Making up your mind on what kind of heating and cooling system to install in your rental property can be challenging. The choice for most rental property owners is between a ducted system and a ductless one.
For many landlords, says LeenanProperties.com, a ducted system is the preferred choice and some owners whose rental properties were originally designed for ducted systems are upgrading to ductless heating and cooling systems.
What are a ductless heating and cooling system and why is it better for your rental property?
Ducted heating and cooling systems
Ducted heating and cooling systems have their main parts located far away from the rooms that are being heated. Heated or cooled air is circulated through the building via a system of ducts. These ducts open into outlets or vents that are strategically placed through the entire building.
Ductless heating and cooling systems
These do not have a central indoor air handler like a ducted system. In its place, multiple air handlers are installed at strategic points throughout the building. Refrigerant is sent directly to these units and they handle the task of removing or supplying the heated and cooled air.
Ductless heating and cooling systems (also known as mini-split units) have a few important advantages over ducted systems. Below are some of the reasons to consider upgrading your rental property to a ductless heating and cooling system.
Benefits of ductless heating and cooling systems
- Flexibility
In terms of the ability to create multiple temperature zones in the building, mini-split units offer more flexibility. A single outdoor unit can have as many as four indoor air handling/distribution units which can be located in different rooms or areas of the home or office.
Each unit can be controlled separately, making it easy to create different cooling zones with that one single outdoor compressor/condenser unit. This is possible because each indoor unit has its own thermostat and room occupants have the freedom to decide the temperature settings they want.
- Ease of installation
Installing a ductless heating and cooling system is easier because you can avoid the laborious and costly work of installing ducts across the entire building. To set up a mini system, you simply need a connection between the indoor and outdoor units.
This is usually a simple conduit pipe inserted through a three-inch hole in the wall. The compressor/condenser unit may be installed as much as 50 feet away from the indoor unit; all that is needed is a conduit pipe that is extra long.
- Energy efficiency
Given that they do not have ducts, opportunities for energy losses are minimal with a ductless system. Over 30% of the heat or cold generated by ducted systems is lost as the air travels through the ductwork.
The heat loss is worse if the ducts pass through rooms that are not being cooled. Ducted systems have to work harder to deliver the same level of cooling as ductless systems. More work means more energy used and more money spent on heating and cooling.
- Optimized cooling
A ductless system gives room occupants the chance to vary the level of cooling their room receives. They can customize the thermostat settings to raise or lower the temperature.
This is something that is not possible with ducted systems, where all rooms are cooled to more or less the same temperature. A ductless system ensures that you are not wasting energy to cool rooms beyond what is required. This is another reason why mini-split systems are so cost-effective.
- Improved aesthetics
The indoor units of mini-split systems come with several interior design options. These indoor components can be made to double as décor items. Whether the unit is suspended from the ceiling, hanging from a wall, or standing on the floor, it is possible to do this.
The units may be designed to look like sculptures, part of the home’s sound system, and more. Even when they are not designed to look like decor, most indoor units are finished with sleek high-tech designs that will improve the appearance of any space.
- Efficient noise control
Modern split units have powerful fans that run at lower speeds while providing optimal cooling throughout the entire home. This makes the system super-silent even when it is set to a higher cooling level.
A mini-split’s noiseless operation is partly due to the fact that its compressor/condenser is installed outside and any noise generated by the system is kept out of the home or office.
- Improved security
Since they only need a three-inch hole to be drilled through the wall, mini-split units will not compromise the security of the home or office. They are not like window units that need large holes in the walls or a window space where the system will be installed. A mini-split does not offer intruders openings through which they can gain access into the building.
