Would you be interested in a home comfort solution that will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, allow you to maintain different temperatures in each room in your house, that the government will help you buy and install, and will save you big money on your energy bills? If you said yes, then you need to take a close look at mini-split heat pumps that come in two options: ducted mini-splits and ductless mini-splits.

Heat pumps have always had loyal fans, but in recent years mini-split heat pumps have seen a surge in popularity in the HVAC market, for all the above reasons and more. Read on to learn why both builders and homeowners are increasingly choosing mini-split systems.

Mini-Splits Are Energy Efficient

One of the biggest benefits of ductless mini-split systems is their superior energy efficiency compared to other types of systems. Traditional forced-air HVAC systems lose as much as 30% of the energy they produce through their ductwork as the warm or cold air travels through them, meaning the system has to work harder — and use more energy — to keep the home comfortable. Ductless mini-split systems eliminate this loss by delivering warm or cool air directly into the living spaces.

The energy efficiency of mini-splits is reflected in their high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings. Many models boast SEER ratings of 20 or higher, far exceeding the efficiency of conventional systems. That translates into significant savings on your energy bill while contributing to sustainability goals. And because of their excellent energy efficiency, mini-split heat pumps qualify for many government grants and rebates, making buying and installing a mini-split one of the most cost-effective HVAC solutions.

Ductless Mini-Splits Provide Flexible Comfort Zoning

Another energy-saving and comfort-enhancing feature of mini-split systems is zoned heating and cooling. With the ability to individually control the temperature settings on the indoor ductless units throughout the home, homeowners can create separate comfort zones. This means you can cool or heat only the rooms you are using while keeping the settings low in others, saving energy and money and increasing comfort. This is in contrast to traditional systems where the temperature is set for the whole house, and can only be controlled in individual rooms by closing vents, an inconvenient and inefficient solution.

Ductless Mini-Splits Are Easy to Install

Installing a ductless mini-split heat pump is much less time-consuming and invasive than a traditional HVAC system since there’s no need to install ductwork throughout the home. This makes them a great choice for retrofitting older homes or adding climate control to new additions. Easy installation also means lower installation costs, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners. Additionally, the flexibility in placing individual room units allows for creative solutions in homes with limited space or unusual architectural features.

Mini-Split Systems Improve Air Quality

Mini-split systems can significantly improve indoor air quality. By eliminating ductwork, they reduce the accumulation of dust, allergens and other pollutants that can build up and be distributed through the home with traditional forced-air HVAC systems.

Many ductless systems also come equipped with advanced filtration technologies, further increasing their ability to keep the air you breathe clean. This helps to prevent the many health problems that can be caused by poor indoor air quality and is especially beneficial for those with asthma, allergies or other respiratory issues.

Space-Saving Design

The compact design of ductless mini-split systems can be a big advantage for homeowners, especially in homes where space is at a premium. The indoor units can be mounted almost anywhere — on walls, ceilings or floors — providing great flexibility to accommodate different floor plans and furnishings. The space-saving design of mini-split systems allows homeowners to maximize their living spaces while keeping their rooms looking clean and uncluttered.

Mini-Splits Are Quiet

Modern mini-split systems are known for their quiet operation. The compressor, typically the noisiest part of an air conditioning system, is located outside, while the indoor units operate at very low noise levels. This quiet performance is particularly appealing in bedrooms, home offices and other spaces where noise can be a problem.

Mini-Splits Are for Both Heating and Cooling

A modern mini-split system can both heat and cool your home, providing year-round comfort in a single unit. Older models were known to lose some of their efficiency at extreme temps, but new technology has largely eliminated that. Many homeowners in areas that experience extreme temperatures use their mini-split heat pump for most of the year with a backup furnace in the winter to provide an extra layer of comfort security.

As energy costs continue to rise and homeowners become more focused on efficiency and sustainability, the appeal of mini-split systems is likely to grow even more. Advancements in technology, such as improved smart home integration and even higher efficiency ratings, are expected to drive continued high demand in the mini-split market.

Contact Apex Air to learn more about how a ductless mini-split system can work for you.

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for overall health and wellbeing. While many factors contribute to sleep quality, one of the most important is the physical environment you sleep in, and whether it’s conducive to deep, restorative sleep.

This begs the question, can your home HVAC help you sleep better? Given the role that your heating and cooling system plays in creating your environment by regulating temperature, humidity and indoor air quality, the answer is assuredly yes.

Let’s take a look at the HVAC system’s impact on your sleep and what you can do to optimize it for better rest.

Temperature: Finding the Sweet Spot

If you’ve wondered how can your home HVAC help you sleep better, temperature control is the primary way. The temperature in your bedroom is essential to a comfortable sleeping environment and a good night’s rest. Fluctuating temperature extremes are a recipe for a restless night.

Sleep studies have shown that the ideal sleeping temperature for most people is between 60°F and 67°F. This range helps facilitate the natural drop in core body temperature that occurs as we prepare for sleep.

To achieve optimal temperature control for better sleep, consider these tips:

• Use a programmable thermostat to lower the temperature before bedtime automatically.
• Consider installing zoned heating and cooling for better sleep, such as a mini-split heat pump, to maintain different temperatures in various parts of your home.
• Use breathable bedding materials to help regulate your body temperature as you sleep.

A consistent, cool temperature can help you fall asleep faster and help you avoid waking up in the middle of the night due to feeling too hot or too cold.

Humidity: Balancing Moisture Levels

Humidity levels can also affect sleep comfort. The ideal indoor relative humidity for sleeping is between 30% and 50%. Too much humidity can make you feel hot and sticky, while too little can lead to dry skin and nose and throat irritation. For best humidity management in your home, try these tactics:

• Use a whole-house humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain optimal levels throughout the home. Small, portable units can be used for individual rooms.
• Monitor indoor humidity with a hygrometer. Inexpensive models can be found at most retail and hardware stores.
• Address any sources of excess moisture, such as leaks or poor ventilation.

Proper humidity management can significantly enhance your sleep quality by creating a more comfortable environment and reducing the risk of allergens like dust mites and mold.

Good Air Quality Makes Breathing Easy

Poor indoor air quality due to airborne pollutants, dust and allergens can affect your sleep by causing eye irritation, itchy skin, dry mouth and throat, coughing, sinus problems and other symptoms, as well as triggering allergies, asthma or other respiratory issues. To improve your indoor air quality for better sleep, you should:

• Regularly change your HVAC filters, ideally every one to three months.
• Consider installing a whole-house air purification system.
• Ensure proper ventilation to reduce indoor pollutants.

Noise Control: Minimizing Disruptions

A noisy HVAC system can be an annoying sleep disturber, especially if you’re a light sleeper. The constant hum and sudden thuds of the starts and stops of your heating and cooling system can disrupt your natural sleep cycles and keep you from entering into a deep, restorative sleep. To cut down on HVAC noise for a better night’s rest, you can:

• Schedule a biannual inspection and routine maintenance to ensure proper operation and reduce any unusual noises.
• Consider upgrading to a newer and quieter system if yours is getting old and cranky.
• Use a white noise or nature sounds generator to help mask the noise from your system.

If you’re routinely roused from your sleep by your heating and cooling equipment, talk to your HVAC contractor about noise reduction in your system.

Consistency Is the Key

Keeping temperature and humidity levels constant throughout the night is very important for maintaining a comfortable sleep environment. When these factors fluctuate, it can cause you to wake up often or shift between sleep stages more frequently, ruining any chance for a restful sleep. To help ensure consistency, you should:

• Avoid large temperature changes just before bedtime.
• Use heavy curtains or blinds to minimize hot or cold air coming in from outside.
• Consider installing a smart thermostat that’s capable of learning your temperature preferences and that adjusts accordingly for nighttime.

The Role of Circadian Rhythms

Your biological internal clock, known as circadian rhythms, is regulated by changes in the environment, including temperature. Slightly cooler temperatures in the evening tell your body that it’s time to sleep as part of your natural sleep-wake cycle. To support your body’s natural rhythms and promote sleep, you should gradually lower the temperature in your home an hour or two before bedtime, and use dimmer lighting at the same time to simulate evening and convince your body that it’s time to get some rest.

Can your home HVAC help you sleep better? Yes it can! Contact Apex Air and let us show you how.