With summer fast approaching, and expected record-breaking heat waves not far behind, HVAC contractors looking to differentiate themselves in an increasingly crowded marketplace may want to look to new air conditioning technology that typically cools better — and reduces call backs.
Already the Weather Channel is predicting warmer than average temperatures for much of the country throughout the summer, especially the South and West. And though not all homes are set up for air conditioning, new technology makes it possible to bring relief into almost any part of the home for less. That’s important because maintaining consistent temperatures and airflow accounts for about 50 percent of all energy use in a typical home — the largest single energy expense, according to the Department of Energy.
What is this new technology? It’s called ductless, mini- or multi-split-system air conditioning, and it’s already a standard in much of the rest of the world, said Dave Kyle, Trademasters Service Corp general manager. “In a 10-year window, these will go from the unusual to the standard,” Kyle said. “I even think it might become a status thing.”
Rob Minnick agreed. “We’re installing more and more of these systems every day,” said Minnick, CEO and president of Minnick’s. “It’s a great product.”
Unlike traditional air conditioners that rely on a single compressor that connects to a home’s ductwork, ductless AC systems use a unit outside combined with multiple units inside that can be turned on or off depending on need. A conduit, which houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and a condensate drain, links the outdoor and indoor units. The systems also use variable refrigerant flow technology, which adjusts based on indoor temperature requests and actual outdoor temperature to improve efficiency.
But it’s the ductless part of the system that’s a real game changer, Kyle said. That’s because traditional systems lose between 20 percent to 40 percent of their efficiency due to poorly designed, or leaky ductwork and improperly sized systems. In addition, because there’s only one unit, cooling a home means the entire home must be cooled even if the occupancy may only be in a single room. The problem is only compounded when trying to cool upstairs and downstairs evenly.
With ductless systems, which typically can handle as many as four indoor units, AC can be provided just in the room where it’s wanted — upstairs or downstairs. “Multi-split technology gives you a chance to deliver heating and cooling where you actually need it,” Kyle said.
That’s especially handy for add-ons, such as porches that become enclosed rooms, where HVAC and ductwork was never considered, Minnick said. Additionally, most units now connect to a home’s Wi-Fi network, making it possible for homeowners to control the units remotely or even be alerted when there’s a problem. “There’s a lot of cool things that are coming out,” he said.
Minnick also said the mini-split systems reduce callbacks on installations. That’s because most callbacks are related to airflow problems with ductwork, not the system itself. But solving airflow problems with faulty ductwork can be exasperating. Since mini-split systems aren’t tied to duct work, they don’t have those problems. “It’s going to reduce callbacks,” he said.
Mini-split systems do cost about 30 percent more than traditional systems, the Department of Energy notes. But Kyle says they soon make up the cost difference through energy cost reductions. “The savings in tremendous,” he said.
For contractors, installations can actually be easier since the hookup between indoor and outdoor units typically require a three-inch hole through a wall for conduit to the outdoor compressor, which can be as far away as 50 feet from the indoor unit. Minnick said new branch boxes, which take multiple refrigerant lines and feed them into one manifold, do away with unsightly hoses coming out of the home in multiple locations.
Although experts say the systems are easy to install, it’s important to get manufacturer training and certification before attempting to install ductless systems. “It’s the greatest thing ever if you put it in per the directions. We pretty much put it in and forget about it,” Kyle said. “But if you do it wrong, you can have a real mess on your hands.”
