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A ductless system, also called a mini-split or a ductless heat pump, is a highly efficient heating and cooling system that does not require any ductwork. These systems deliver control over your interior climate needs with versatility, quick installation (vs. ducted systems), and greater safety than portable electric heaters. Given their size and portability, they are quicker to install than traditional whole home ducted systems. As a result of their design, they allow management of each individual room. Choosing a mini-split system vs. a ducted system depends on your climate needs, your home's structure, and whether you have an existing system with ductwork.

According to ENERGY STAR, 20 to 30% of air from the duct system is lost because of leaks and holes. Even more, ducting that's either uninsulated or running through unconditioned spaces can lose up to 32% of its effectiveness. This means your system has to work harder to deliver comfort. However, insulation can significantly reduce heat loss in ducts. For example, a 100-degree basement temperature with a 70-degree supply air temperature can result in a 55-degree temperature difference, causing substantial heat loss from the uninsulated duct into the basement. Insulation can typically reduce energy losses by 90% and help ensure proper steam pressure for plant equipment.

Your HVAC system uses a series of coils to heat and cool your home. One of those coils is located outside your home and is called the condenser coil. With an outside location, it can get dirty with dust and debris. A dirty condenser coil can reduce its capacity by more than 30% and increase its energy usage by more than 37%. For example, a three-ton system with a dirty condenser coil is like running a two-ton system, which costs a lot more in energy. The coil inside your home is called the evaporator coil. It absorbs the heat inside your home and also can get dirty, which hinders your HVAC system's performance. That means higher energy bills. Depending on your home's humidity, effects from pollution and pollen, and how dusty your home is, you may need to clean your evaporator coil as well. A best practice is to clean your coils at least annually for optimal HVAC maintenance.

Maintaining IAQ is a balancing act between numerous factors. Air quality is important to your health, quality of life, and even home performance, in terms of efficiency. You cannot escape the air in your home; you are breathing whatever is in it every day. Some of the factors that can impact your IAQ include temperature, toxic gases, particles, humidity, odors and smells, mold, dust, and ventilation. Many homeowners do not realize the benefits of optimizing the air in a home, but it is one of the best investments you can make for the health of the people who live there as well as the home itself.

The thermostat is the primary touchpoint for most homeowners' HVAC systems. Many homeowners are switching to smart thermostats for an integrated home environment. With a touch of a button on their smartphone, homeowners can control their HVAC systems whether they are home or not. Smart thermostats offer many fantastic benefits for homeowners such as energy efficiency, money savings, greater control over their HVAC systems, sustainability and environmental considerations, and comfort. There are eco functions that limit system operations based on time of day, sensors that factor direct sunlight on the thermostat for running the system, and snapshot reports on energy consumption. The benefits of upgrading to a smart thermostat are numerous, and it is simple to install, with the help of a technician.