Tag: climate control

Houses Can Have Problem Rooms or Outbuildings That Need Help

The idea that a home heating and cooling system is most efficient as a whole, seamless system is important to consider when contemplating modifications to the way you control your house’s climate.   There are alternatives to add-on ductwork that do not necessarily detract from your home’s comfort and efficiency. Additions can be heated and cooled very effectively with ductless heating and cooling, so long as the heating system continues to function as a harmonious unit.

There are a number of factors to consider when thinking about ductless heating and cooling, such as climate, room size and location, and energy use.   Numerous ductless options exist that match the efficiency, control, and unobtrusiveness of a duct system. For maximizing space,  cassette systems are ideal as they fit inside the ceiling of a room. Slightly more powerful  under-ceiling units are both quiet and inconspicuous and can increase the comfort level of any room in which they are used. When ceiling space is unavailable,  high-wall units can be installed discreetly and without the annoying noise output of window-based units. All of these options can be easily and precisely controlled remotely and exemplify the ultra-efficiency found in duct systems. Multi-split units are capable of delivering climate control to up to four rooms with only one outdoor unit, no ductwork required!

For ductless heating and cooling, single unit split systems like the ones above are often the most efficient option. Alternatives, such as radiant heaters, space heaters, wood and pellet stoves, evaporative coolers, and room-specific air conditioners can be useful in the right sized space and the right climate, but none offer heating and cooling together. Large windows and skylights can, when implemented correctly and combined with insulation, warm a room efficiently.   Likewise, passive and active ventilation can be used to cool an area. These methods, however are less controllable than duct-free split systems and are therefore less reliable. When contemplating ductless heating and cooling, explore all options, but control and comfort are best combined in  duct-free split systems.

The decision is yours to make, but for expert advice on all your options, feel free to call on the professionals at  T.F. O’Brien. We’re happy to help.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).   For more information about ductless heating and cooling and other HVAC topics,  click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.