Ductless Mini Split in Northern Virginia

Ductless heating and air conditioning systems are also known as mini-splits. This ductless technology has been available in Europe since the early 1900s; however it is now becoming very popular in the United States. A ductless mini-split unit could be the ideal solution to heating or cooling an area of your home where ducts are not feasible or when retrofitting heating and air conditioning into an existing home (new or old). Ductless mini-split manufacturers now have developed “ducted” ductless mini splits. These ducted mini-splits operate on the same principles as the ductless mini-splits; however they are connected to ductwork. Homes that have a basement, crawlspace or cellar and an attic, a ducted mini-split is a perfect solution so you won’t lose all your closet space running ductwork from floor to floor.

To set up a free estimate for ducted mini-splits call (703) 266-3678/(703-COMFORT).

What is a ductless mini-split?

A ductless mini-split is one outdoor unit, a heat pump or air conditioner, connected to one or more small air handlers located on a wall or the ceiling inside the home. The indoor and outdoor unit(s) is connected with refrigerant piping and a power cable. Ductless split units operate at very high efficiencies because they use inverter technology, also known as variable speed technology, to operate the outdoor compressor. Furthermore, this inverter technology allows the heating and cooling to be done with variable capacities. Because temperatures fluctuate so much, variable capacity heating and air conditioning conserves energy on milder days and increases indoor comfort because more dehumidification takes place. For more information about inverter-variable speed technology, check out our Inverter page.

What is a ducted mini-split?
These units have the same principles as ductless mini-split units; however they have specially designed ductwork. Essentially, these ducted mini-split units are forced air systems. Again, these units are driven with inverter-variable speed technology just like the ductless mini-split models. Actually, the ducted mini-split air handlers are paired with the same inverter outdoor units as the ductless air handlers. To read more about inverter-variable speed technology, check out our Inverter page.

How does a ductless mini split unit work?
Unlike traditional forced air furnaces and central air conditioners work, ductless mini-split units do not use ductwork to move air throughout the home. Instead, a small attractive air handler is mounted, generally high up on a wall. This little air handler has a very quiet blower that circulates the air and transfers heat outside of the home via the refrigerant piping.

How are ductless mini-splits controlled?
Mounted on the unit is a temperature sensor that turns the system on or off. As the air circulates through this little air handler, the air passes the temperature sensor. The temperature is set from a wireless remote that you can either mount on a wall or leave on a table.

How does a ducted mini-split unit work?
Just like a traditional forced air heating and air conditioning system, these units are connected to ductwork. It is important to know that the ductwork has to be specially designed for these units because they are not robust enough to work with traditional forced air duct systems. Comfort Solutions has professionals in-house that design and install these duct systems and units.

What if I have multiple rooms that I want to condition?
For many years, ductless mini-split and ducted mini-split units were only available to connect one indoor air handler to one outdoor heat pump or air conditioner. Now, ductless and ducted mini-split systems have the ability to connect more than one indoor unit with one outdoor heat pump. Not only does this give the homeowner the ability to heat and cool multiple rooms, it reduces installation and operating costs.

Ductless and ducted mini-split units are a great solution for sunrooms
Too many times we see a beautiful sunroom at someone’s home that is not being enjoyed because it gets too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. In the winter, clunky space heaters end up sitting in the middle of the room. A ductless mini-split unit is a great solution to provide you great enjoyment in the room you invested in building.

Security
Ductless split units are more secure than having window units. These do not require an open window to operate which makes them a much more secure solution for you and your family.

Sound level of the indoor air handlers
One question we always get is, how loud are the air handlers that mount on the wall? Decibel ratings range all over the board with these units, however responses we have received from clients are, “Is it on?” In our opinion, both the ductless and ducted mini-split air handlers are unbelievably quiet.

Call us today to set up your free ductless mini split estimate Call (703) 266-3678/(703-COMFORT).

When you want help with your ductless mini-split in Alexandria, Arlington, McLean, Fairfax, and all surrounding cities we are ready to take your call.