Plan How to Upgrade to Ductless Split System Carefully
Generally, GreenHomes recommends improving your home’s insulation levels and reducing your home’s air leakage rate prior to installing high-efficiency heating/cooling (HVAC) equipment. Why does this order make a difference. First and foremost, improving insulation and reducing air leaks results in a tighter home. As a result, this helps more accurately match the ductless split (or any HVAC) system size with heating/cooling demands.
Frequently homeowners plan for the installation of an upgraded ductless split system. Conversely, typically many homeowners do not plan a swap out of the system. Additionally, as noted, always consider properly air sealing and insulating you home. This results in lower heating and air conditioning costs following a completed ductless split system installation.
When installing a new ductless split heating/cooling system in your home, GreenHomes recommends the following steps:
- Air seal and insulate your home whenever possible as part of the heating/cooling unit install.
- Ensure the technician follows the manufacturer’s sizing calculation procedure during the installation. Additionally, following ACCA Manual J heating/cooling load calculations helps determine both the heating and cooling loads of the room(s). Select select the size of the ductless split system based on the heating/cooling load estimates.
- Select a high-efficiency heat pump (15 SEER minimum for cooling and an 8.5 HSPF minimum for heating) as part of your upgrade.
- Don’t forget - Proper maintenance of your new ductless split system is important!