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In Murfreesboro, TN, finding the right HVAC system for both heating and cooling can feel like a balancing act. Our region’s climate can quickly shift from sweltering afternoons to chilly mornings, and living in an older home can make keeping your house comfortable throughout the year even trickier. One solution that has become increasingly popular across the Volunteer State is the ductless HVAC system, often referred to as a mini-split.
Unlike HVAC systems that use ductwork to distribute air throughout your entire house, ductless units provide flexible, room-by-room comfort without the energy loss or hassles associated with ducts. Although they may seem like a relatively new trend, ductless heat pumps and air conditioners have been a trusted choice in Europe and Asia for decades. In this blog, we will break down the advantages of choosing a ductless HVAC system for your Tennessee home.
Flexible Installation for Older and Unique Homes
Tennessee is full of charming older homes and historic neighborhoods. Many of these properties were in place before central air was standard, so they either have outdated ductwork or no ductwork at all. Installing new ducts can be invasive and expensive.
Ductless HVAC systems effectively address this issue. A mini-split system only needs a small hole for the refrigerant line, which connects the indoor air handler to the outdoor unit. There’s no need to tear up parts of your floors, ceilings, or plaster walls to create ducts. You can easily achieve comfort in your space without sacrificing your home’s style, which is a significant benefit.
This flexibility also makes ductless units perfect for additions where traditional systems can not reach. If you have ever struggled with a stuffy upstairs bedroom or a cold attic, a ductless system gives you targeted comfort exactly where you need it.
Impressive Energy Savings
One of the biggest perks of a ductless HVAC system is its energy efficiency. In a home with central heating and cooling, ducts lose up to 30% of heated or cooled air due to leaks in your system’s old ductwork. That’s a big chunk of your monthly utility bill going to waste.
Since a ductless system delivers conditioned air directly into each room, there’s no energy loss through ducts. Your system doesn’t need to work as hard to keep your home comfortable.
Most mini-split systems also feature inverter-driven compressors, which adjust the system’s speed to match the demand. Instead of constantly turning on and off like traditional systems, they maintain a steady, efficient level of operation. This not only saves money but also reduces wear and tear on the system. When you run your AC for long stretches during the hot, humid summers, these savings add up quickly.
True, Customizable Zoned Comfort
Ductless systems make it easy to create custom comfort zones in your home. Indoor units offer independent control, allowing each person in the house to set the ideal temperature in their room. This means no more battling over the thermostat temperature with other members of your household because rooms can be set at different temperatures.
This zoning capability is a game-changer for families with different comfort preferences or homes with rooms that heat up or cool down at different rates. The upstairs bedroom can stay cool and comfortable while you dial back the AC in unused rooms to save energy. Perhaps you work from home and spend all day in your home office. With a ductless system, you can heat or cool just that space, rather than the entire house.
Year-Round Reliability
In Tennessee, summers can have days that hit triple digits with sweltering humidity, while winters can bring freezing temperatures and icy winds. Ductless HVAC systems are up for the challenge of keeping you comfortable throughout the different seasons.
Most mini-splits function as both heat pumps and air conditioners, providing both cooling and heating from a single system. Modern heat pump technology works well even in colder temperatures. In warm weather, they provide strong, efficient cooling to keep your home comfortable, even during heat waves.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
If one of your family members struggles with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory concerns, you’ll appreciate how much a ductless system improves your indoor air quality. Traditional ductwork can collect dust, pollen, and mold spores. Every time your system runs, it circulates these particles throughout your home.
With a ductless system, you eliminate that hidden dirt highway. Each indoor unit features a built-in filter that captures dust, allergens, and other pollutants. Many models use multi-stage filtration, and some even include advanced features to help neutralize bacteria or odors.
Quiet Operation
If a rattling air vent or a noisy outdoor AC unit has ever kept you awake, you’ll love how quiet ductless systems are. Mini-splits typically operate at low speeds, resulting in minimal noise within your living space. The indoor air handlers produce only a soft hum, which is often quieter than a refrigerator. The louder compressor sits outside, and even that operates more quietly than traditional systems. Whether you need a peaceful atmosphere because you work at home or you are simply a light sleeper, this whisper-quiet performance makes your home feel more comfortable.
Fewer Maintenance Requirements
Ductless systems have fewer parts than traditional HVAC systems, and no ductwork to clean or repair. While they still need professional AC maintenance to operate at peak performance, they generally experience far fewer unexpected breakdowns because they avoid common duct-related problems that a traditional HVAC system may face.
With regular filter cleaning and an annual tune-up session, your mini-split can deliver reliable comfort for many years. When a ductless system has regular maintenance, it often has a longer lifespan than most traditional heating and cooling units.
Aethetic Design Flexibility
Another benefit is the ductless system’s ability to blend into your home’s existing design. Unlike bulky window units or large ductwork grilles that can interfere with your decor, mini-split indoor units come in sleek, compact styles that can fit almost any room.
Most indoor air handlers mount high on a wall, close to the ceiling, where they are out of the way. Some systems even offer recessed options, allowing them to be nearly invisible. This modern look makes them ideal for a living space where you want to preserve your original trim and woodwork. This is valuable for older homes in this area of Tennessee, which often feature unique architectural details.
Contact A/C Plus Heating & Cooling to Experience a Ductless System
Ductless HVAC systems have transformed the way many Tennessee families heat and cool their homes. Since they are becoming more popular, ductless systems may be the next upgrade to consider for your home. With flexible installation, impressive energy savings, better air quality, and custom comfort in every room, it’s easy to see why you should consider making the switch.
If you’re ready to upgrade to a ductless HVAC system, reach out to A/C Plus Heating & Cooling today. We will help you explore your options and find the perfect system to make sure your Tennessee home stays cozy in winter and refreshingly cool in the summer for years to come.
