Sometimes, replacing an old HVAC system is as simple as installing a model that’s similar to the old one. Other times, a homeowner decides to treat himself to a major upgrade. For this homeowner in Boise, ID, that upgrade came in the form of a ductless mini split.
We got the call when the 30-year-old heat pump in this ranch home couldn’t keep up anymore. Our homeowner’s house would get too cold in the winter and stay too hot in the summer.
And, he noticed his electric bill getting bigger each year.
This situation is normal when an HVAC system gets toward the end of its life. And, with 30-year-old equipment, we were surprised it hadn’t happened sooner!
But, our homeowner remembered back when the heat pump did a fantastic job. He didn’t want to switch over to natural gas or baseboards and window air conditioners. Is there a better solution out there today?
There sure is. And, now our homeowner is more comfortable than ever.
In this case study, we’ll discuss:
- How Heat Pumps Have Improved
- Ductless Heat Pump Systems
- More Benefits Of Ductless Mini Splits
- Ductless Heating And Cooling In Boise, ID
And, if you have any questions about the heating and cooling in your Boise, ID home, call or email Snowflake Air to learn more.
Problem: A 30-year-old heat pump system in an older Boise, ID ranch home was no longer kept up.
Solution: Replaced the old unit and upgraded home to a ductless heat pump system for amazing comfort and cost-savings.
Read More: How Much Does A Mini Split Cost In And Around Boise Metro?
How Heat Pumps Have Improved
Heat pumps have come a long way since a homeowner installed one in this Boise, ID, home. Even though they use the same method to heat and cool your home, today’s models do a much better job.
And, when you pair one with air handlers in a ductless mini split, those benefits get even better. But, let’s start with the older model we found in this home.
People in most parts of the country considered heat pumps only for air conditioning. They did a great job of transferring heat from your home outside.
They could offer some heating by working in reverse. But, in most cases, a heat pump wasn’t strong enough to warm your home all winter.
That’s all changed. Today’s heat pumps can keep you warm and cozy even when the temperature outside is negative 13 degrees!
And, with any HVAC equipment that’s three decades old, the system in this home wasn’t working as well as it used to. It used more electricity and couldn’t keep up like it used to.
Our homeowner knew it was time for a change. He learned about how much heat pumps have improved. Then, when he read up on ductless heat pump systems, he knew a new model was the way to go.
Ductless Heat Pump Systems
Ductless heat pump systems are usually called “mini splits” because they’re made up of two small components: the heat pump and the indoor units. Both are small and don’t look like they’re connected.
As we mentioned, today’s heat pumps are way more efficient than older models. They use next-to-no electricity. And, they’re much stronger!
That means better comfort in every season. And lower bills.
Inverter Technology
The big change here is Inverter technology. If you’ve heard of “variable-speed” furnaces or ACs, it’s pretty much the same thing.
Traditional HVAC systems have two modes: On and off. So, they work by blasting hot or cold air into your home when the temperature drifts away from where you want it.
It usually overcompensates by a few degrees. Then, it turns back on when it gets too hot or cold again. It does the job, but it uses a lot of energy. And, you can feel the temperature changes.
Our homeowner won’t get those fluctuations with his new system. Instead, the Inverter technology lets the heat pump switch to a slower speed that maintains a steady temperature all the time.
It’s more cost-efficient than stopping and starting all the time. And, it makes our homeowner’s ranch way more comfortable.
And, that’s year-round comfort.
Better Heating
Today’s heat pumps can do more with less when it comes to heat. His old system came with electric radiant heat — kind of like baseboards — that kicked on when the main system couldn’t keep up.
Today’s heat pumps are strong enough that they don’t require that supplemental source.
Finally, with ductless, you’re pairing them with air handlers that don’t rely on ductwork. As a result, you get even better, more efficient.
More Benefits Of Ductless Mini Splits
Let’s talk a little more about the air handlers — the other half of the ductless mini split. These work hand-in-hand with the outdoor unit to bring our homeowner more comfort for less money.
Each wall-mounted unit handles a different room, or zone, of the house. Each one uses a built-in thermostat to control the temperature for each zone individually.
That means no more uneven heating and cooling! Each room gets the exact treatment it needs.
Our homeowner can set each one to the same temperature. Or, adjust them all differently.
That comes in handy if, for instance, he prefers his bedrooms a little cooler. Or if a room that gets less sun gets colder quicker in the wintertime.
Meanwhile, each air handler uses fans and sensors to eliminate hot and cold spots in a room. Not only do they regulate each zone separately. They also provide superior treatment for each space!
And, they’re whisper-quiet. There’s no rushing sound like with forced air coming through the ductwork and vents.
Read More: Rebates and Financing For Mini Splits In And Around Boise Metro
Ductless Heating And Cooling In A Boise, ID Ranch Home
It didn’t take long before our homeowner decided to upgrade his old heat pump to ductless heating and cooling. And, it didn’t take us long after that to get his customized system up and running!
Our first step was doing a load calculation for his ranch home. That way, we’d know how many air handlers and what size heat pump he would need.
Then, we worked with our homeowner to figure out the best spot for each air handler. They mount high up on the walls, and we like to choose out-of-the-way locations for them.
In this case, we put them near the tops of doorways and across from windows. That way, they follow the “flow” of the room and don’t catch your eye.
After that, it was easy to run the lines we need for them through the walls like electrical wiring. Then, we attached them to the heat pump outside.
Now, each room in our Boise, ID, homeowner’s ranch is more comfortable than ever. And, his utility bills are lower than they’ve ever been before!
If you’re ready to overhaul and improve your home comfort in the Treasure Valley, while also driving down your electric bill, call or email Snowflake Air today for a free consultation with an expert mini split installers in Boise, ID.
