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The Best Ductless Mini Split Systems 2020

Each year the demand for mini-split ACs and heat pumps continues with double-digit growth because the equipment is reliable, cost-effective, and offers flexible installation options. But what are the best brands to consider when purchasing a mini-split system? This guide covers the cold-climate mini-split system, the top ductless HVAC brands for a single zone, multiple zones, and a newer type of heat pump. The units on this top ductless HVAC list aren’t necessarily the most effective but the most reliable. They are the mini-split heat pumps that give you lasting efficiency that you can count on for 15-20 years or longer.

Best Single Zone Ductless Mini Split Units

An outdoor unit (condensing unit) with one indoor unit (evaporator/air handler) is a single-zone system. The zone may be a simple little bedroom or office, or anything as big as a spacious living room or garage or shared workspace. Units range from 9,000 to 24,000 BTU.

In short, single-zone units are used for spaces ranging from under 100 to over 1,000 square feet.

#1 – Mitsubishi MUZ-FH:

Each mini-split retailer sells Mitsubishi for a reason. The company has a reputation for excellent efficiency and longevity. The MUZ-FH is a super-efficient series available in various sizes with an indoor wall mount package compatible with each.

  • -effective in extreme cold
  • -48db operation
  • -works with a range of indoor units
  • -Hot-start technology waits until the indoor coil is hot before the blower starts
  • -3D i-see sensor scans the room and directs air to hot/cold spots where AC or heating are needed


Fujitsu

#2 – Fujitsu General Halcyon Wall Mounted RLF/RLX Series:

Fujitsu is one of the most respected names in mini split technology. The 12,000 BTU system provides 23 SEER/10.6 HSPF performance and loads of features:

  • -24-hour timer with sleep function
  • -Wireless remote
  • -55-decibel outdoor unit
  • -Advanced humidity control in AC mode
  • -Heats and cools with variable-capacity inverter technology
  • -Safe restart after a power outage

#3 – Gree Crown+:

Gree is serious about efficiency, as shown by this 30,5 SEER, 10,5 HSPF model and it is not even the most effective heat pump of Gree. It is a cold air source heat pump that effectively heats to -22F, an incredible feat in temperatures. By the way, it’s apparent that Gree licensed its technology to Trane and that says something about quality and reliability on Gree. It’s the whole package for any climate. The Gree Crown+ is full-featured:

  • -Defrosts as needed, rather than continuously, to reduce energy use
  • -RF remote
  • -Heats and cools
  • -Variable-speed, two-stage inverter technology
  • -7-speed fan with 4-way airflow
  • -WiFi-enabled for remote monitoring and control

#4 – LG Art Cool Premier:

This complete system with indoor wall mounting units is not the most powerful of LG, but certainly the most effective.

  • Hot start
  • Auto restart after power outages
  • 24-hour timer and sleep mode
  • 9K (HYV1) and 15K (HYV2) outdoor units with compatible indoor evaporators
  • Advanced dehumidification of 3.2 pints per hour in AC mode
  • Heats in outdoor temps as low as 14F

#5 – Daikin Aurora / 20 Series Wall Mount:

Daikin offers full system heat pumps. This unit is also sold as a hybrid floor-mount. It combines excellent productivity and outstanding results.

  • WiFi-control
  • Wireless remote
  • Inverter swing compressor
  • 49db outdoor, 19db indoor noise
  • Hot start, so no blasts of cold air at the beginning of a cycle
  • Economy mode turns on automatically when the sensor determines the room/zone is empty

Best Multiple Zone Ductless Mini Split Units

These systems have one outdoor unit and 2 or more indoor units with 8 maximum for the largest systems. For instance, an outdoor 36 K unit might accommodate four indoor 9 K units, three indoor 12 K units, two indoor 18 K units, or any other configuration that adds up to 32 K to 38K.

The number can be close if not precise.

#1 – LG Multi VS:

Such models are perfect for efficiency; their reliability is excellent. They are heat pumps with few bells and whistles that work well, and that makes them an excellent value. Four units range from BTU 24,000 to BTU 60,000, or 2 to 5 tons. Features include:

  • Can heat one zone (living space) and cool another (a computer room, for example), transferring heat between them as needed
  • Each indoor unit can be controlled separately with different temperature set points
  • Excellent low-temperature heating to -13F
  • VRF variable-refrigerant flow optimizes efficiency and indoor comfort

#2 – Friedrich J Series:

It is a completely variable system that modulates the power of the compressors and the speed of the fans to maximize climate control. Both the heat pump and cooling-only models support the multi-zone operation.

  • Residential and commercial applications
  • Soft start technology – the fan ramps up slowly to meet AC/heating capacity
  • Electronically adjusted louvers work with sensors to direct air to where it is needed
  • Twin rotary compressors for precise heating and air conditioning
  • 24-hour time with remote
  • Auto restart after a power outage
  • Variable-capacity compressors adjust from lowest to highest capacity in 56 increments to reduce energy waste

#3 – Fujitsu General Halcyon HFI AOU48RLXFZ1:

This advanced technology system provides flexibility in a single system for heating and cooling from 2-8 zones. You determine which places receive heating or air conditioning, and for each one, the climate control is programmed separately. While the capacity of the outdoor unit is 48,000 BTU, a series of indoor units amounting 62,000 BTU can be installed, but both can be running at maximum capacity all the time.

Economy and away modes reduce energy use

  • WiFi monitoring and control
  • Multiple indoor unit options
  • Up to 8 individually controlled zones
  • Ideal for large homes and office settings
  • Central remote-control option

#4 – Daikin MXS Series:

This is an effective and scalable multi-zone split system from a global leader. The Top Attributes of the Daikin MXS Collection are:

  • -Long-lasting, washable filters
  • -Multiple capacity outdoor units and indoor units
  • -Advanced dehumidification in AC mode
  • -Wireless remote with LCD screen
  • -Suitable for light commercial application too

#5 – Mitsubishi MXZ Series

Here’s another impressive series from Mitsubishi Electric. The MXZ Series includes more than 10 outdoor units, each of which can be connected to a full range of indoor floor, wall, and ceiling units, totaling six models. It helps you to customize your HVAC system to suit your exact needs.

  • -All models in the series cool and heat
  • -50db is the quietest model, that’s 3-5db higher than the quietest on the market
  • -Half the models in the series have Hyper Heat technology for heating effectiveness to -13F/-25C
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Before You Buy a Quincy Ductless AC – Read This

Quincy ductless AC systems that are quick to retrofit provide unrivaled operating efficiency and comfort for room-by-room zoning. All air-conditioners utilize the same outdoor components to generate the cold refrigerant inside a home that cools the air. With a ductless AC system, the difference is where that air is cooled and how it is distributed.

Central-air systems carry refrigerant through a network of ducts to a large central air handler, which then blows cool air into the building. Ductless systems pump refrigerant to compact indoor units within individual rooms. Each split AC unit operates as a miniature air handler, which only delivers cold air into its zone when it is needed.

The Cool Difference

Since there are no ducts, there are no air leaks, heat losses, or pressure imbalances in such systems that can compromise the reliability and comfort of a central air setup. And installation is a snap. Fishing a tiny bundle of insulated refrigerant lines through a house is much easier and faster than retrofitting bulky HVAC ducts.

Measuring Quincy Ductless vs. Central-Air

By replacing window AC units with a ductless system, you are likely to save 30 percent of electricity. Coincidentally, thanks to leaky, poorly insulated ductwork, this is also about how much cooling is typically lost in central-air systems.


Quincy Ductless AC

What to Know About Quincy Ductless AC

  • Maintenance: Each month the filter should be removed and cleaned on each indoor unit. Have a refrigerant pressure check technician once a year, and flush condensate lines.
  • Noise: Driven by long-life DC motors, indoor units have whisper-quiet squirrel-cage fans. Decibel ratings are roughly the same as rustling leaves, at around 25.
  • Cost: A single-zone system with one indoor unit, including installation, starts at around $3000. A four-zone system, installed, costs around $12,000
  • Installation: To mount the indoor and outdoor units, you’ll need a pro and you’ll also need to connect the 2 1⁄2-inch bundle of refrigerant lines and electrical cables.
  • Warranties: Coverage ranges from 5 to 12 years but this kind of mechanical equipment can be expected to last 15 to 20 years before it needs replacement.
  • Rebates: A few utilities provide rebates for ductless AC system installation. There are plenty more incentives for heat-pump systems.

Size matters

Beware of installers that use a rule of thumb estimate to size a split AC unit. More often than not, the result is oversized equipment that is expensive to operate and can’t reduce humidity levels effectively. Instead, focus on a heat-load estimate called “Manual J.” This displays system size based on calculations and variables such as temperature, rate of insulation, and exposure to the sun.

Efficiency vs System Cost

All cooling systems have a rating of the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), which compares cooling capacity with the amount of electricity used during a typical cooling season.

The ratings on the systems today range from 13 to 33 SEER. The higher your rating, the more you’re going to pay for your device, and the lower your energy bills are coming in the summer.

Better Air Quality

All indoor split AC units include mesh filters that collect dust. But others, including Mitsubishi Electric’s, also sell enzyme-treated filters for breaking down allergens such as pet dander and dust mites, as well as ceramic filters embedded with platinum catalysts that neutralize odors.

Whole-House Cooling

Ductless systems were at first basic, single-room affairs mostly mounted as replacements for window air conditioners. But now certain outdoor units have grown so powerful that they can supply as many as nine separate indoor units with refrigerants. Surprisingly each device often functions independently in one of these “multi-split” systems. When it comes to custom zoning, it’s hard to top that option.

Heat Pumps: The All-Season Option

When you get a heat pump for the outdoor unit, ductless systems can produce hot and cold air both. Its key component is a reversing valve which switches the refrigerant flow direction to suit the season.

Install FAQs

  • How long does it take?  You can configure a device with a single wall-mounted unit in around 4 hours. Each supplementary unit adds another 2 hours. Ducted and ceiling units are more time-consuming.

The post Before You Buy a Quincy Ductless AC – Read This appeared first on Welcome to Trust1 Services.

Pros and Cons of a Duxbury Ductless Heating and Cooling System

Have you considered going duct-free to heat or cool your space? Get the lowdown on when these systems are the right choice and what to expect when you install them. Duxbury Ductless HVAC (or mini-split) systems are beautifully effective and provide consistent comfort in rooms. Nevertheless, for every homeowner, the decision to build is different.

The Pros of a Duxbury Ductless System

Typically a ductless heat pump or air conditioner consists of a wall-mounted indoor unit combined with an external compressor. It is most often used in a situation where you would consider window AC units or baseboard heating, such as a new addition to a house. Unlike window units, however, ductless systems only require a very small hole to be cut into the wall, making them less vulnerable to air leakage and security issues. These are however less noticeable and less audible.

They are exceedingly energy-efficient too. You lose 25 percent or more of your energy in the average house to ductwork. You’ll end up with a more efficient system by simply removing the ducts. Ductless models also have inverter-driven compressors, which speed up and slow down depending on the system ‘s needs rather than shut down completely like conventional HVAC compressors. During compressor startup, you consume a lot of resources.

Duxbury Ductless AC

One of the advantages of having ductless heating and cooling systems is that they have super-flexible solutions. While traditional heat pumps and central air-conditioning systems force cooled and heated air through ducts, ductless heating and cooling systems directly deliver air into various zones. They consist of a small outdoor unit and one or more indoor units that require nothing but mounting capabilities and electricity access. They can be installed in home additions, new construction, condominiums, and apartments, or to improve temperature control in specific rooms. Ductless systems can even be fit for buildings that currently use ducted forced-air systems.

The Cons of a Duxbury Ductless System

To most homeowners, there are three strikes against ductless: upfront expense, daily maintenance, and aesthetics. There is a fourth factor for those in extremely cold climates: if you want ductless power, you’ll definitely need a fuel-based backup, but some newer models can handle the load even if the time falls below zero.

The ductless units cost many times more than equivalent window units or baseboard heating systems (thousands of dollars versus hundreds) for a single-room solution. And in whole-house terms, if you replace the current central heating/cooling system with a complete ductless solution, you will pay the cost of actually replacing it with another ductless unit two or three times as much. In return, you can get lower energy bills, but the payback period depends on your environment, your device use, and your local electricity prices.

Calculations

To do the calculation it is recommended consulting a professional trade group such as your local chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) or the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES), to find a reputable HVAC contractor. Also, the contractor should be familiar with the system size, and whether ductless heat may require additional support in your area.

You’ll need to wash the filter of each unit monthly to maintain your system (more often if you smoke or have pets). Don’t skip it: ductless fans can’t handle accumulating debris, and if you ignore maintenance and require professional cleaning, you’ll spend hundreds of dollars and possibly shorten your system ‘s life.

Many homeowners hesitate to install ductless due to the fact that the units are not necessarily designed user-friendly. They come in standard white or beige and are not coverable. Ductless customers who are initially hesitant due to aesthetics complain that they forget the device is still there after installation.

What’s the Ideal Situation for Duxbury Ductless

Depending on the construction of your home, ductless systems can make sense for a variety of applications, including full-house heating and refrigeration. But there are certain situations where ductless has a clear advantage:

  • Downsizing efforts for larger homes. A lot of retirees don’t want to heat and cool rooms they don’t use. But sometimes in empty spaces, they shut down HVAC grilles, causing pressure imbalances and molding problems. Installing a ductless system in, say in the master bedroom is far better, and setting the main thermostat of the house to run minimally.
  • New additions: garage apartments, bonus rooms, sunrooms. And man caves. If you smoke cigars in there, you’re not going to share ductwork with the rest of the house.” The main advantage of ductless here is that it will be properly sized for the new space and will not steal air from other rooms or overload your old HVAC.
  • Giving support to a room with specific heating/cooling problems. If you have a tiny kitchen with a giant stove, a southwest view, and big picture windows, a ductless unit will make your July Fourth party far less sweaty without the need to install new ductwork.
  • Serving multiple needs under one roof. Will your family fight over the thermostat all the time? Ductless is perfect for creating separate temperature zones in different rooms, and while in a conventional ducted system, you can add zoning, it won’t be as effective.
  • Adding Duxbury AC to a house with no existing ductwork. Ductless isn’t cheap, but it’s less expensive than adding ductwork to an existing house.

Go with a Good Contractor

Proper sizing and installation of the system is absolutely critical to obtaining the presumed benefits of a ductless system. Given the prospect of a DIY solution, we advise against it as you are likely to void the guarantee. Ductless will never work properly if the system is of the wrong size, the penetration of the wall is not properly sealed or the sensitive electronics are mishandled. And you need to be able to handle the refrigerant according to EPA guidelines.

The extra money you spend on getting a pro doing the job is worth it. Expect the job to take about three to seven hours to install a single unit in a single room (assuming there are no complicated construction problems with your house). Numerous rooms and difficult construction can force up to a week in installation time.

The post Pros and Cons of a Duxbury Ductless Heating and Cooling System appeared first on Welcome to Trust1 Services.

Norwell Ductless AC Systems – Frequently Asked Questions

When you’re selecting an air conditioning system for your home, you want to be certain that you invest in the most dependable, effective model possible. Central air conditioning systems can be an ideal option for most houses, but if you live in an older house that lacks ductwork, installing one of these systems can be both costly and time-consuming.

The best option for houses with no existing air ducts is to install a Norwell ductless AC system, which you may also have heard referred to as a ductless HVAC or ductless mini-split. If you are considering installing a ductless system in your home, you might have questions about these home cooling units, including how they differ from traditional AC systems, and whether they have distinct advantages. Check out this AC FAQ so that you’ll have the details you need to decide if a ductless AC system is right for your home comfort needs.

What is a Norwell Ductless AC System?

A ductless air conditioning system is, as you might be able to tell from its name, a heating and cooling system that can control the temperature in your home without needing ductwork. There are two main components in ductless systems: an outdoor heat pump and an air handling unit that will be installed inside your home.

Norwell Ductless AC Install

How do Do Norwell Ductless AC Systems Work?

Ductless AC systems work in exactly the same way as a conventional heat pump, with no air ducts being used. In the warmer months, the air handler takes the warm air inside your home and passes it over refrigerant-filled evaporator coils. The refrigerant then absorbs heat from the air and channels it into the outdoor unit and out of your house.

That process is reversed during the winter. The outdoor unit absorbs heat from the outside air and then passes that air to your air handler through the refrigerant line, which will blow the warm air into your home. So, what makes a ductless AC system work is heat transfer. Hot air is transferred from your home in the summer, and it is transferred to your home in the winter.

How Are Norwell Ductless AC Systems Installed?

Ductless AC systems are much quicker and easier to install than conventional systems. First, you will need to drill a small hole into your house so you can attach the outdoor unit to the air handler. This hole will usually have a diameter of between two and three inches and will be filled by the outdoor unit once it is installed.

Your outdoor unit will be mounted to your home after the hole has been drilled, and your air handler will then be mounted inside your home, usually near the ceiling. Finally, your indoor and outdoor units will be linked by a conduit that contains the refrigerant line, a power cable, and a condensate drain.

What is Zoned Heating/Cooling?

One of the greatest differences between ductless air conditioning systems and traditional air conditioning systems is that ductless systems are capable of something called zoned heating. This basically means that, instead of controlling the temperature of your entire house, you will heat and cool your home one room at a time.

Norwell Ductless AC Setup

You’ll need to install an air handler in every room with a ductless system that you’ll heat up or cool down. The rooms where you decide to install your air handlers will be your zones. It can be very beneficial to heat and cool your home in zones, both in terms of individual comfort and energy costs.

If there are areas in your house where you don’t spend a lot of time, you don’t have to install an air handler in those rooms, which means you won’t waste money cooling an empty area as you would with a central AC. A ductless system allows each member of your family to enjoy their desired temperature, in terms of comfort. Parents can keep their room colder, for example, while kids can keep their rooms hotter, as each will have their own air handler.

How Much do Norwell Ductless AC Systems Cost to Install?

The cost of installing your ductless air-conditioning system will depend on various factors. Firstly, there is the cost of your outdoor unit, which can depend on both the model you choose and the efficiency of the unit. Of course, more powerful units would be more costly. The total cost of your device will also be determined by the number of indoor units you need. The installation costs will be as the number of air handlers increases.

Finally, how hard it is to install your system will also affect the final costs. Installing a ductless AC system can cost as much as $5,000, which is generally more affordable than installing a central air system.

How Long will a Norwell Ductless System Last?

If you are like most people reading this AC FAQ, you might want to know how long your ductless AC system will last before replacement is needed. The lifespan of your ductless system will depend, as with traditional systems, on numerous factors, including how heavily you use your system and whether you have maintained ongoing maintenance requirements. In most cases, your system should last 20 years, especially if you schedule maintenance from a trusted source on a regular basis.

What are the Advantages of a Ductless AC?

Ductless AC systems deliver a range of advantages that can make them a better option than a central air conditioner. A ductless system has the primary advantage that you don’t need ductwork to heat up or cool your home. In addition to easing the installation, these systems are made more affordable by not needing ductwork. For this reason, ductless systems can be the best option to control the temperature in older homes or in additions that do not typically have pre-existing ducts. Additionally, ductless systems are more effective than central air conditioning systems.

Loss of energy can be a big problem with duct systems and may result in your energy bills increasing. Because ductless systems do not require ducts, there is far less concern about energy loss, improving efficiency, and reducing energy costs. Less noise is yet another advantage of ductless systems. Central air conditioners tend to make a lot more noise than ductless systems, so a ductless unit is the safer option if you want your home to be comfortable and quiet

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