It’s common for older New Hampshire homes to lack adequate ducting. This is where investing in a mini-split in NH comes into play. These ductless heating and cooling systems allow you to provide comfortable air to all the rooms throughout your home with ease. With the right ductless AC unit, you can adapt your property to be more comfortable without any major renovations.
Why Older New Hampshire Homes Struggle With Comfort (Especially Without Ductwork)
There are many different issues that can make older New Hampshire homes struggle to remain comfortable throughout the year. Some of the biggest issues include layout problems, new additions, and closed-off rooms, leading to uneven temperatures. If you rely on traditional radiators, baseboards, or even window units, you’ll often notice hot and cold spots throughout your home. Without traditional ductwork, you’re limited to your available heating and cooling system options.
What a Ductless Mini-Split System Is (and How It Works)
Ductless mini-split systems are comprised of three main components. Indoor air handler units are placed in each room throughout your home and can be independently controlled. Refrigerant and electrical lines connect the indoor air handler unit to an outdoor condenser unit. The outdoor condenser unit sits outside your home and is responsible for releasing heat during the summer and absorbing heat in the winter.
Refrigerant inside the system works to absorb heat and transfer it from one location to the next. During the summer, it absorbs heat from inside your home and transfers it to your condenser unit to be dispersed into the air. The opposite happens during the winter months to warm your home. Due to using multiple indoor air handler units, ductless mini-split systems are already set up with zone temperature control. This means you can set your bedroom at a different temperature than your living room or even your kitchen.
Why Mini-Splits Are Perfect for Older NH Homes
Ductless heating and cooling systems are an ideal option for many historic homes in the New Hampshire area because they don’t require any ductwork. In fact, their installation is non-invasive, making them a perfect retrofitting option. Their installation comes with flexible options to fit your unique floor plan and needs.
Mini-Split Installation in Older Homes: What It Typically Looks Like
There are three different types of indoor air handler units you can purchase. The first is the wall-mounted unit, which is the most affordable and popular option. Ceiling cassette units are more discreet but come at a premium price. Finally, floor-mounted units look like radiators. The number of indoor air handler units you need depends on your home’s layout.
Selecting an ideal location for your outdoor unit is key to optimal performance. It needs to be in a location that’s ideally out of direct sunlight. It needs to be off the ground to avoid water damage issues. It should be in a location that has adequate surrounding clearance and minimal snow buildup.
Comfort Benefits: Zoned Heating and Cooling for Hard-to-heat Rooms
All your bedrooms, upstairs spaces, sunrooms, additions, and other rooms in your home will have their own indoor air handler unit. Each unit can be set at its own temperature to enhance your comfort while in that room. This helps to solve issues that traditional systems in older homes have, like uneven temperatures and constant thermostat adjustments.
Efficiency Benefits: Lower Energy Use Compared to Traditional Systems
One of the biggest advantages of a ductless mini-split system is that it doesn’t have duct losses. Traditional systems can lose up to 30% of conditioned air through gaps or leaks in your ducting. Additionally, many split systems have inverter technology with variable-speed performance. This allows them to adapt their output depending on your individual needs throughout the long winter. Instead of operating at 100% capacity all the time, they can operate at 50% or 70% capacity to save energy.
Cold Climate Performance: Do Mini-Splits Work in New Hampshire Winters?
Cold-climate mini-splits are specifically designed for colder climates, as they can operate at temperatures down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. However, proper sizing makes all the difference, making it imperative to hire a professional to do the installation process. During your initial assessment, you can consider using a supplemental heat source for extreme cold snaps.
Air Quality Advantages for Homes Without Ductwork
A ductless mini-split system offers numerous advantages. You don’t have to worry about scheduling cleanings for your dirty ductwork or having airborne particles circulating. These devices have built-in air filtration that can improve your indoor air quality. Because they have multiple indoor air handler units, they’re circulating more air, which reduces stale air pockets that many older homes have.
Mini-Splits vs. Other Options for Older Homes (Pros & Cons)
When it comes to operating efficiency, many mini-splits will outperform window AC units. They’re also non-invasive to install, making them much cheaper than adding ductwork after the fact. Mini-splits are an easier option than having to purchase a separate heating and cooling system for year-round comfort. In fact, they tend to have the best balance of efficiency, comfort, and installation simplicity.
Signs Your Older NH Home Is a Great Fit for Ductless Heating and Cooling
If your existing home doesn’t have any ductwork, a mini-split system can be the ideal choice for you. If you notice a stark difference between the temperature upstairs and downstairs, a mini-split can provide consistent comfort. This is a great option to add to home additions, finished attics, and converted basement spaces. If you’re experiencing high energy bills and inconsistent comfort, it may be time to think about a ductless mini-split.
What to Expect: Cost, Rebates, and Long-Term Value
There are different factors that can influence the total upfront cost of your mini-split system. One of the most influential is the number of zones you need. The more zones you add, the more expensive it will be. If you have an outdated electrical system, you may need to upgrade to accommodate power to your new ductless system. Other factors that can influence price include the layout of your home and the system brand.
It’s ideal to have a professional technician do the installation process for you. Additionally, most manufacturers won’t sell directly to consumers. You’ll need to go through a professional to get access to the ductless mini-split system you need. Also, they require certified professionals to do the installation to retain their warranty coverage.
Because ductless mini-split systems are so energy efficient, many local utility companies will provide you with a one-time bill credit when you show proof of purchasing a new system. Also, many state and local governments will provide further tax incentives for homeowners who purchase these systems. This can go a long way in helping you recoup some of the upfront cost of purchasing one.
Upgrade Comfort in Your Older NH Home Without Major Remodeling
One of the biggest struggles that a lot of homeowners have with older homes in the New Hampshire area is a lack of adequate ducting. You may not have ducting going to all your rooms, or you may not have any ductwork at all. Ductless mini-split systems are a great way to solve this issue, as they don’t require any ducting to keep your home comfortable. You can enjoy even temperatures throughout your home and more efficient heating and cooling all year. At Ace Heating & Cooling, we provide full HVAC repair, installation, and maintenance services for Rockingham County residents, so contact us today.
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