Over the last several years, we’ve noticed more and more homeowners building accessory dwelling units (ADUs) for a variety of reasons—from generating rental income and housing multi-generational family members to creating dedicated, private home office spaces. These independent, smaller spaces have a unique climate control need. They require a system that is both compact and energy-efficient, without the expense and disruption of installing traditional ductwork. This is where ductless HVAC systems come in and offer a powerful, flexible, and efficient way to ensure these smaller areas are comfortable year-round.
Why Ductless HVAC is the Perfect Solution for Independent Spaces
Traditional central heating and cooling systems are designed to condition an entire home through a network of ducts. For a single room or an independent unit like an ADU, this can be highly inefficient and impractical. Ductless systems, on the other hand, provide a targeted approach to comfort. They consist of a single outdoor condenser unit connected to one or more indoor air-handling units (called wall heads or ceiling cassettes), which mount on a wall or ceiling. This design provides several key benefits:
Easy, Non-Invasive Installation
Since there is no ductwork required, installation is far less invasive than with a central system. A small three-inch hole in the wall is all that’s needed to connect the indoor and outdoor units, which means you can have a new system up and running quickly with minimal disruption to the space.
Quiet Operation
Ductless systems are known for their quiet operation. The noisiest component, the compressor, is located in the outdoor unit, while the indoor units operate at a very low decibel level—often quieter than a whisper. This makes them perfect for home offices where quiet is essential or for ADUs where you want to provide a peaceful living environment.
Year-Round Comfort, All in One
Ductless systems function as a two-in-one solution, providing both heating and cooling from a single unit. In Central Oregon’s climate, this is invaluable. You can easily switch between modes, ensuring your ADU or home office is perfectly comfortable on a frigid winter morning or a warm summer afternoon.
Zoned Comfort and Maximum Efficiency
One of the most compelling features of ductless HVAC is its zoning capabilities. Each indoor unit operates independently, allowing precise temperature control for different areas. In a multi-room ADU, this means guests can keep the bedroom cool while maintaining a comfortable temperature in the living area. For home offices, you can maintain professional comfort during work hours while keeping energy costs minimal when the space isn’t in use.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Ductless System
When selecting the best ductless HVAC system for your ADU or home office, it’s essential to consider a few key factors:
Single-Zone vs. Multi-Zone
If you’re only conditioning a single room, a single-zone system is the most straightforward option. For a larger ADU with multiple rooms, a multi-zone system with multiple indoor units connected to a single outdoor unit might be the most efficient choice.
System Sizing
Choosing the right size system is critical for performance and efficiency. An undersized unit will run constantly and fail to cool or heat properly, while an oversized unit will short-cycle, leading to energy waste and poor humidity control.
Professional Installation
While the installation process is simpler than with a ducted system, it’s still a job for a qualified professional. Proper sizing, placement of the units, and refrigerant line connections are essential for the system to operate safely and efficiently.
Choosing the Right System With Bend Heating
The versatility and efficiency of ductless HVAC systems make them an excellent investment for any Central Oregon homeowner with an ADU, home office, or other small space in need of independent climate control. They deliver powerful, quiet, and customizable comfort that saves energy and money.
Contact Bend Heating & Sheet Metal today to learn more about the best ductless options for your specific needs and to get a professional recommendation.