How To Choose Between A Single-Zone Vs. A Multi-Zone Ductless System For Your Home

Once you have chosen a ductless HVAC system for your home, you will need to determine whether you want a single- zone vs. a multi-zone ductless system. To help you determine the better ductless HVAC type for your needs, we have compiled a list of questions that will answer your most common queries.

What Is A Zoned Heating And Cooling System?

Zoning in a heating and cooling system refers to different areas in a home that an HVAC contractor sets up to implement targeted temperature control. Although central HVAC systems can perform a similar function, a ductless system provides a more innovative approach that allows temperature zoning. It is also much more efficient, making it the practical choice for optimum climate control at home.

What Are The Benefits Of Zoned Heating And Cooling?

There are several benefits you can enjoy with ductless heating and cooling in place, such as:

• Precise Temperature Control: A ductless system allows you to control the heat or cool temperature in any zone using a remote control and a thermostat. Some ductless systems can even be controlled through an app you can download on a mobile device or smart tablet. This much connectivity lets you manage your indoor home temperature easily and effortlessly.
• Customized Comfort: With a ductless HVAC system, you can customize how warm or cool you want the room to be. You can set the room temperature based on your needs and preferences. That way, family members enjoy the experience of comfort indoors just the way they want it.
• Cost-Efficiency: A ductless mini-split system uses less energy than a conventional HVAC system even as it works at full capacity. All ductless systems are also built to meet higher EER, HSPF, and SEER ratings. A ductless system also does not have the same issues that big ducted systems have. Since it does not have ductwork, you have no worries about duct leaks. As such, you enjoy a more energy-efficient and cost-efficient system for your home.
• Compact And Versatile Design: Ductless systems do not require the installation of ductwork. As such, you have a system for heating and cooling that is unobtrusive and compact.

What Is A Single-Zone Ductless Heating And Cooling System?

Single-zone ductless heating and cooling refers to a system that uses a single indoor unit and a single outdoor unit to heat or cool one room. A window air conditioner is similar to this in that it conditions the air in a single room. However, a single-zone ductless system simply performs better and offers more savings.

A single-zone system is best for add-on rooms and areas to the home. If you intend to convert a room into a functional area and need to bring heat and cooling to it, it is also the perfect choice. Let’s say you intend to convert your attic into a bedroom. To keep it comfortable, you can install a ductless system in the room. It is also the best option if you are remodeling or constructing a new home. Also, if your existing HVAC system needs an upgrade or a replacement, you should consider getting a ductless system.

In many homes, the installation of ductwork means high cost and large spaces. If getting ductwork installed is not possible, a single-zone system is a great option. If a home cannot accommodate ductwork, it may be because of several problems, such as cost. Expanding an existing ductwork system can be prohibitively expensive – an expense that not many homeowners are not willing to pay for. It may also be because the home is an older structure that cannot allow expansion for ductwork. With a single-zone system, you do away with all of these issues. It is energy-efficient, easier to install, and flexible enough to be installed virtually anywhere. It is not hampered by the limitations associated with forced-air HVAC systems.

What is Multi-Zone Heating And Cooling Mini-Split System?

A multi-zone heating and cooling system has multiple indoor units and one outdoor compressor. How many indoor units you install will depend on how many rooms or zones you have. However, your system will only run on one compressor, which can connect to as many as eight air handling units.

A multi-zone heating and cooling system is often your best choice if you have a house that has at least two floors or if you have an older home that cannot accommodate ductwork. You may also have an existing ducted system that cannot cool or heat a whole house.

Many families argue and bicker about their preferred temperature indoors, mainly if they use a centralized HVAC system. They may also complain about indoor temperature inconsistencies. To solve these problems, have a multi-zone ductless HVAC system installed. With a ductless multi-zone system, you can have several indoor units that you can individually control. You can set a different temperature in one room or zone and set a different temperature in another, depending on what you prefer. It is also possible to turn off the indoor handling unit in rooms that are unoccupied. That way, you do not have to pay for energy you do not use. Many homeowners who want to save money on home heating and cooling costs, install a multi-zone ductless system to reduce their dependency on their central system. With a multi-zone HVAC system, you can enjoy substantial savings without compromising your comfort indoors.

Single-Zone Vs. Multi-Zone Ductless HVAC: What Are The Differences?

Single-zone systems differ from multi-zone systems due to:

• Cost: A single-zone system is cheaper to install than a multi-zone system. This is due to the number of indoor air handling units that need to be installed to keep your home comfortable. If you have three designated zones, for example, you will require the same number of indoor units. Since you will be purchasing these units, a multi-zone system will naturally cost more to install than a single-zone.
• Installation: A ductless mini-split is comparatively easier and quicker to install compared to conventional systems. Of the two types of systems, the single-zone system can be installed quickly and easily because it has fewer components than a multi-zone system.
• Additional Components: In a single-zone system, there are only three major components required: the indoor unit, the outdoor unit, and the refrigerant set line. A multi-zone system, however, requires additional components depending on the number of zones you have. The more zones you have, the more combinations of the three major components are required.

What Are Your Indoor And Outdoor Ductless Unit Choices?

Once you have decided on a single-zone or a multi-zone system, you need to learn about the different indoor and outdoor ductless units that are available. With this knowledge, you will be able to make a better decision and achieve the level of home comfort you want.

In a ductless mini-split system, the compressor or condenser unit is the outdoor unit. It comes in several capacities, but they all look similar. However, the indoor unit comes in a variety of characteristics, styles, and capabilities. These include:

• Wall-Mounted: The wall-mounted type is the most common ductless unit type. It has an indoor unit that an HVAC contractor installs on a vertical wall. It is considered the most affordable and easiest to install.
• Horizontal-Ducted: The horizontal-ducted type is the least obtrusive because the indoor unit is mounted above the soffit or ceiling so it can distribute air to multiple zones through hidden ducts. This type is also known as concealed because the large components are hidden from sight. The only parts of the system that you can see are the grilles.
• Ceiling Cassette: The ceiling cassette or ceiling recessed is an indoor unit that is hidden away in the ceiling. It can distribute warm or cold air in any direction at one time. As such, it is a great choice for homes with large and open floor plans. It is also flexible and durable enough to be installed even in areas with limited space.
• Floor-Mounted: The floor-mounted indoor unit is installed above or a few inches from the floor. It is often under a window and is considered the easiest to maintain.

Which Type Of Ductless Mini-Split System Is The Best Choice For You?

When comparing a single-zone and a multi-zone system, there really is no such thing as a “better system.” What really matters is identifying your needs, requirements, and situation. To zero in on the better option for your home, you need to factor in the amount of space you have that will require cooling and heating, installation issues, and budget, among others.

We understand that making your final decision can be intimidating because you do not want to make a costly mistake. So if you are unsure which system is the best choice for your home, ask your local HVAC professional, like R.F. Ohl, for advice.

The HVAC professionals at R.F. Ohl have the training, skills, and experience to help you identify the best HVAC system for your home based on a certain set of factors. Your goal is to achieve optimum comfort and whether you ultimately choose a single-zone or a multi-zone system, it will depend largely on what suits your needs and preferences. You can discuss the best make, model, and type that suits the needs of your household with one of the HVAC experts from R.f. Ohl. Our trustworthy HVAC technician can provide you with advice on how to maximize a ductless mini-split system to save on cost and enjoy year-long comfort.

Check Out One Of Our Ductless Installation Projects

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Call R.F. Ohl To Learn More About Ductless Heating & Cooling Systems

If you want to discover what a ductless HVAC system can do for you, call R.F. Ohl. Our NATE-certified technicians will help you determine the type of HVAC system that works best for your needs.

R.F. Ohl is one of the region’s leading full-service HVAC companies. We offer a wide range of HVAC services, from installations and tune-ups to repairs and consultations. We can help you find different approaches and solutions to ensure that our services meet your requirements and budget. Call us today for a free, in-home estimate.

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