Contact Info

Book Your Appointment

Ductless HVAC Systems for Homes Without Central Air Ducts

Ductless HVAC Systems for Homes Without Central Air Ducts

Though most New Jersey homes have ductwork, there are still some boroughs, cities, and towns with older homes that lack ductwork. Such houses present problems for HVAC additions. As there is no ductwork at all or it is not connected to some rooms, such areas are deprived of comfort. While many of these homeowners think demolishing and rebuilding the home is the solution, this is not the truth. For HVAC at least, you should not demolish your home. There are many other solutions to maintain comfort, and ductless systems offer one of those.

In this blog post, we will discuss the basics of ductless HVAC systems, including an introduction, how they work, applications, and a comparison with standard HVAC systems.

What are Ductless HVAC Systems?

As the name suggests, ductless HVAC systems are standalone units that don’t rely on the duct network to cool or warm a home. Really? Then how do they work? This is what we hear every time we introduce ductless systems to worried New Jersey homeowners. The answer is pretty simple. Ductless systems rely on refrigerant and directly transfer heat inside or outside the home, depending on the requirements. 

What Kind of Ductless Heating Systems Can I Buy in New Jersey?

Soon after homeowners get interested in this relatively innovative HVAC technology, they inquire about the options available. While there are so many brands and manufacturing companies working on ductless technology, there are two main types popular in New Jersey.

Single-Zone Mini Split Systems

A single-zone mini-split system connects one indoor air handler to one outdoor unit. The systems are designed to keep very confined homes' narrow spaces comfortable. This is also a great option to complement comfort in spaces when you have added a new room in an existing home.

Multi-Zone Mini-Split Systems

In contrast to single-zone systems, multi-zone mini-split systems connect multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit. The result is that the outdoor unit stays the same, but comfort is delivered to various rooms according to their demands. These systems are specifically good for space-saving designs and where the requirement is to keep various rooms in a house at various temperatures.

Comparison at a Glance

Here is how you can differentiate between these two popular units:

Feature

Single-Zone Mini-Split

Multi-Zone Mini-Split

Indoor Units

One

Multiple

Outdoor Units

One

One

Best For

One room or space

Multiple rooms

Temperature Control

One zone

Separate zones

Installation

Simpler

More involved

Space Saving

Good

Excellent

Common Use

Room additions

Whole-home comfort

How Does a Ductless HVAC System Work

As we have discussed, a ductless HVAC system moves heat between indoor and outdoor through the refrigerant. The fluid running in this refrigerant line changes its form from liquid to vapors and then back to liquid during this process, accompanying heat transfer. Here is the process in a few lines.

  1. The indoor unit absorbs heat from your room

  2. Refrigerant carries that heat to the outdoor unit

  3. The outdoor unit releases heat outside the home

  4. Refrigerant returns indoors to repeat the cycle

  5. In heating mode, the process works in reverse

Benefits of Ductless HVAC Systems for Homes Without Central Air Ducts

Ductless systems can be used anywhere and everywhere. They are best used for older homes in New Jersey that lack precise ductwork. Here is what makes them perfect for such residential buildings.

  • Ductless systems work without adding traditional air ducts

  • Installation requires less structural work inside the home

  • Each room can have its own temperature setting

  • They work well for older homes without ductwork

  • They can easily serve new home additions

  • They take up less space than traditional ductwork

  • Multi-zone systems can heat or cool several rooms

  • They provide efficient comfort where you need it

Contact Lehigh HVAC for Fast and Affordable Installation

Lehigh HVAC specializes in timely, careful, and expert ductless mini-split installation in New Jersey. With us as your comfort partner, only experienced and licensed technicians handle your project. We are accountable for any errors and omissions during the project. Contact us at 848-361-4707 for service bookings.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Yes, ductless mini-splits can provide both heating and cooling.

Yes, they work well where installing traditional ductwork is difficult.

Single-zone systems serve one room, while multi-zone systems serve several rooms.

Yes, they can provide comfort in additions without extending existing ductwork.

A multi-zone system can connect several indoor units to one outdoor unit.