our research, the cost can range anywhere from under $3,000 to over $8,000 per ductless system.

While that is a rather extensive range of prices, many variables can affect the price. Here are a few factors that need to be considered when determining the cost of a ductless heating and cooling system.

Manufacturer

Much like any other household appliance you buy, the brand of the unit itself will be a significant factor in the overall price. As a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, we are proud to offer a full line of Carrier heat pumps and ductless systems, which are considered some of the most reputable HVAC products on the market.

Total Space

One of the most significant factors that can raise or lower the cost of a ductless system installed in your home is how much area you need to be covered and the square footage of your home. Installing a unit in just one room will be a vastly different cost than outfitting an entire house for heating and cooling. If you plan on using your ductless system for both heating and cooling, you will need an outdoor compressor/condenser in addition to the indoor unit in the rooms you want to be covered. This will add to the overall cost as well.

Energy Efficiency of the Unit

Many homeowners are switching to a ductless system for their energy-saving abilities. This does come with a cost. The higher the SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio), the more efficient the unit will be and the more expensive it will be.

Additional Fees

You also need to keep in mind any additional work the installation company may have to do. If you have an old HVAC system installed, it will take time and resources to have it completely removed from your home. While this typically will not be a significant charge, it can still affect the overall price and should be considered.

Benefits of a Ductless System

After seeing the various things that can affect the cost of a ductless mini-split system, you are probably wondering if you should make the switch. Ductless systems have a ton of benefits that homeowners love.

Some benefits of a ductless system include:

  • Lower monthly energy bills from increased efficiency
  • More eco-friendly
  • Heating and cooling in one system (when installed with a heat pump)
  • Easy and fast installation, when you work with the right team
  • Improved indoor air quality


Contact A-1 Mechanical Today to Learn More!

If you are ready to make the switch and upgrade your home’s heating and cooling with a ductless system, ensure you are working with a team you can trust! We provide quality repair and installation services for all indoor and outdoor units.

At A-1 Mechanical, we pride ourselves on our high level of service and customer service. As the area’s leading authority on ductless systems, there is no better company to work with. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact us today!

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What Are the Benefits of Carrier Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems?

Thursday, October 14th, 2021
Carrier Mini split

Mini split HVAC systems have been around for decades, but they are growing in popularity throughout the Grand Rapids and Lansing area. Ductless mini split HVAC systems are highly versatile and great for energy savings. If you’re considering a mini split for your Michigan home, learn why Carrier ductless heating and cooling systems are the top choice for performance and savings!

What’s So Great About Carrier Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems?

The Carrier brand has long been one of the most well-known and trusted names in the heating and cooling industry. In fact, founder Willis Carrier is credited as the father of modern air conditioning! For over 100 years, the company has established a solid reputation for reliable, high-performance heating and cooling equipment for homes and businesses alike.

A-1 Mechanical is a proud Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, bringing quality Carrier HVAC equipment solutions to homeowners throughout the area. We offer a wide selection of Carrier ductless heating and cooling systems, with heat pumps that achieve up to 42 SEER and 15 HSPF so you can enjoy substantial energy savings!

A variety of equipment options are available including wall-mounted and in-ceiling air handling units so we can configure Carrier ductless heating and cooling systems to fit the exact needs of your home and household. No matter what your budget, we have ductless solutions that will improve comfort in one area or across your entire home.

Benefits of Ductless Mini Split Installation

Carrier ductless HVAC systems differ from the conventional forced air furnaces and central air conditioning systems many homeowners are used to. Instead of using a central indoor unit and ducts to deliver conditioned air across the home, ductless mini splits have dedicated air handling units that are installed in each zone of the home. No ducts are needed as heated or cooled air is sent directly into the targeted space by each unit.

Installing a ductless mini split system, including Carrier ductless HVAC systems, can bring many advantages to Michigan homeowners. Some of the benefits you’ll enjoy from a ductless mini split HVAC system include:

  • Zoned comfort. With individual air handlers installed in specific areas of the home, heating and cooling in each space can be controlled independently of all other rooms. These systems give homeowners and their families the ability to set temperatures to everyone’s unique preferences, without affecting comfort levels across the entire home.
  • Energy savings. Thanks to their supreme energy efficiency and the advantages of zoned comfort, Carrier ductless heating and cooling systems help homeowners save on energy bills compared to using ducted conventional HVAC equipment. Seeing as most homes have 20 to 30 percent energy loss through duct leaks, there’s an immediate savings when you go ductless! When replacing a forced air HVAC system, expect to save between 30 to 40 percent on your energy costs.
  • Easy installation and versatility. One ductless heat pump unit can support multiple indoor air handlers, giving homeowners the flexibility to add efficient heating and cooling in specific areas or throughout the house. Without the need for ducts, Carrier ductless heating and cooling systems can be installed rather quickly. Air handling units are connected to the outdoor heat pump via a line set that runs through an exterior wall, requiring a hole only about 3 inches in diameter.
  • Better indoor air quality. By eliminating air circulation through dusty, dirty ductwork, Carrier ductless heating and cooling systems can deliver better indoor air quality versus ducted systems. Air handlers have dedicated filters that require minimal routine maintenance to preserve air quality and performance.


Learn More About Carrier Ductless Systems for Your Home

A Carrier ductless heating and cooling system brings unmatched versatility and energy savings to homes in Lansing and Grand Rapids. As your Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, A-1 Mechanical brings you the finest equipment solutions and installation workmanship so you can reap the benefits of your new system in no time. Contact us today and request an estimate for installation to see how a new ductless HVAC system can bring comfort and so much more to your family!

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Common Questions About Ductless Mini Split Systems

Monday, May 4th, 2020
Ductless Mini Split

Ductless mini split HVAC systems are becoming more popular in homes throughout Grand Rapids thanks to their versatility, efficiency and other great benefits. However, many homeowners are still reluctant to consider this option for their homes because they’re simply not familiar with them. By answering some common ductless mini split questions, we hope it’s easier to see that this system type could be a great solution for your home.

How Does a Ductless Mini Split Work?

Most of us are used to central heating and cooling systems, which is why many people ask us how ductless mini splits work. A ductless system features two main components – indoor air handlers and an outdoor heat pump or air conditioner. Systems commonly feature multiple air handlers connected to an outdoor unit through a line set.

Ductless mini splits have dedicated air handlers installed in each area of the home, which create the ability for zoned comfort. Each one is controlled individually and independently. As such, efficiency can be improved by cutting waste, and comfort accounts for everyone’s preferences and the needs of a space without affecting temperatures across the home. Basements, garages or new home additions can use a single-zone mini split system if they want just that area to receive heating and air conditioning.

What Type of Homes Use Ductless Mini Splits?

Common questions about ductless mini split concern the versatility of the system. A ductless system is extremely versatile and can go where forced air systems often can’t due to space or cost considerations because of lacking ductwork.

Ductless systems are a great solution for scenarios such as:

  • Homes with no existing ductwork
  • Homes where there is not enough space to install a new duct system
  • Providing heating and cooling in a space not connected to the central air distribution system, like a recently finished attic or basement
  • In new additions where the cost of expanding the current central system to serve the area would be cost prohibitive
  • In areas of a home where supplemental heating and air conditioning is needed
  • In garages or outbuildings

How Efficient Are Ductless Systems?

Because there are no ducts involved with these systems, energy waste can be curbed as much as 30 percent compared to an average home with ducts. This is because most duct systems allow for significant heating and cooling loss through air leaks. Plus, the systems offer great energy efficiency ratings.

Is the Indoor Unit Big?

Interior aesthetics are important to homeowners, so questions about equipment are common. While there are a number of different interior air handler units, the units do have some size, but they’re not nearly as big as, say, a furnace sitting in your living room. Interior units come in a variety of finishes and are installed high on walls, so they can blend with your interiors. Some units are even set within the ceiling, so they really don’t detract from the look of the space at all.

How Much Do Ductless Systems Cost?

The cost of a ductless system depends on many things, such as how many indoor units need to be supported. The cost to install a ductless system across an entire home typically is far more than simply upgrading the central units if a home is already equipped with central HVAC. However, their efficiency cuts operating costs, generating savings over time.

A-1 Mechanical Answers Your Ductless Mini Split Questions

If you have more ductless mini split questions, our knowledgeable team is happy to provide you with answers. Let’s chat about our ductless heating and cooling options and if this system type may be right for your Grand Rapids area home – contact us today.

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