Conventional Systems vs. Mitsubishi Ductless Heat Pump Systems
In the HVAC industry, we are constantly asked some difficult questions, such as:
- Why did this part fail?
- How much is this going to cost?
- How much money will I save?
- When will it pay itself back?
- And, which system is best for my home?
HVAC systems can be pretty complex, and the variability of the weather, design factors, home construction, and installation practices, every one of these questions can be very challenging to answer! So let’s examine the concept of Conventional Heating VS Mitsubishi Ductless Heat Pump systems, to discuss their practical uses and when each might fit better than the other.
The Basics:
When speaking of conventional heating systems, I am generalizing what we call “Unitary” systems, consisting of gas or oil-fired furnaces and boilers. These systems are most likely in your home already. It’s likely your home has duct work in your basement or attic, you might have a boiler and associated piping to baseboard heat or radiators, or there might be a combination of the two. In terms of the overall efficiency of these systems- The system burns some sort of fuel to generate heat, and there are several steps along the way where it can LOSE that heat and efficiency. It starts right at the gas fired heat exchanger, which generally only transfers between 80% – 95% of the fuel consumption to real British Thermal Units (BTUs). From there the system experiences loss in the duct work via air leaks in the ducts (dumping “lost” air into either your attic or basement), loss in the copper heat piping that runs throughout the basement or in the walls, or loss as a combination of those two things in a hydro-air system. This inefficiency has been incrementally improved over the years, by improved annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) at the burner, enhanced code requirements on duct sealing and insulation, and overall installation practices.
Here are some situations where conventional systems seem to fit best:
- In older homes that were constructed prior to Inverter Heat Pump technology becoming a great heating option.
- Hydronic systems in homes where air conditioning was never really considered a priority.
- Hydronic systems in homes where radiant floor heating is a priority.
- Forced air systems where ductwork provisions have been made during construction.
- General new construction where the intended homeowner or builder do not “trust” inverter heat pumps for primary heating.
The reason most homes in New England DO use conventional heat, is a combination of the reasoning above, with a strong emphasis on the last bullet point. The bottom line is that many locals and trade professionals still just do not trust a heat pump to do the work required to heat a home in the dead of winter.
The Alternative:
In the last five years, there has been a significant shift in the mindset of forward-thinking HVAC circles, that Ductless Heat Pump solutions are an excellent solution for both new homes as well as retrofits. If you align the bullets below with those above, there is a great counter argument for each of those points above.
- Ductless Heat Pump technology is now a great heating option, and can easily be retrofitted into homes that currently have conventional systems.
- With heat pumps in general, air conditioning is an automatic benefit with installation, as any heat pump will provide cooling to the space during summer.
- In general, small areas such as master bathrooms can utilize an efficient electric heat mat beneath tiling to satisfy those looking for warm toes.
- Although some Mitsubishi Electric systems DO use duct work, many of them are ductless, thus freeing up floor space, basement space, and reducing the need for chases or something throughout a newly constructed home.
- Refer back to point one – These systems have now been proven, to be efficient in our Seacoast climate, and well North of here.
If you’re still not sure which system is right for your home, call us today.
Dunklee is the professional team you can trust for all your heating, cooling, water heater maintenance, and repair plan needs. Contact Dunklee today!
