Ductless heating and cooling systems are extremely energy efficient, easy to install, and are becoming very popular in the United States. The leading brands for mini split systems are Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Linux, Carrier, and LG. Many traditional HVAC manufacturers are incorporating a line of ductless heating and cooling systems into their product lineup. Additionally, many local HVAC contractors are becoming adept at installing ductless mini split systems. If you are in the market for an air conditioner or heating system, do not rule out ductless as an option. Get more details here. Not only are these systems perfect for single room applications, they are also fantastic for entire homes.
Table of Contents
- Ductless Cooling Brands
- Ductless Heating Brands
- Guide to Ductless Air Conditioner Installation
- What Are Ductless Minisplits?
- How Much Do Ductless Heating And Cooling Systems Cost?
- How Do Ductless Air Conditioners Work?
- Get The Facts: Ductless AC vs Central Air
Ductless Cooling Brands
There are many brands on the market today for ductless air conditioning. The market leader is Mitsubishi. Having a Mitsubishi ductless air conditioner installed in your home or a Mitsubishi ductless heating system is a great investment. These systems can be installed in as little as a couple hours. Of course, this is for a single head installation where the installation environment is extremely easy. Even in situations where there are multiple heads being installed, the installation is much faster than a traditional central air conditioning system. Mitsubishi offer some of the best service, warranties and online reviews with many customers being satisfied with their ductless cooling system.
Another popular brand of mini split air conditioning is LG. There are many contractors who are experienced with installing LG ductless air conditioner systems. Additionally, customer reviews, Consumer Reports and other peer to peer review networks report a high level of satisfied customers with LG systems. While LG is not as popular as Mitsubishi in the world of mini split ductless air conditioning, they are giving Mitsubishi a run for their money. There are other brands that are also chasing Mitsubishi such as, Fujitsu, Lennox, and Carrier. When considering a brand to choose, always make sure to inspect the past performance of their ductless mini split products as well as the warranty levels, the SEER ratings, the experience that the local HVAC contractor has installing that brand of mini splits, and the overall satisfaction of past customers.
A great way to gauge which system to install or which contractor to utilize is to take a look at ductless air conditioner reviews online. While online reviews are not the only thing to consider or even the primary thing to consider, they do shed insight into how well a ductless heating or cooling system performs. They also shed insight into how well your chosen HVAC contractor works with their customers. In today's day and age, it is easier and easier to gain insight into customer satisfaction of both product line and HVAC service. Be sure to take advantage of this one making an investment in a ductless air conditioner or a traditional central air conditioner system. Other considerations should include a check to make sure that the HVAC contractor is properly licensed, insured and appear professional. Avoid the temptation to purchase the cheapest ductless air conditioning system. Often times they are priced cheap from a non-reputable installer, or an installer that cannot provide post installation service work in a reliable manner. If you need more info related to ductless cooling repairs, click here.
Ductless Heating Brands
Ductless mini split heat pump systems are manufactured by a variety of companies. Some of the leaders are Mitsubishi, Lennox, Carrier, Fujitsu, LG, Rheem, American Standard, Goodman and others. While there are more dealers entering the mini split arena, Mitsubishi is by far the leader. Additionally, Mitsubishi has been manufacturing mini split systems for many decades. They are much more prevalent in Europe and Asia than they are in the United States. However, they are gaining more ground in the US.
Mitsubishi ductless has a track record that is unparalleled compared to the other brands are on the market. It seems as though the other brands are playing catch-up with Mitsubishi. Not only does Mitsubishi offer great technology, they also offer unparalleled level of customer support service as well as HVAC dealer support service. When speaking with many HVAC dealers that install Mitsubishi as well as other brands, many of them rave about the support Mitsubishi provides. This is important when looking at the serviceability of a ductless mini split after it has been installed. Consumers like to know that their HVAC installer has the support of the manufacturer to handle any kind of issues after the fact.
Fujitsu ductless systems are typically less expensive than Mitsubishi however they also do not have the same level support that Mitsubishi offers. With that being said, Fujitsu is making great strides in closing the gap between Mitsubishi and Fujitsu. Fujitsu's level of support as become better in their network of dealers is increasing. Therefore, if consumers are torn between Fujitsu or Mitsubishi and they have an HVAC dealer that is capable of handling both, Fujitsu may be the better alternative when comparing price. However, when comparing price, serviceability, efficiency, warranties and other categories, Mitsubishi may come out on top.
Regardless of the brand of ductless heating system that you install, you will need repair work at some point in the future. Learn more about finding qualified heating repair companies near you.
Guide to Ductless Air Conditioner Installation
Having a mini split system installed in your home is a very simple process. Some do it yourself homeowners may be tempted to try the installation on their own. However, this is not advisable due to the fact that they may void the warranty on the system. A professional HVAC contractor needs to install system and charge it with the refrigerant. For example, a Mitsubishi mini split AC system needs to have refrigerant drawn down from the head to the outdoor unit. This is a process that only licensed HVAC contractors can do. If the homeowner attempts to do this on their own, they will void the warranty from the manufacturer. This is not just a case for Mitsubishi, this applies to most all other brands on the market.
Working with Mitsubishi air conditioner dealers, carrier dealers, Lennox dealers, LG ductless installers is the way to go. In the case of Mitsubishi, look for diamond contractors. These are contractors that have earned an elite status with Mitsubishi through a proven track record. It is always advisable to work with a dealer that has installed many ductless cooling and heating systems. While the installation seems to be simpler than a traditional central air conditioning system, don't let that fool you. There are still many ins and outs that an HVAC contractor has to navigate when installing a system. Additionally, you want to rely on the expertise of your ductless installer to make the process go simply, smooth and quick. In many cases, homeowners that offer the cheapest solution end up spending more in the long run. It is advisable to choose a ductless dealer based on their experience and track record, not the installation quote.
While budget and costs are always important, we cannot emphasize the point from the paragraph before enough. Be sure to select a ductless installation contractor based on the quality of work that they do and not simply their ductless mini split installation cost estimate. To give you an idea of ductless air conditioning costs, the average cost to install a simple mini split AC system ranges between $2000-$2500. Obviously, these costs will vary based on geographic location. It will be more expensive to install a ductless cooling system in a large city such as New York City versus a rural area. This is simply due to the overhead costs of the HVAC contractor. The above quote is only for a single head system. If you are installing ductless cooling or heating in multiple rooms, you will need multiple heads. Therefore, the cost will go up.
What Are Ductless Minisplits?
A ductless mini split heating and cooling system is a type of HVAC system that is extremely energy efficient, quiet, comfortable, and easy to install compared to a central HVAC system. It consists of a wall mounted ductless air conditioner and heater. This component is referred to as the head unit. There is also an outside unit, called a compressor/condenser. The outside unit is connected to the inside head unit with a line set. The line set can be run through a 2 inch diameter hole in the exterior wall of the home. The line set is extremely flexible making it easier to install the systems versus central AC with ductwork. A single outside unit can handle multiple indoor heads.
Ductless heating and cooling systems are excellent choices for homeowners that are looking to create comfortable environments in additions, three season rooms, garages, pool houses, she sheds and other specialty areas. These are also excellent options for whole house air conditioning and heating. Carrier mini split heating and cooling, Lennox, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, LG and all other manufacturers of ductless units will agree that mini split systems are extremely flexible, energy-efficient and comfortable. Thereby, providing homeowners an excellent alternative to the traditional packaged ductwork HVAC systems. These systems are so quiet, often times it is hard to tell that they are running. When comparing manufacturers, be sure to compare SEER values as well as decibel ratings. Also look at options that are available on the handheld thermostats. Some systems offer infra-red tracking to identify hotspots and cold spots in the room based on where people are. Then, the systems provide heating or cooling to minimize those hot and cold spots.
One of the biggest advantages of having a ductless heating and cooling system installed in your house is the ability to offer room by room zone temperature control. This helps to minimize your energy expenses. Mini split heat pump cost to run are are much more advantageous than a traditional central air conditioning and heating system. For example, if you live in a three bedroom house, each bedroom has its own temperature control, the living room has its own control, the kitchen has its own control, etc. If the occupants of the home have different climate control needs, they can control their individual temperature settings based on the rooms that they are occupying at that moment. Additionally, mini split systems are extremely energy efficient. So much so, that they qualify for many federal and state energy efficient rebates and tax credits.
How Much Do Ductless Heating And Cooling Systems Cost?
Many homeowners often ask how much does it cost to install ductless heating? It is hard to give an exact estimate without specifics of the installation location. With ductless heating and cooling systems, you may be discussing the installation for a single room or for an entire house. In broad terms, installation costs will vary from $2000 up to $5000 or more depending on how large the project is. One of the main cost factors is the number of interior wall mounted heads to be installed. One exterior unit can power multiple interior heads. Therefore, you cannot simply double the price if you're discussing a two-hit installation versus a single head insulation. That is because the material cost are less than double since you are only adding a second head. Additionally, the installation labor is not twice the amount. The best course of action is to contact your local HVAC contractor to get an in person estimate.
Many customers also asked how much does it cost to install a ductless air conditioning system? The same advice applies in this scenario as in the prior paragraph. The cost difference between a ductless air conditioning system versus a ductless heating system versus a system that handles both heating and cooling is not very different. In fact, to install a Mitsubishi hyper heat ductless heating and air conditioning system is only a few hundred dollars more than if you were to just install a Mitsubishi ductless air conditioner. We recommend that customers opt for heat pumps that are configured for both air-conditioning and heating at the time of installation.
Since Mitsubishi is the leader in the ductless heating and cooling category, Mitsubishi air conditioner prices may be higher than some of their competitors. Fujitsu offers a very comparable ductless air conditioning system at a price point that is slightly less than Mitsubishi. The same can be said for Lenox heating and cooling systems. However, there is a reason why Mitsubishi is the leader. It is due to the quality of product that they provide in the support that they offer in terms of warranty and manufacturer support to the dealers.
How Do Ductless Air Conditioners Work?
Ductless air conditioning systems are based on heat pump technology. They are powered by electricity, not by natural gas, propane or oil. The systems are comprised of an in wall a c unit, and exterior compressor or condenser unit and a line set that connects the wall unit to the exterior unit. Since there is no ductwork to speak of, there is no loss of air-conditioned air through ducts. The efficiency levels of mini split ductless systems are extremely high, especially compared to the traditional central air conditioning systems that require ductwork. Another primary advantage of installing a mini split system is the fact that they can be installed in properties where ductwork is not an option. This is true for older, historic properties as well as old stone farmhouse style properties.
Many more traditional HVAC companies are becoming more adept at installing ductless air conditioners. Many split systems can also be utilized in commercial settings. In fact, it is very common to notice ductless heating and cooling systems installed in restaurants. This is probably due to the fact that these systems operate so quietly that they are hardly noticed. They are also mounted on the wall so as not to take up valuable floor space. The installation of ductless heating and cooling systems is also extremely easy. Thereby, making it a great option for both commercial and residential applications.
The other advantage of using ductless mini split systems is the fact that they are, by nature, multi-zone. Mitsubishi mini split multi zone systems are individual head wall units installed in separate rooms. As previously mentioned, these head units can be powered by a single exterior condenser/compressor unit. Each interior wall unit has its own thermostat for temperature controls specific to the room that it is installed in. Additionally, more advanced ductless systems have the technology to sense if people are in the room. They also have the technology to sense temperature increases or decreases and adjust accordingly. With these types of advancements coupled with the high SEER ratings and energy efficiency, it is no wonder that homeowners love mini split ductless heating and cooling systems once they are installed.
Get The Facts: Ductless AC vs Central Air
When building a new home, contractors or homeowners are faced with the decision of utilizing a traditional central air conditioning and heating system versus ductless minisplits. Central HVAC systems require a complex schematic of ductwork and controls. All of these route back to the central HVAC system that is usually placed in the basement or in the attic of the property. The maze of ductwork takes up valuable interior space and also becomes a problem in the future if changes are needed. Conversely, ductless mini splits do not require any type of ductwork. The only space requirements to connect the interior wall mount unit to the exterior is a 2 inch diameter hole drilled through the exterior wall of the house. This whole is to accommodate the line set that connects the wall mount unit to the exterior condenser. The line set can be run inside of walls or surface mounted to the interior or exterior. This provides ultimate flexibility in the installation of a mini split unit.
When purchasing a ductless heating and cooling system, it is wise to check out the Consumer Reports. Mini split reviews Consumer Reports are a great way to identify which brand of equipment to install. One of the best things to look at is to identify which brands have lower breakage rates and higher overall owner satisfaction rates. Of course, you also limit compare the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). This gives a relative measure of efficiency from brand to brand. Systems with a higher SEER rating have higher efficiencies. Consequently, systems that have higher efficiencies will utilize less energy and cost less to operate over the long run. Finding a brand that has the best efficiency ratings, best overall owner satisfaction rates and lowest breakage rates will produce the best choice for your home or office ductless heating and cooling system.
In addition to looking at Consumer Reports, homeowners can also look at online reviews to help guide them in their decision. Ductless heat pump reviews that are found online are a good indication for general research. However, more due diligence is required. Online reviews are good for a general barometer but we recommend diving deeper in your research process. Following the guidelines that are outlined previously in this article are a good way to ensure that you find the best ductless heatpump heating and cooling system for your individual needs. We also recommend that you contact a reputable HVAC dealer with good standing from the manufacturer that they represent. Our recommendation is to contact a Mitsubishi diamond dealer for your next ductless heating and/or cooling system.