Ductless Air Conditioning

Novel Care has been the #1 ductless air conditioning company in Toronto and the GTA for over 30 years. When you need a new ductless system installed in your home you can count on Novel Care HVAC technicians to ensure that you have the right ductless air units in your home. We will help you choose a new ductless air conditioner for your home and then take care of the installation and the disposal of the old unit.

Overall, you can count on Novel Care for all of your ductless air conditioning installation, repair and maintenance needs. We install the best brands, brand that we have been using for years that we know are reliable and efficient.

For more information about ductless air conditioner installation, maintenance or repair services contact us today: 416-921-0000.

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Multi Zone Ductless Systems

The heating and cooling preferences of family members always differ in a home. Likewise, various rooms in a house demand different temperature settings. You could prefer it a little colder, while your partner might prefer it a little toastier. Your basement is often colder than you want, and your loft is just unbearably hot. These are some examples of heating and cooling issues that a normal HVAC system cannot always solve, requiring HVAC zoning.

A multi zone ductless HVAC system delivers personalized heating and cooling to meet the demands of each individual in the home, allowing everyone to enjoy the ideal room temperature.

However, the uses of a multi zone system are not limited to residential settings. HVAC zoning may also benefit commercial organizations by delivering comfort, convenience, and energy savings at a low cost.

What is a multi zone HVAC Zoning System?

A multi-zone ductless heating and cooling system splits your home up into clusters. Each cluster has its own temperature set point and operating mode. A dedicated thermostat for the zone or, in the case of ductless air conditioners, a smart AC controller provides controls for the zone. This gives you greater control over each specific part of your home, increasing your comfort and reducing energy bills.

Consider a two-story house with the living room, kitchen, and hallway on the first floor with three bedrooms and a slightly smaller living room upstairs. The upper half of the house is generally unused during the day and only partially occupied at night. In such a scenario, it makes reasonable to create zones.

In this scenario, the living room, kitchen, and hallway may be combined into one zone, while the upper part can be designated as a separate zone. The first zone is in continuous use throughout the day, so the temperature can be set as preferred, whereas the other zone can be turned off for the majority of the day as it is usually not in use. It will be turned on when it is getting close to bedtime in the evenings.

In this way, you would use air conditioning only when necessary, rather than all day long. This eliminates unnecessary electricity usage and helps to conserve energy.

Advantages of a multi zone HVAC System

Energy savings are associated with HVAC zoning. The primary advantage of a multi-zone ductless heat pump system is the energy-saving it provides. Multi zone heat pumps can reduce air conditioning and heating costs by up to 30%.

This is achieved by using your air conditioning according to your needs and not keeping it running unnecessarily in areas where there is no need. You can cool your home or provide warmth in the heating season with these highly energy efficient types of heat pumps.

Air conditioning zones result in greater comfort for occupants

A zoned HVAC system gives you unparalleled control over the operating modes and temperatures of your air conditioning. The desired temperature and air conditioning mode can be set for each zone.

If one part of the home is too cold and you need to ramp up the heat only in that particular room, you can quickly achieve this with HVAC zoning. In this manner, other rooms of the house do not get extra heat, avoiding uneven temperatures.

Do You Need Zoning?

A zoned HVAC system seems to be attractive, and the benefits are worth considering the installation. Let’s have a look at who can benefit from a modern multizone heat pump system and how to make the most out of it. If you agree with any of the lines below, this system is ideal for you.

  • Your home has multiple levels
  • You have separate living and shared areas
  • The house has elderly people
  • You have an area designated for pets
  • Your home is unevenly heated/cooled (One part of the home is facing north, the other towards south)
  • Using the attic as a living space
  • Your home has large unused indoor spaces
  • Members of your household are often in conflict about the temperature settings of their rooms

This list is by no means exhaustive, and there are a few other cases in which a ductless multi zone system can be applicable. You can have a detailed HVAC energy audit conducted to get a detailed overview of your zoning requirements.

How Many Zones Do You Need?

Let’s determine how many zones you’d need. The exact number depends on your home arrangement, living preferences, number of occupants, and other factors such as pets and outdoor environment.

The most common zoned system is where the upper and lower floors are a separate zone as the temperature greatly varies between the two floors. Other variations include separating the home into living and common areas. Moreover, each room can be made a separate zone as well, providing completely personalized HVAC controls.

Zoning for Ducted HVAC Systems

A central HVAC system is a prime obstacle for HVAC zoning. The reasons for this are multiple:

Central HVAC systems have a single thermostat for the whole house. Conventional ducted systems use a single thermostat to control the temperature of the entire house. It cannot be used selectively for a specific room, spelling trouble for your energy consumption, especially for times when your home isn’t fully occupied. Not to mention, this is incredibly inconvenient for the occupants. A ductless multi zone system removes this problem and lets you have individual room control so that only the desired area can be heated or cooled.

Separate the living and working areas

If you have some rooms in your home designated for special activities, such as a workshop, or a home gym, then you would want to keep the air separated from the rest of the home. With conventional HVAC systems, this is not possible.

A multi zone unit can come in handy here. By making these special rooms a separate zone, you can ensure that the air from these rooms does not drift to the other areas of your home.

How Can You Make a Zoned HVAC System?

Take for example, a two-story house. When you have created a zone for only the home’s upper floor, the lower floor’s indoor evaporator unit will be off, preventing air from cooling or heating this portion. Now, heating or cooling is only performed on the upper floor. Furthermore, your HVAC system utilizes a reduced amount of energy.

Zoning for Ductless HVAC Systems

A single zone ductless HVAC system is easier to convert to a multi zone HVAC system. With a ductless zoned HVAC system, all your ductless mini split units can be controlled with the tap of a single button, rather than turning each unit on or off individually. How easy is that! Just imagine if there are five different ACs in a building, you need to press a button to turn on all five one by one.

If you have a single zone HVAC system, consult our HVAC professionals beforehand and ask them to thoroughly plan it out for you.

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The History of Ductless Air Conditioning

Since its introduction in the 1970s, the world has become more familiar with the concept of a ductless air conditioning system as alternative heat sources. Between 1954 and 1968, Japanese enterprises Mitsubishi Electric and Toshiba pioneered the technology. It was created as an upgrade from the window unit. The key objective was to offer cooling to houses and buildings where a more extensive, whole-system approach was either impractical because of space or monetary limitations, but subsequently offering far more pleasant cooling technology.

Initially available only as a window air conditioner or a wall-mounted indoor unit option, the ductless system provided enhanced performance, higher efficiency, and the ability to regulate separate zones. The possibility to remotely place the system’s condensing outdoor unit and therefore relocate the sound-bearing components from the living area was a significant benefit in freeing up window space.

The fact that the small, compact condensing units could be put in various locations, keeping up with the space-restricted Japanese building practices, while being energy efficient, was one of the major elements in the ductless system’s early popularity. To this day, the worldwide baseline ductless product is a wall-mounted indoor unit, which accounts for approximately 75% of total global mini split system sales.

Several manufacturers saw opportunities and introduced additional ductless indoor units, such as floor consoles and ceiling-suspended units to their existing HVAC systems. Concealed ducted-style and concealed ceiling cassette units have also been created, giving the ductless mini splits a new application.

Heat Pump Technologies Are Evolving

Ductless heat pump systems earned a reputation for reliability in terms of service and maintenance. Today’s technology has further enhanced this reputation, with installations rarely experiencing issues. Whether it is a small system or a multi zone system — which was invented by Daikin in 1973 — these air conditioner systems are extremely energy efficient, requiring simply basic filter maintenance and condenser coil cleaning.

As the Japanese invention was gradually spread across the world, the demands that each region created, both in terms of sales and design, further improved the concept, allowing ductless air conditioners to become the standard of many countries’ HVAC choices.

Longer pipe lengths, improved height separation, broader operation temperature range in both cooling and heating modes, efficiency levels exceeding government-mandated minimum requirements, and user-friendly mobile controls were among the technological advancements of ductless ACs.

The most significant evolution of the mini-split happened with the introduction of the more sophisticated variable refrigerant volume (VRV) zone systems. These advancements provided a ductless solution for servicing whole-house residential applications with multi-split systems capable of serving up to five zones.

Constant Evolution and Energy Savings

Compressor technology transitioned from conventional to variable-frequency drive (VFD) inverter compressors, offering outstanding operating performance (full and partial load) for mini split heat pumps and close control of the desired comfort level. Improvement of the heating and cooling equipment reliability, and extended lifespan in the main focus.

Condensing fan motors were upgraded from direct-drive to VFD inverter-types, which improved performance at the extremes of the ambient operation range and increased efficiency.

To reduce indoor noise levels and power consumption, evaporator unit fan motors transitioned from direct-drive to direct-current (DC).

Heat exchanger technology has advanced to incorporate sophisticated high-performance coil designs with little surface area but high heat exchange to guarantee higher system capacity. Even with a tiny, packed unit, higher efficiency can be obtained.

Self-diagnostic features assist the installing contractor and owner in addressing system errors and getting the equipment back to operational with as little downtime as possible.

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What You Need To Know About Heat Pump Systems

A residential ductless heat pump is a type of HVAC system that uses refrigeration and electrical energy to heat and cool a building. There are two primary parts:

  • A condenser, which is generally located on the building’s outside.
  • An air handler unit, the evaporator, is located within the building.

A refrigeration line connects the two units of the heat pump system, which transfers hot or cool air into the house. Because the condenser and air handler are separate components, this system is commonly referred to as a mini split system.

A multi zone ductless air conditioning unit has several indoor units that are spread all across the building and are supplied by a single outdoor unit.

The Difference Between a Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump and a Furnace

The main difference is that furnaces create heat by burning fuel, such as oil, gas, or propane, whereas heat pumps generate heat by utilizing electricity.

If you live in a region where electric power is reasonably priced, you might consider installing a heat pump as a new heat source. They are ideal alternatives to furnaces and air conditioners since they can provide cold air in hot times.

High efficiency heat pumps also dehumidify better than ordinary central air conditioners, resulting in lower energy consumption and greater cooling comfort throughout the summer season. They may be utilized in sub-zero temperatures thanks to recent improvements.

How Air Source Heat Pumps Work

Take a look at your refrigerator or freezer to see how this works. It transfers heat from the inside of the box to the exterior. A thermostat within the box maintains a constant temperature, and when the box becomes too warm, it begins to pump heat out of the box. When the box cools and reaches the temperature selected, the pumping stops until the interior heats up again.

During the summertime, your heat pump in cooling mode utilizes R-410A, a refrigerant to remove hot air from your home and discharge that heat into the outside air. In the winter, it works like a reversed air conditioner. In ductless systems the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside air and transfers it to your home.

This heat is transferred by the refrigerant line to the indoor unit, which then distributes it to the air inside your house via a fan within the interior unit. Heat pumps are indeed very energy efficient heat sources. They transfer heat rather than generate it. In fact, when compared to electric resistance heating such as furnaces or baseboard heaters, a heat pump may cut your power consumption by half.

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The World Is Facing a Looming Cold Crunch

In recent years, the space cooling demands of the construction industry needed roughly 15% of the energy utilized for heating, generating about 1 billion metric tons of CO2 from electricity consumption. Meanwhile, space cooling is growing fast and is expected to grow even more in the coming decades. For the next three decades, cooling demand is predicted to grow at a rate of more than 3% every year, which would be eight times faster than heating demand in the past 30 years.

The rise in space cooling and air conditioning demand is being driven by a number of causes. In South East Asia, air conditioner ownership rates vary from 75% to 85% among high-income urban families, compared to 5% or less in low-income rural households. Air conditioner ownership in the United States and Australia exceeds 90%, whereas it is less than 10% in India, Indonesia, and near to 20% in Brazil.

Despite the fact that 35% of the world’s population lives in countries where it is extremely hot nearly each and every day, just 15 percent of the world’s population owns an air conditioner. The rate of ownership is predicted to climb to 60 percent by 2050 and 70 % by 2070 as a result of improving living standards, climate change, attempts to improve access to essential energy services, and lowering prices of ductless air conditioning.

Prioritizing solutions focused on heating, cooling, or both will assist the building sector’s decarbonization. Ductless heat pump technology may be used in a wide range of climates and can be configured to offer both heating and cooling. Heat pumps are currently required for heating and cooling by one-third of the world’s population. Promoting the adoption of high efficiency HVAC equipment, as well as innovation, will be critical to meeting global decarbonization targets.

Despite their rising popularity, the vast majority of mini split heat pumps sold today are solely utilized for cooling. The average performance of an air conditioner and heat pump system would increase by more than 50% by 2030 and nearly double by the year 2070. Without such efficiency improvements in ductless systems, according to research, electricity consumption for cooling may almost triple by 2070.

An estimated 33% of homes globally have both heating and cooling requirements, however this figure may be as high as 78% in Europe, 56% in North America (the Unites States and Canada combined), and over 80% in China. It is essential in these locations that technology is developed to achieve decarbonization goals.

Government incentives provide an opportunity to encourage the adoption of more energy efficient ductless mini split system technology. The Canada Greener Homes Grant or the European Next Generation EU are promoting energy efficient air source heat pumps, the use of local resources, and battle against climate change, which is projected to boost the use of heat pumps and other solutions using renewable heat sources in new construction and renovation projects.

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Save money on your heating bills with heat pumps

Whether you use natural gas, propane, or heating oil for your boiler and furnace, this winter might be quite expensive. Depending on the fuel you use and where you live, you may be able to reduce your heating expenses by installing a modern HVAC equipment.

Prices are rising and will most certainly continue to rise. The cost of heating fuels such as propane, natural gas, and heating oil is expected to rise by at least 33%.

Rising energy prices reflect a worldwide energy crunch, as recovering economies struggle to scale up their output quickly enough after delaying capital investments.

Extreme weather patterns have also resulted in relatively low renewable energy generation in certain places, aggravating the shortages. If you’re concerned about your winter heating bills, there may be more you can do to protect yourself. Blocking up poorly insulated places and replacing your furnace filter won’t do much for you.

Ductless heat pumps are getting a lot of attention these days. They are prevalent in European houses, and an increasing number of Canadian homeowners are deciding to install this highly efficient heating option as well.

The question is, how much money can they actually save? An electrically heated house saves 50-60% on average. The calculation is simple: an electric baseboard provides 1 kWh of heat for every kWh of electricity consumed. A heat pump produces 3 kWh of heat for every kWh of electricity consumed.

Heat pumps use electricity to operate. They are far more efficient than the electric resistance heating systems, that most households are familiar with, such as space heaters and baseboard heating. These systems

Heat pumps redistribute heat that is already present in the outside rather than immediately turning electrical energy into heat. Heat pumps warm hour home without using electric resistance heating or converting heat from fossil fuels through combustion.

When comparing oil, gas, or wood heating sources, the age and thus efficiency of the furnace must be taken into account. Other house specific factors that influence expected energy savings are the energy rating of the heat pump, the size of the home, wall insulation, room temperature settings, occupancy, and the layout of the house.

According to a study of air to air (A2A) heat pumps in Canadian cities, replacing an oil or gas furnace can provide households with energy savings anywhere between 57 to 81 percent. This is remarkably significant, and it’s no wonder that more and more people are looking for houses that have these features.

Heat pumps are a tested technology that can be installed in a single day. They work well as a supplement to electric baseboard heaters or existing oil or gas furnaces. To supplement hydronic heating systems, wood stoves, or electric baseboard heaters, you might consider a wall-mounted mini split unit.

When compared to other kinds of heating, installing a heat pump is very affordable. While your monthly energy bill is instantly lowered, it takes an average of 1-5 years to return the initial investment cost, depending on the size and use of the system.

Technological improvements in recent years have resulted in the development of cold climate air source heat pumps. They use R-410A refrigerant to transfer heat from the outside (even at -30°C air has a heat content) inside your house. This means that free heat energy is harvested right at your home. Heat pumps save money because they produce more heat energy than they consume: 1 kWh of electric power is converted into 3 kWh of heat.

Unlike furnaces, which require central ductwork, and boilers, which distribute heat through radiators; ductless heat pumps can be simply integrated into your home. Ductless heat pumps require minimal amount of outside area for the compressor and short copper pipe connections to the indoor units (also knows as evaporators) that provide heating or cooling to each room.

Ductless heat pumps are a popular choice among consumers since they eliminate losses caused by ducting and can serve specific areas of the home. Furthermore, your home does not need to be connected to a natural gas pipeline in order to have access to low-cost heating.

They have the potential to minimize your carbon footprint. As we transition to a cleaner electric grid, powering the heating industry will be critical to reduce emissions. Heat pumps have the potential to completely decarbonize heating energy usage in the residential and commercial building sectors when combined with renewable technologies such as solar or wind.

For the first time, you may keep your apartment warm this winter guilt-free by not using fossil fuels. Heat pumps might just be the best option for you.

Is Ductless Heating and Cooling Right for You? Installing ductless mini-split heat pumps is a great decision if your current heating system is old and needs to be replaced. If you want to supplement your existing HVAC system with a more efficient alternative, go ductless.

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Bosch Climate 5000 Heat Pumps now eligible for the Canada Greener Homes Grants Program

Your home is one of the biggest investments you can make. But that doesn’t mean you want to pour money into it unless it’ll pay off or improve your living conditions. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at a home energy retrofit program and how adding a new Bosch residential heat pump might actually not cost you as much as you think.

What is a heat pump?

Let’s keep this super simple. A heat pump is part of the HVAC family. It can be used to heat or cool individual areas of your home. And while it might sound counterintuitive to call it a heat pump, the name is a reflection of what the system does.

Long story short, the heat pump pulls in warm air from outside and distributes it indoors in the winter. But, in the summer, it works in reverse by pulling warm air from inside and pumping it out of your home to keep you cool.

Heat pump vs. furnace

While they both do the same thing in colder months of the year, there are a few key differences between these two systems, including:

  • Furnaces are usually larger and take up a bit more space to accommodate for needing a bigger system to generate heat — unlike a heat pump which draws heat in from the outdoors
  • Heat pumps can heat and cool your home, so it’s two systems in one
  • Furnaces are centralized and need proper a proper duct system throughout the home to operate effectively
  • Heat pumps are more energy efficient

Now that the basics are covered, let’s dive into the Canada Greener Homes Grant and how you can get a heat pump government rebate.

How to get Government of Canada rebates for home renovations

Upgrading your home isn’t cheap. Sure, there are cheap renovations to increase your home value and retrofit solutions that make an impact. But a retrofit and some cosmetic remodelling of your home are a bit different from each other.

We know that remodelling covers just about any type of simple home renovation… but what does retrofit mean? Well, it usually means that you’ve left DIY territory. A retrofit usually refers to improving a main system in your home. They require a professional to handle the assessment and installation of energy-efficient upgrades. And if you’re thinking, “how can I get free money from the Canadian Government for retrofit solutions,” luckily, there’s a home renovation grant for that.

The Canada Greener Homes Grant is the most recent of Canada’s energy efficiency programs and was created to give back up to $5,000 (plus $600 in some cases) to homeowners across the country who make their homes more efficient. But what exactly does that mean? Well, it’s not as intimidating as it seems. There are a few steps to follow. Just keep in mind that you won’t really be able to DIY this one yourself. It requires:

  • An inspection/green home energy audit to evaluate your home’s current efficiency
  • Official recommendations that you can follow
  • Installation of at least one of the eligible recommendations (like Bosch climate 5000 installations)
  • And finally, a follow-up inspection/green home energy audit to see if your home’s efficiency has improved

Naturally, this is a more serious job, so you wouldn’t want to give this a try yourself and risk not qualifying for the rebate. For example, Bosch Climate 5000 installation isn’t something YouTube can guide you through. It requires a professional with experience and qualified equipment to get the job done right. So if you’re thinking about upgrading your home’s HVAC to cash in on the energy efficiency retrofit program, better look into hiring a professional.

Why choose Bosch thermotechnology?

Well, owning a Bosch is always a good decision because it’s among the best and most efficient heat pump manufacturers available today. With quality design and a 10-year Bosch warranty, and now it’s part of the Canada energy savings rebate program, it’s hard to think of a better option when applying for a heat pump government rebate. After all, you want to make sure you have the best heating and cooling system when it comes to retrofitting your home’s HVAC. But here’s a few more reasons.

Air handler unit that’s whisper quiet

One negative in the heat pump vs furnace debate has been that furnaces are generally quieter. But technology has come a long way in a short time. For example, the Bosch climate 5000 specs for the air handler states that it won’t get louder than about 20 dB — that’s as quiet as a whisper or some rustling leaves. Hard to chalk that up to being too noisy.

High efficiency heat pump

Another big positive to come out of the Bosch Climate 5000 reviews is that it’s very energy efficient. Besides a low SEER rating, this system was made to outperform other heating and cooling options. The reason is that these air handlers are best suited for spot heating and cooling — so less energy is wasted. And that means you can enjoy the benefits of Canada energy efficiency rebates as well as comfortable temperatures and lower monthly bills.

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EnerGuide, Canada’s Own Energy Label

Helping Canadians shop for energy efficiency EnerGuide is the official mark of the Government of Canada for its energy performance rating and labeling program for key consumer items—houses, light-duty vehicles, and certain energy-using products. Besides the well-known and recognized ENERGY STAR® certification, the distinctive EnerGuide label is a familiar sight to most Canadians. We see it when we shop for new appliances, look at the literature for a new furnace, ductless mini split, or read the fine print on a light bulb package.

EnerGuide ratings are tested and verified

The EnerGuide symbol on the EnerGuide label is a registered trademark of the Government of Canada; it cannot be reproduced without permission.

The familiar symbol tells Canadians that we are looking at a government-backed program. It assures us that we can rely on the information provided on the label.

The EnerGuide label is visible proof that the product has been tested and verified to meet or exceed minimum energy performance standards set by Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations.

Since 1970, the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) has been a leader and Canada’s voice on standards and accreditation on the national and international stage. They drive collaboration and build relationships, promote Canadian priorities, and connect stakeholders to global networks and resources. Their goal is to improve Canadians’ quality of life and economic prosperity.

How do products get their labels?

Before a product can carry an EnerGuide label, it must be tested. The tests determine how much energy the product would use under average Canadian conditions. Different product types use different measurements.

Tests procedures are standardized to ensure that labelled products are tested according to the same criteria and that the EnerGuide rating is comparable from one label to another within the same class of products.

Similarly, the Government of Canada, whenever possible, aligns its standards and testing procedures with those in the United States. Regulated energy-consuming products imported to Canada or shipped between provinces/territories must carry an energy efficiency verification mark from a certification body accredited for energy efficiency by the Standards Council of Canada. The energy efficiency verification mark can be a small label or an addition to the product’s nameplate.

Learn about the EnerGuide label

The voluntary EnerGuide label displays the model type and SEER. The energy efficiency of an air conditioner is measured by its seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER): the higher the number, the more efficient the model.

It also uses a pointer to show where that value falls on a scale of energy efficiency for similar models. In brochures that refer to more than one model or size, there may be more than one pointer on the scale. Use this indicator value and scale to see the model compared with the most efficient and least efficient models in the same class.

The ENERGY STAR® name and symbol are trademarks registered in Canada by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and are administered and promoted by Natural Resources Canada.

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Energy Star Ductless Heating and Cooling

Buy ENERGY STAR® to Save Money!

Cut your electrical heating bill by 60%, depending on your climate, and cool for 30% less with an ENERGY STAR certified ductless heating and cooling system. Ductless heat pumps that have earned the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient designation are the best of the best – they’ll save you more energy than standard models. Ductless heat pumps are easy to install, avoiding bulky ductwork in your home or building. They can also have a big impact on your comfort while helping you save money.

Key Features

  • Cut your heating costs in half! Because heat pumps transfer heat instead of generating heat, ENERGY STAR certified ductless mini-split heat pumps use 60% less energy than standard homes with conventional electric resistance-based heating systems
  • Cut cooling costs by 30% compared to conventional room air conditioners – ENERGY STAR certified ductless mini-split heat pumps used advanced technology compressors and fans that can adjust speeds to save energy
  • Different climates in each room – each indoor unit can provide custom heating and cooling – adjustable through wall consoles, remote controls, and smartphone apps
  • No bulky ductwork! Inside units attached to your wall connect to an outside unit using small refrigerant lines (see figure below)

Helpful Tips

Consider upgrading to ductless mini-split heat pumps in these situations:

  • In homes with costly electric heat and cooling (e.g. baseboard; electric radiant, furnace)
  • Older homes with no ductwork
  • Homes with expensive central heating due to high fuel costs
  • You have rooms that are not regularly occupied
  • Spaces next to unconditioned spaces where ductwork would be exposed (e.g. above a garage)
  • Additions or outbuildings where extending ductwork is not feasible (e.g. shed, barn, garage)
ductless heating and cooling

Ductless Heating and Cooling Installation

These wall-mounted heating and cooling units are air-source heat pumps, which draw heat from the outside air during cold weather and push heat outside during the summer cooling season.

An indoor unit connects to an outdoor unit using small refrigerant lines. Only a three-inch hole in an outdoor wall is needed for installation. Up to 8 indoor units can be attached to one outdoor unit.

What’s In a Label?

Air-source heat pumps in Canada can have two labels:

The ENERGY STAR symbol means the model is highly energy efficient.
The voluntary EnerGuide label shows the model”s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) or cooling efficiency and how it compares to similar models.

Ductless Heating and Cooling: What’s Coming?

Some people wonder whether heat pumps work in colder climates. As temperatures drop, the heat pump has to work harder and harder to extract heat from air outside. Some heat pumps now use advanced compressors and refrigerants that allow for improved low-temperature performance. If this is a concern, look for ENERGY STAR models with a Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) of over 12.0 BTU/Wh4.

The ENERGY STAR Promise

All ENERGY STAR certified products are tested to meet strict efficiency specifications and are certified by an independent third party. They perform the same as or better than standard products without compromising performance in any way.

Ductless Heating and Cooling Regulations Set the Energy Efficiency Minimum

Air-source, ground-source and water-source heat pumps are subject to Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations, which set a minimum performance standard for their energy efficiency. Find details in the Guide to the Regulations.

Questions?

Give us a call for more information about ductless heating and cooling and how it’s a great option for any home: 416-921-0000.

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Ductless and Mini Split Air Conditioners vs Central Air Conditioners

If you’re considering a new AC system you may be wondering if central air conditioners or new ductless systems are better.

The answer, of course, will depend on your personal situation. But don’t worry, we’ve listed the main factors to consider below, and once you’ve read them you should be able to figure it out pretty easily.

So What is a Ductless System Anyways?

In case you don’t know, a ductless or mini-split air conditioning system is a lot like a central air conditioner system. They both consist of two units: a condenser that sits outside the home, and an evaporator/air handler that sits inside the home. Coolant passes between the two units, carrying the heat from indoors to the outdoor unit where it is released.

With a central air system, however, the cool air is sent through the air handler on your furnace into your ductwork, where it is carried into the rest of the house. A ductless system uses a slim cable between the condenser and a box on your wall, and no ductwork is involved and vents are not needed on the floor.

How to Decide: Central Air Conditioners vs Ductless

Here are some of the questions we ask our customers to help them decide which type is the best match for their home and needs.

1. Do You Have Existing Ductwork?

This is the main decision-maker for most people. If you have ductwork in your home already, it will be more cost-effective to stay with a central system.

If you have no ductwork, it will cost much less to install a ductless system “from scratch”. There will also be much less construction mess: all you need is a 3-inch hole in the wall to run the cable through. Ductless systems are also great for homes with new additions that aren’t connected to the ductwork that runs through the rest of the house.

2. Looking at Central Air Conditioners

When you’re indoors, a central AC is invisible. A ductless system, however, requires a vent in the ceiling or slim unit on the wall. While the manufacturers go to a lot of trouble to make the boxes as stylish as possible, there is still something to see.

If you’re very particular about your décor, a central system may be a better choice for you.

3. How Big Is Your Home?

Most ductless systems just plain don’t have enough power to cool a large home. If your home is larger (2,500 square feet and up) go with central. From 2,000 – 2,500 square feet, the greater power of a central air system will pay off, and you’ll probably get better efficiency out of a central air system.

If your home is 2,000 square feet or less, consider ductless.

4. Are You Sensitive to Noise?

As a general rule, ductless systems are quieter.

If noise levels matter to you, be sure to ask your technician for the noise level (in decibels) for any systems you’re considering. Some ductless systems are louder and some central systems are pretty quiet.

5. What is Your Cooling Budget?

A good ductless air conditioning system will start around a couple of thousand dollars for a single indoor unit (installed), but can go higher if you need multiple indoor units or wish to buy the highest energy efficiency model available. In general, central air systems are more expensive for comparable models, although some top of the line ductless systems will be more expensive than a low-efficiency central AC.

Unfortunately, we can’t print exact prices right here because there’s such a huge range it would be meaningless. Also, sometimes we have a special or rebate happening that will reduce the price.

The good news is that we offer some excellent financing options, so you can get the system you need for about $40 per month (sometimes a lot less) no matter what you’re getting.

6. How Important is Energy Efficiency?

Now, this is a bit of a loaded question, because with central air the quality of the ductwork and the installation job are a huge part in helping a central system reach its efficiency potential.

For example, if the ductwork wasn’t designed well (more twists and turns than needed) or if it isn’t sealed properly and air is leaking, the efficiency of a central system drops. In terms of installation quality, the technician has to do things like ensuring the right level of refrigerant, a level surface for the outdoor unit, the system matches the air handler, etc.

All that being said, the best ductless systems have a higher potential energy efficiency (up to 27 SEER) than the best central systems (21 SEER).

7. Do You Need Individual Zoning Control?

If you have some areas of your home that get way hotter than others, or different family members who like different temperatures, a zoning system is the answer.

You can get zone control in both Central Air Conditioners or ductless, but it’s cheaper with ductless. This is because to get zoning control with a central air system, you need upgraded ductwork with internal dampers.

8. Do You Need Supplemental Heating as Well?

Some ductless systems aren’t just an air conditioner, they are what’s called a ‘heat pump’. That means when it gets cold outside it can reverse direction and bring warm air in (as long as it doesn’t drop below about -7° C).

This can be helpful if you want to use your furnace less, as heat pumps are incredibly efficient.

Questions?

While this general guide should help get you started, it’s always best to talk to a heating and cooling professional to make sure you’re getting all the facts as they relate to your exact home.

Whether you’re leaning towards Central Air Conditioners or ductless, we’ll make sure you get one that’s matched to your home size and will get you the level of comfort control you are looking for. Just give us a call at 416-921-0000.

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5 Advantages of Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems

Most people have heard of ductless heating and cooling systems, and they have probably seen the small, indoor devices installed high on walls in homes, restaurants or office buildings. But what do you really know about these systems?

1. They Offer Highly Flexible Solutions

Whereas traditional heat pumps and central air conditioning systems force cooled and heated air through ducts, ductless heating and cooling systems deliver air directly into different zones. They are comprised of a small outdoor unit and one or more indoor units that require nothing more than mounting capabilities and access to electricity.

Sometimes referred to as split systems, mini-split systems, multi-split systems, or split-ductless systems, ductless heating and cooling offer home and business owners a cost-effective way to replace inefficient window air conditioning units, space heaters, and electric baseboard heaters. They can be installed in home additions, new construction, condominiums, and apartments, or to improve temperature control in specific rooms. Ductless systems can even be fit for buildings that currently use ducted forced-air systems.

2. Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems Save You Money

One of the biggest reasons why homeowners switch to ductless heating and cooling is overall cost savings. In recent years, utility costs across the country have skyrocketed. When a home’s temperature depends upon an inefficient system, monthly bills can quickly climb out of control. Ductless heating and air conditioning systems operate on less power – they are smaller than traditional forced-air systems, and because the temperature-controlled air is delivered directly into a room, there is no loss of efficiency. Multi-split systems also allow homeowners to create “zones” in their homes, which means they no longer have to cool or heat rooms that aren’t occupied.

In addition to saving money on utilities, homeowners may also be eligible for tax credits or utility rebates for the year they install a ductless air conditioning and heating system. There are many programs at the federal, provincial and local levels that allow homeowners and businesses to take advantage of these additional savings.

3. They Improve Indoor Air Quality – Happy Breathing!

Often times, the quality of indoor air can actually be lower than the quality of outdoor air. With traditional HVAC systems, air ducts must be professionally cleaned on a regular basis, and even after cleaning, dust and allergens are left behind. Ductless air conditioning and heating systems, on the other hand, offer multi-stage filtration that can drastically reduce dust, bacteria, pollen, allergens and other particulates in the air.

4. Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems Are Quick and Easy to Install

Installing a traditional, ducted system can take several weeks and disrupts daily activities in the home. Ductless systems are far less invasive to install, and depending upon the number of indoor and outdoor units required, they can be up and running in as little as one day.

Mini-split systems run on small pipes that require a mere three-inch hole. That means homeowners don’t have to worry about rebuilding walls or ceilings around ductwork and there is no loss of precious square footage.

5. Ductless Air Conditioning Lowers Your Carbon Footprint

The small size of a ductless cooling system and its zoning capabilities allows for greater energy efficiency. Ductless heating and air conditioning systems follow ENERGY STAR guidelines, which means they are far more energy-efficient than the minimum standards set forth by the U.S. federal government. Improved efficiency saves money, of course, but it also helps reduce your total carbon output.

Additionally, ductless systems take advantage of advances in chemistry to reduce effects on the environment. Ductless systems use a refrigerant called R410A, which is known for its zero ozone depletion potential. This means the system will have less impact on the environment throughout its lifecycle.

Ductless air conditioning and heating systems are energy-efficient, environmentally friendly and completely customizable. They offer homeowners the ability to cool and heat specific zones of their home to the exact temperature they desire, providing consistent and exceptional year-round comfort.

For more information give us a call at 416-921-0000.

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Answering Your Frequently Asked Ductless Heat Pump Questions

When someone gives you the keys to your new home, it rarely comes with a manual or resource for troubleshooting all the little issues you might face. That’s where the internet can help. When it comes to issues with your heating and cooling, here are just a few of the most common frequently asked ductless heat pump questions we’ve heard over the years, along with our advice.

Do I Really Need Maintenance And How Often?

The simple answer here is yes. You do need maintenance. Book a technician no more than once every year or two based on how often you use your heat pump.

Frequently Asked Ductless Heat Pump Questions:

Is There Any Maintenance I Should Be Doing?

Yes. We’ve compiled a list of 3-4 basic things you can be doing during the year to get the most out of your heat pump. From basic things like keeping the indoor and outdoor units free from blockages to more hands-on maintenance like cleaning your air filter every couple of months or thawing any ice build-up, you can view these in a previous blog or give us a call.

Frequently Asked Ductless Heat Pump Questions:

Is 1 Ductless Heat Pump Enough For My Home?

The answer here comes down to what your needs are. Larger homes often need more than 1 indoor unit to distribute warm or cool air. Average sized homes can be quite comfortable with a single well-placed unit that keeps you comfortable year-round.

Frequently Asked Ductless Heat Pump Questions:

Should I Switch To A Ductless Heat Pump?

This again is based on your needs. Older homes with established ductwork for a furnace or baseboards for a boiler can be compatible with a heat pump. Heat pumps are great to give you that bit of a boost on, especially hot or cold days. Also, if there is a common area of your home that is cooler or warmer than others, placing a heat pump there could help regulate that room and give your central system a break.

Rather than heat or cool the entire home, heat pumps work by concentrating on a given area of the home. Smaller homes might place them in an open living room to distribute heating and cooling to the rest of the house, while larger homes might use a heat pump to regulate a specific room. It’s all up to you!

Frequently Asked Heat Pump Questions:

Are Ductless Heat Pumps Really Quieter?

Yes, they are. Unlike a furnace that might sound prominent as it turns on and pushes air throughout your home, a heat pump is noticeably quieter. It doesn’t need to run as hard as a furnace since it only works to heat or cool a given area. Often, homeowners will have it installed right outside a living room without ever needing to adjust the volume on their TV when relaxing.

Didn’t Find The Answer In Our Frequently Asked Ductless Heat Pump Questions?

No problem, just give our experts a call at 416-921-0000. We have more than 30 years of experience, so diagnosing an issue over the phone or dispatching a technician won’t be a problem.

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Ductless Air Conditioner Maintenance: Professional vs. DIY

With YouTube and apps like Jiffy, it’s easier than ever to get the service you need right at your front door. Before you slump down in front of Netflix or head out to dinner with friends though, you should probably know the difference between things you can do yourself and when to call in a professional. Take a look below at a few simple examples of ductless air conditioner maintenance you can handle yourself and when to hire a trained technician.

Ductless Air Conditioner Maintenance

Cleaning The Air Filter

Just like you, a ductless air conditioner needs to breathe in order to perform properly. This might seem silly but calling in a technician to clean your air filters is truly a waste of their time and your money. Instead, simply grab a step stool or chair and handle this one yourself.

Start by making sure the unit is off. Then look along the side for a release latch or button to remove the front cover of your interior unit. You should notice what looks like screens covering a large portion of the interior mechanisms – those are your air filters. Remove them by popping them out of place or sliding them out. Different models will vary but rest assured they are designed to be removed easily so don’t force them. Once removed, run them under warm water in the sink to remove any debris. You can also take a vacuum to these filters if you prefer. Once they’re clean and dry, put them back into place and reattach the front panel.

Ductless Air Conditioner Maintenance

Clearing Ice Build-up

For this, you’ll need to head outside after you turn the unit completely off. Locate the outdoor compressor. If there is any ice build-up on the top or near the fan, you can melt it off with some cool or warm water. Never use hot water though.

Ductless Air Conditioner Maintenance

Installation And Repairs

If you’re really faced with a big job like installing or repairing a ductless air conditioner, you’ll want to call a professional. There are tutorials online for the do-it-yourselfers out there, but having someone without the proper experience diagnosing your home’s heating and cooling is never a good idea.

Call Novel Care For Your Ductless Air Conditioner Maintenance

We have more than 35 years of HVAC experience, so your heating and cooling is in good hands. Our team has seen, repaired, installed, and maintained it all. Give us a call at 416-921-0000 to find out more. We’d be happy to help over the phone or dispatch a technician to diagnose any issues and answer your questions before starting any job. We want you to make informed decisions rather than be rushed into something you don’t fully understand.

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Quiet Heating And Cooling: Ductless Heat Pumps

Your home is your sanctuary and that should mean peace and quiet. However, some air conditioning or heating can be quite loud and borderline obnoxious. So what do you do? When the time comes to find a replacement, consider quiet heating and cooling options like ductless heat pumps.

Built For Silence: Quiet Heating And Cooling

Ductless heat pumps go by a few different names including mini-split and ductless heating and cooling. They are designed to be quiet, both inside and out. They consist of only a few main components: an indoor unit and an outdoor compressor.

The indoor unit is subtle in its design and is usually placed in a common part of the home. Living rooms, bedrooms, and sometimes hallways are good spots but it does depend on the layout of your home. A professional should be able to make recommendations on the best spot to install this quiet heating and cooling option based on your needs. Often one or two indoor units are enough to comfortably heat or cool your living space. The best part is, you’ll forget that it’s on. So no turning up the volume on the TV or raising your voice mid-conversation. Just sit back and enjoy a warm house in the winter and cool one in the summer.

The outdoor compressor can run up to 3 indoor units. You’d think that this means more power and noise, but it’s actually the opposite. An outdoor compressor can be installed just on the other side of a window because of how quiet it can be. That means you can sleep soundly at night without the roaring of an air conditioner or furnace.

Leave The Installation Of Your Quiet Heating And Cooling To The Professionals

At Novel Care, we’ve been helping Toronto and the GTA with their quiet heating and cooling options for more than 30 years now. The biggest problem we face is when a homeowner hired the wrong person to handle the initial installation. Poorly installed units create all sorts of issues that can shave years off a brand new ductless heat pump. We always recommend calling a professional to help. Give us a call at 416-921-0000 to get started. Our dedicated team will take the time to answer questions and dispatch a professional to assess your home before making recommendations. We want you to feel comfortable and find the right, quiet, heating and cooling solution you need.

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You Air Conditioner Has A Condensate Line

Most people don’t know that their air conditioning system has a condensate line or drain hose to allow the condensation to drip off and safely leave the system. Essentially, the condensate line is a tube that moves water from the air handler to a drain or place outdoors, depending on the way your system is configured. Sometimes, your system will do something weird like turn on and off rapidly or simply not cool properly as the only sign that your condensation line needs cleaning or attention.

Why Is There A Condensate Line?

In a modern HVAC system, the air from your cold air return is pulled across a special coil that gets really cold when the gases inside are compressed. As that warm air passes over the coil and is cooled, it the liquid it was carrying as vapour, which is them collected in a condensate pan underneath the coil. The condensation then goes out down a tube from the pan into a drain or outside into the ground.

It’s a fairly simple system, but if the tube gets clogged you can be in real trouble.

When the condensation line is blocked, this process is disrupted. Some air handlers are designed to essentially stop working until the standing water is removed from the pan, others will simply spill everything onto the floor or into a wall, which can lead to water damage and even damage to your system. This is why it’s usually recommended that you flush that condensation line every time you change your HVAC air filter.

If you suspect a clogged condensation line, flushing it with straight vinegar or a diluted vinegar/ hot water mix can get the water out of the condensate pan. If you aren’t certain how to do this yourself give us a call at Novel Care. We’re always happy to help: 416-921-0000

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Spring Ductless Check-Up

That’s right, it’s finally spring! The sun is out longer, people are generally happier, the snow is melting and we all have to start thinking about the chores that come with the warmer weather. That’s means it’s time to get a spring ductless check-up.

What Is A Spring Ductless Check-Up?

A spring ductless check-up is basically a maintenance appointment for your ductless air conditioner. This spring ductless check-up is the best way to ensure that your ductless air conditioner or heat pump is ready to keep you and your family cool throughout the spring and summer months.

Over the fall and winter your ductless air conditioner can experience wear and tear, the filter can get clogged and the components might fall out of sync. These are all typical things that might happen over the course of a few months, but not a big deal, unless you ignore them.

Scheduling a spring ductless check-up is the best way to ensure that your ductless air conditioner or heat pump is operating as efficiently and properly as it can be. When your ductless unit is operating efficiently is uses less energy to perform it cooling functions, in turn it uses less energy and as a result costs you less on your monthly energy bills.

On top of that, you can catch any small issues before they turn into big problems, which will save you even more money in the long run.

Call Novel Care Today

Give us a call today to schedule your spring dustless check-up. Novel Care has been providing ductless air conditioning services to the people of Toronto for over 35 years. that means we have the knowledge and experience you want to properly maintain your ductless air conditioner. It’s the smartest thing you can do for your ductless air conditioning system: 416-921-0000

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