Ductless Systems

The record-breaking, sweltering heat wave that the Southern United States experienced this summer season may have some home-owners rethinking their cooling options. They may be looking for more zoning control or to cool a part of the home that their central air conditioning unit doesn't reach, like an attic that's been converted into an office space or bedroom. Or perhaps they don't have a central air conditioner at all because they live in a home that was built before it became a standard option. In this era of energy efficient yet affordable options, homeowners may want to consider getting a ductless or mini-split system for their homes.

It's an ideal solution for those looking to cool or heat an addition to their home or a home without pre-existing ductwork, which should serve as a reminder to wholesalers when they make suggestions to their dealers. HVACR Distribution Business magazine interviewed three ductless manufacturers to find out the latest equipment and trends in whole house ductless systems.

Latest Equipment

“Our whole house solution revolves around our flex-multi system,” says Don Wojcik, national distribution manager for LG Residential. “You can have up to four zones on a system, which gives instant zoning, excellent dehumidification and a very quiet system that reduces noise pollution.” Wojcik explains that there is minimal invasiveness with installation, and the system has nominal maintenance.

Marc Zipfel, director of product marketing at Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating, says that Mitsubishi offers a zoned-house solution that can connect up to eight zones and is popular for renovations. “It works across a number of applications, like retrofit or renovation, and also conversion of an unused space like an attic or a room in a house with ‘empty nesters.’ If they have a kid go off to college, why keep heating and cooling a room that's not occupied? They can use this system to adapt to that space and turn it off when the room is not in use. They save money and gain additional control through using a zoned-house system.”

Daikin AC offers a new generation two-port, three-port and four-port multisplit system that, according to Marc Bellanger, residential product manager for Daikin AC, can serve up to four rooms and has more than 200 possible combinations. “Our choices include: wall mount units, all slim duct units or a combination of both. With energy efficiency up to SEER 19.5, these systems will enhance the comfort of any home and be easier on electric bills,” Bellanger says.

Why Choose Ductless?

“A homeowner should go for a nonducted solution wherever the house has limited space for ductwork. With this type of application, only a small set of cooling copper pipes would be running through the house,” Bellanger says.

“With the resurgence of purchasing and renovation of an older home, many homes don't have existing ductwork,” Zipfel says. “Rather than putting holes in walls and trying to run ducting or tearing up floors to run ducting and ventilation from a central air package, this is a really great solution because it can address individual room needs, and it's a cost savings because you don't have the labor costs associated with ripping things out and reinstallation.”