Fossil fuel prices will keep climbing and there is nothing that can be done. Except, maybe, by changing our choices in terms of what we use. To combat the high cost of comfort, many homeowners are looking into getting a ductless heat pump. This is mainly to keep costs down, especially during winter. With other types of heat pumps, particularly those that are powered by gas and fuel oil, homeowners cringe at the thought of paying a high cost for keeping their homes warm.
We used propane-powered heating in the past and we even have our very own corn burner. However, that only provides supplemental heat. It does not produce enough heat to sufficiently keep our home warm and comfortable.
We do have access to a hot water heater, but we do not have forced air, which means our options for heating and cooling are rather limited. Thankfully, we discovered the ductless heat pump.
Energy-Efficient Heating
A mini ductless system is the best solution for many homes, including ours. Ductless systems have become increasingly popular because they offer solutions for certain situations that other types of heating systems cannot.
I am quite familiar with this type of technology. For many years, I have learned of and heard about the advantages of heat pumps. Many friends who run HVAC businesses promote the use of ductless heat pumps. Not much actually changed from the time ductless heat systems first became available in the market during the 70s, except for the increase in the prices of fuel and heating costs.
Heat pumps have a number of benefits. Here are just a few of the advantages that I know they have, based on my experience.
Fast and Easy Installation
Mini ductless heat pumps are easy to install. We found that out as a pleasant surprise, given that our home does not come with a ductwork system. This was the best solution for us because ductless systems are designed to work in structures that do not have ducts. As such, a ductless system is the only solution for older homes, particularly those that were not built to accommodate vents for forced air systems. Ductless systems are also the perfect choice for small apartments and room additions where the installation of ductwork is not feasible.
Another top-notch benefit that I love about a ductless heat system is that they allow you to set different temperature zones in a home and control each one independently. In fact, you could even set these zones to turn on or off at specific times.
This type of technology also lets you enjoy heat during winter and cool air during summer. You could say that the ductless heat system works similarly to a refrigerator in that it eliminates warm air from the outside air before pushing it inside the home to heat it.
A mini ductless heat unit is composed of two major parts – the outside unit and the inside unit. The outside unit, which resembles a small central A/C, is installed outdoors. The inside unit looks like a baseboard heater and is naturally placed indoors, usually installed high up on the wall. The indoor and outdoor units are connected by a wire. The outside unit should also be placed not more than 50ft. away from the indoor unit.
Cost-Saving
With programmable features at the tip of your fingers, you get to enjoy more cost savings using ductless heat pumps than any other type of heating system. Here’s a look at how it works.
So let’s say you intend to stay out for a day. Since you will not be at home, you really do not need to heat or cool your home while you are out. With a ductless heat system, you can program the temperature using a remote control, then set it to turn on a few minutes before you go home. That way, you go home to a nice, comfortable house.
Since it is programmable, the ductless heat pump will turn on by itself. This is the feature I love the most. Of course, other central heating systems can be programmed as well, but most of them do not offer zoning.
With zoning, you can turn off the system within, say, a guest room, or you can turn the temperature down if you want. You can change the temperature or turn it off in other zones as well, such as the attic, the bedroom, the kitchen, etc.
When you do not use energy to warm/cool an area, you do not pay for it. As a result, the savings you get is money you save. Estimates claim a drop in energy consumption with the use of a ductless system to be at most 60%. That is more than half of the cost you pay each month, and it’s money that goes back into your pocket.
Local Availability
Anything that increases in popularity is a sign that the free market is working as it should. This is why the number of companies that sell and install mini ductless heat pumps is increasing. If you want a ductless heat pump installed, your local HVAC contractor could likely help, but there are options you can explore.
First, you can have these units shipped via UPS. They are compact units and lightweight, which means you could order them online and have one shipped directly to your door. We discovered some companies selling ductless heat pumps online that manufacture them according to certain specifications. They also import excellent quality and high-value units.
Research and Reviews Help
We suggest that you do your research and use online resources to help you with your decision. You could compare different companies and their brands, models, and types. Many of these companies have been doing business for many years.
Next, check out independent review websites to determine which companies and brands offer the best deals. Once you have zeroed in on the best candidates, call up someone at the company’s customer service department and talk to them about your concerns. A company’s customer service department says a lot about them, which is why I get in touch before buying.
After you have made your choice and your order has arrived, always check and inspect the box, along with the unit and its parts for damage. If you find any issues, call up the company for questions and requests for repair or replacement.
Before installing the unit, make sure to read the Owner’s/User’s Manual thoroughly. Make sure you understand how the unit works so you know exactly what to do with it.
With enough care, effort, and a good understanding of the product, you will be enjoying clean, quiet, and highly efficient zone heating with your new ductless heat pump in no time.
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