10 Questions You Should to Know about Commercial Ductless HVAC Solution

HVAC doesn’t cross most homeowners’ minds until something needs fixing. Whether it’s a noisy air duct or a clogged filter, HVAC emergencies seem to be the only way to get peoples’ attention. 

For more information, please visit our website.

By asking the right questions, you can stay on top of your HVAC system maintenance and avoid sudden and expensive emergency repairs. Whether you’re wondering how to reduce your energy consumption or considering installing a smart thermostat, there are so many questions that local air specialists like ACS can answer. Our experienced HVAC professionals offer exclusive industry insight and deliver superior residential and commercial HVAC maintenance to keep you comfortable all year. Below, we’re giving you all the answers to the most common FAQs in the industry, 

What size HVAC systems should I have?

HVAC systems are not one size fits all. The optimal size and type of HVAC system for your space depends entirely on the construction, layout, and square footage. Other influential factors may include the number of windows in your home and the directions they face, elements surrounding your house, attic or basement spaces, and your household’s expectations for temperate comfort. Hiring a licensed HVAC professional to evaluate your home is the best way to find the best-fit HVAC system for your space. An experienced HVAC expert can offer size recommendations after examining your home’s layout and determining your individual needs. 

How can I make my HVAC system more efficient?

When it comes to HVAC efficiency, there are many steps you can take to improve your system’s performance. First, establish a preventive maintenance routine with your local heating and air specialist. Frequent tune-ups and system inspections will ensure your unit is operating at its best and prevent urgent repairs from happening down the line. On top of regular professional maintenance, you should also monitor your HVAC system on your own, paying close attention to your air filters, air ducts, thermostat settings, and more. By keeping a close eye on your system’s most crucial components, you can avoid unexpected HVAC repairs and maintain indoor comfort all year. 

How often should I replace my air filters?

Generally, you should change your air filters every 30-60 days to properly maintain indoor air quality. However, this can vary depending on your lifestyle. If you have pets or frequently suffer from allergies, you’ll want to change your filter more often to avoid clogging from dirt, pet dander, and other contaminants.

What are air ducts, and how do they affect airflow?

Air ducts are the internal passages that distribute warm or cool air throughout your home. These critical HVAC components are responsible for your home’s airflow and require consistent attention. You should regularly have your air ducts professionally cleaned, insulated, and sealed by your local HVAC specialist. When you neglect your air ducts, they become more susceptible to hazardous dirt, dust, and mold buildup. As a result, you will experience diminished airflow and lower indoor air quality, ultimately increasing your power bills and worsening your indoor allergies. 

What can I do to lower my energy bills?

There are several ways to maintain your home’s heating and cooling without breaking the bank. Ultimately, it’s all about finding ways to conserve energy and put less stress on your HVAC unit. At ACS, we recommend some of the following cost-effective solutions:

• Install a programmable thermostat
• Install ceiling fans and use them instead of air conditioning
• Utilize curtains, blinds, and drapes for solar energy
• Efficiently insulate your doors and windows 
• Schedule routine HVAC maintenance 

What are the benefits of a programmable thermostat?

Programmable thermostats offer a variety of benefits for residential and commercial HVAC users. They can optimize your home’s energy efficiency and decrease monthly utility costs. By identifying your household’s preferences, programmable thermostats establish a heating and cooling schedule that automatically adjusts to your temperature patterns and conserves energy when you’re away. 

At what temperature should I set my thermostat?

Your temperature settings will vary depending on the season and outdoor climate. We recommend setting your thermostat to the 74-76 degree range during the warmer months. You’ll want to be frugal with your thermostat settings and avoid setting the temperature too low, as this will increase your energy bills. During colder months, homeowners should set their thermostats to the 65-68 degree range. You can save money and stay warm in your space by being judicious with your heat usage and bundling up in warm sweaters and blankets

What is the best way to make my system last?

There’s nothing worse than when your HVAC system’s life is cut short. Given these units are a huge investment, you’ll want to get the most out of your system. Luckily, there are several measures you can take to maintain your HVAC unit’s efficiency and extend its lifespan. We recommend reducing usage whenever possible, replacing air filters frequently, monitoring system components, and scheduling routine maintenance. With regular tune-ups by professionals and continuous care and monitoring from your household, your HVAC system will stand the test of time. 

How often should I have my HVAC system serviced?

You should schedule regular HVAC maintenance for your system twice a year. By staying consistent with your HVAC maintenance plan, you can extend your system’s life, improve efficiency, and prevent emergency repairs. A general rule of thumb is to have your system serviced in the spring before the weather heats up and in the fall before the weather cools down. This will thoroughly prepare your HVAC system for upcoming temperature changes.

How do I find a trustworthy HVAC specialist?

Because your HVAC system is such a significant investment, you’ll want nothing but the best for its routine maintenance. When searching for an HVAC company to service your unit, take note of the company’s licenses and certifications, customer reviews, and service areas. Ultimately, you’ll want a company that goes above and beyond to meet your HVAC needs – and at ACS, we guarantee just that. 

Heating and Cooling from ACS

At N.E.T.R., Inc. we get a lot of questions about ductless HVAC systems. Check out our mega guide below for everything you need to know about mini-split heating and cooling.

Benefits of Ductless HVAC

Ductless HVAC offers several benefits for home and business owners who make the switch. While lower operating costs are a major consideration for most people, the advantages don’t stop there. Heat pump owners also enjoy consistent temperatures, remote control operation, and a lower carbon footprint.

• 7 Benefits of a Mini Split With Ceiling Cassette
• 5 Benefits of a Small Wall Ductless Unit for a Single Room
• Surprising Benefits of Heat Pump Systems in Spring
• 5 Benefits of Inverter-Driven Mini Splits
• 8 Ways Ductless HVAC Provides Individualized Comfort
• 15 Benefits of Ductless Heating and Cooling
• 75+ MORE Benefits of Switching to Ductless

Ductless System Components

Ductless units consist of a few basic components. Just like a traditional air conditioner, they have an outdoor condenser. They also have one or more indoor air handling units. A conduit runs between these two units with refrigerant, electrical wires, and a drain for condensate. Finally, these units have remote controls that allow you to adjust the settings at the touch of a button from wherever you are in the room.

Read more:

• How Long Will a Ductless Heat Pump Last? (Podcast)
• 8 Facts About Air Source Heat Pumps From EnergyStar.Gov

How Ductless Systems Work

Ductless systems work by moving warm air from one space to another. In the summer, heat is extracted from indoors, which passes over the cold evaporator coils inside the unit. The refrigerant in the coils absorbs the heat, which then travels through thin pipes to the outdoor unit where it can be released. The cooled refrigerant goes back to the indoor unit where it will be used to lower the temperature of the air blowing into your space.

During the winter, this process happens in reverse and heat is pulled from the environment to warm the air that blows into your space. In both cases, ductless units use variable speed compressors that adjust the temperature by small increments as needed. As a result, the system doesn’t cycle on and off, helping you to avoid uncomfortable highs and lows associated with central HVAC.

Read More:

• How Ductless Works
• Central HVAC Vs. Ductless HVAC

Ductless Air Conditioning

Ductless air conditioning offers superior cooling during the summer for much less per kilowatt hour than you would pay to operate a central or window AC. Mini splits also provide humidity control, which helps to make your indoor air feel cooler by reducing the amount of moisture in it.

These quiet but powerful units can easily take on even the hottest days and keep you comfortable indoors regardless of the weather. Plus, heat pumps use eco-friendly refrigerants and significantly less power.

Read More:

• Ductless Air Conditioning for Boston Homeowners
• Central Air Conditioning vs. Ductless HVAC Systems
• Window Units vs. Ductless AC
• Advantages of Ductless Over Window Air Conditioners (Video)
• Replacing a Central Air System with a Heat Pump (Video)
• Can Ductless AC Help Me Sleep?

Heating With Ductless

When you own a mini split, you can go from cooling to heating with just the flip of a switch. Ductless heaters can extract warmth from outside even in temps as low as -13 degrees Fahrenheit, so you’re never chilly indoors even during Boston’s cold, unpredictable winters.

Heating your space with ductless also eliminates hazards that come with other forms of heating, such as the risk of fire with an electric space heater or the risk of a carbon monoxide leak with a gas furnace.

Read More:

• Ductless Heating HVAC in Boston
• Ductless for Oil, Propane, and Gas Heated Homes
• Why Choose a Heat Pump vs. a Traditional Furnace (Podcast)
• 5 Ways Ductless HVAC Makes Fall More Comfortable
• What Temperature Does a Heat Pump Stop Working?
• Electric Heating vs Ductless Systems
• Wood and Pellet Stoves Versus Ductless Heating
• Baseboard Heating Versus Ductless Heating Systems
• Should You Add Ductless HVAC to Your Current Heating System?
• Combining a Traditional Heating System with a Ductless System (Video)
• What Are the Best Ductless Heat Pumps for Cold Weather?
• How to Integrate a Heat Pump into Your Existing Heating System
• Cold Climate Ductless Installation Tips
• Heat Pumps and Fuel Optimization for Your Home
• Winter Heating Tips for First-Time Ductless HVAC Owners
• Protect Your Outdoor Heat Pump from Heavy New England Snow Storms

What Is Zoning?

Ductless systems allow you to create individual temperature “zones” that can be controlled separately from one another. Depending on your needs, you may have a single outdoor unit with a single indoor unit. This is known as a single-zone system and is a great option for supplementing heating and cooling or keeping a room comfortable that isn’t connected to the rest of your HVAC system.

Alternatively, you may have one outdoor unit with multiple indoor units. This is called a multi-zone system and allows you to have two or more “zones” with different temperature settings. A single outdoor unit can support up to 8 indoor air handling units, but larger applications will require a second outdoor unit.

AirTS Product Page

Read More:

• How Many Ductless HVAC Zones Do You Need?
• Single-Zone vs Multi-Zone Ductless HVAC Systems (Video)
• Heat Pump Zoning and Whole Home Solutions (Video)

Efficiency Considerations

Thanks to zoning, ductless systems are instantly more efficient than traditional HVAC systems because you don’t have to heat or cool areas that aren’t in use. You also never have to overheat or cool one area just to keep another area comfortable. With traditional HVAC systems, you often end up with areas that feel too cold or too warm because all the rooms are connected to a single thermostat.

They also use significantly less energy than central HVAC, window ACs, and gas furnaces. Not only does this trim your electric bill, it also reduces the amount of greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere.

Read more:

• How Efficient are Ductless Systems?
• Why Are Heat Pumps Energy Efficient?
• 5 Reasons Air Source Heat Pumps Are the Most Energy-Efficient HVAC Option
• Ductless System Efficiency (Video)
• Hyper Heat: Energy-Efficient Heating in Cold Climates
• Your Complete Guide to Energy Efficient Heating with Ductless HVAC
• Energy Efficient Cooling with Ductless HVAC

Air Quality  

Home air quality is a lot more important than most people think. Did you know that the EPA says humans spend about 90% of their entire lives indoors? That means that the majority of the air you breathe is indoor air.

Surprisingly, air in your home or office has the potential to be significantly more polluted than outdoor air due to smoke, incense, candles, furniture off-gassing, and more. Ductless can help reduce dust, allergens, and other harmful particles from your air so you can breathe easier.

Read more:

• How Your HVAC System Can Help (Or Harm!) Your Health
• Health Hazards of HVAC Ducts
• What WHO & the CDC Say About Your Indoor Air Quality
• Coronavirus and Your Indoor Air Quality
• Humidity & Air Quality in Your Home: What to Know
• Causes of Indoor Air Pollution
• How to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution Right Now
• The Science Behind Mini Split Filtration
• How Air Filtration Helps With Wildfire Smoke
• 7 Reasons to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
• Why Indoor Air Quality Matters for Your Business
• Does Your Business Have Good Indoor Air Quality?

The Cost of Ductless 

The cost of ductless varies depending on the equipment you select and the type of installation you’re having done. Rebates may be available to help reduce upfront expenses while tax credits save you money later. That said, operating costs for ductless systems are incredibly low and the savings will eventually cover the cost of the system over time.

Read more:

• What is the Cost of Ductless in Boston?
• The Cost of Ductless vs Traditional HVAC Options
• The Cost of Installing a Ductless Heating & Cooling System vs Buying Online (Video)
• Cost Savings to Switch from Oil, Gas, or Electric to a Heat Pump System
• What Factors Affect the Cost of Mini Split Installation?
• Managing the Cost of Ductless HVAC Systems
• Ductless Heating and Cooling Rebates
• How to Save Money on Ductless Heating and Cooling
• Ductless Heating and Rising Fuel Prices (Podcast)
• How to Stretch the Cost of Your Heat Pump in Winter

The Installation Process

Installation of ductless units is very straight forward. A ductless professional helps you assess the number of indoor units you need and the right capacity for your outdoor unit. Then, they install the outdoor unit, drill small holes in the walls to run the lines through, and connect the indoor unit.

For a small residential job, this project often can be completed in half a day or less, and even for a large commercial job, installation is relatively quick. For a multi-unit installation, you can opt to have the installation work done zone by zone. For instance, you can do a floor of your building every week until the entire system is installed, or you can install ductless units where they are needed immediately and then install the units in other areas as desired.

Read More:

• Ductless Heating and A/C Installation
• Proper Heat Pump System Design (Podcast)
• How to Install a Heat Pump for Heating & Cooling
• How to Choose a Quality Ductless Contractor (Podcast)

Where to Put a Ductless System

Mini splits are ideal for heating and cooling:

• Attics
• Basements
• Entire homes
• Office buildings
• Retail spaces
• Data centers
• Gyms
• Restaurants
• Commercial buildings
• Apartment buildings

And more!

Ductless is designed to be outfitted in nearly any residential or commercial space and can be configured to meet a wide variety of different needs. Whether you have a small apartment that needs reliable heating and cooling or you want to upgrade a multi-unit condo with individual comfort controls, mini splits can give you the reliability and efficiency you’re looking for.

Read more:

• Applications for a Ductless Heat Pump (Podcast)
• Ductless Installation in New Homes
• Heat Pumps in New Construction (Podcast)
• Ductless Heating and Cooling in Older Homes
• Ductless HVAC for Brownstone Homes
• Ductless in Cape-Style Homes
• Mini Splits for Net-Zero and High-Performance Homes
• Ductless in Boiler-Heated Homes
• Ductless for Homes Without Ductwork
• Ductless Mini-Splits for Sunrooms
• Ductless for Rooms Above the Garage
• Ductless Heating and Cooling for Sheds
• Comfortable Basements With Ductless
• Ductless vs Central Air Conditioning for Businesses
• Ductless HVAC for Restaurants
• 7 Reasons Your Airbnb Needs a Mini Split
• 5 Questions to Consider Before Putting Mini Splits in Your Rentals

Mounting Options

There are several ways you can install a ductless unit in your home or office. Here are the most common options: 

Wall-Mounted

Most ductless units are mounted on an exterior wall about six inches from the ceiling. This provides optimal airflow in and out of the unit and helps to create a cooling or warming effect that is immediately noticeable. Wall mounting promotes efficient operation and also makes it easy to clean and maintain your unit.

Floor-mounted units are also placed on the wall, just nearer to the floor like where a traditional radiator would be. These cover more wall space but are narrower and don’t jut out from the wall as much.

Read more:

• What Is a Wall-Mounted Heat Pump?
• Why Choose a Wall-Mounted Ductless Unit
• Do Wall-Mounted AC Units Work Better Than Central HVAC?
• Wall Vs. Floor-Mounted Ductless HVAC Units
• Window ACs vs Wall-Mounted Ductless Mini Splits
• Wall Mounted AC Vs. Wall-Mounted Ductless AC
• Ground vs. Wall-Mounted Outdoor Ductless Condensers
• 9 Factors to Consider When Buying a Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner
• Homeowner’s Guide to Installing a Wall-Mounted Ductless AC
• Know This When Putting a Ductless Mini Split on the Wall
• How High Should I Mount My Wall-Mounted Ductless AC?

Ceiling-Mounted

Ceiling-mounted ductless units are common in commercial buildings but can also be used in homes to provide airflow directly downwards. While the outdoor units of a ceiling-mounted system are the same as any other, the indoor air handler is recessed into the ceiling and looks similar to a central HVAC vent since it sits flush with the surface.

Read more:

• Homeowners Guide to Ceiling-Mounted Mini Splits
• How Does a Mini-Split Ceiling Cassette Work?
• 9 Signs Ceiling-Mounted Ductless Is Right for Your Home
• Mini Split Ceiling Cassette Vs Wall Mount (Podcast)
• When to Choose Ceiling-Mounted Ductless Vs. Wall or Floor-Mounted
• Ductless Ceiling Cassette Costs (Podcasts)
• 10 Factors That Affect the Cost of a Mini Split With a Ceiling Cassette
• 12 Questions to Consider When Buying a Ceiling-Mounted Ductless Unit
• What to Expect With Ceiling-Mounted Mini-Split Installation

Ductless and Your Electrical System

One major benefit of switching to ductless heating and cooling is how little electricity mini splits use. Since heat pumps move heat from one place to another instead of generating it, they require very little energy to provide you with superior comfort in every season. Plus, ductless works great with solar power and is easier on old electrical panels that are common in Massachusetts charming colonial homes.

Read more:

• Ductless Heat Pumps and Whole Home Electrification (Podcast)
• Integrating Solar Power With Your Heat Pumps (Podcast)
• Can My Backup Generator Power My Ductless HVAC System?

Ductless Maintenance and Repairs

Because ductless HVAC systems work differently than a central system or window AC, they also tend to require fewer repairs over time. Maintenance is easy and can be completed annually by your technician in just a few hours.

Read more:

Want more information on Commercial Ductless HVAC Solution? Feel free to contact us.

• Maintenance on a Ductless Heating and Cooling System
• Do You Need a Heat Pump Replacement?
• How to Reduce Your Heat Pump Noise

Additional Resources

• Old Heat Pumps vs. New Heat Pumps
• FAQs on Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems
• Why Choose Ductless Heating and Cooling? (Podcast)
• The Rising Popularity of Mini Splits in the Northeast
• 5 Cool Things You Didn’t Know About Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems
• Common Heat Pump Myths Debunked
• 5 MORE Myths About Ductless Systems Debunked!

Save More With Ductless HVAC Today