Living in an older home offers unique charm and character, but often comes with heating and cooling challenges. Many of these beautiful properties in Toronto were built before the time of central air conditioning. These homes were generally heated with radiators and a boiler system. Retrofiting an older home can be expensive, and sometimes architecturally impossible without significant disruption. A ducted system / forced air system is generally not feesable. In these situations, a Ductless HVAC systems, also known as mini-split or multi-split systems, is a highly effective solution.
If you live in an older home in Toronto, let's discuss why you should consider a ductless system.
1. The Duct Problem Solved: Ideal for Older Toronto Homes
- No Ducts Needed: Ductless systems bypass the need for bulky ductwork entirely. They use a small outdoor condenser unit connected via thin refrigerant lines and electrical wiring to one or more indoor air handler units. These lines only require a small hole (typically around 3 inches) drilled through an exterior wall, preserving the structural integrity and aesthetic character of your older home.
- Eliminating Energy Waste: Traditional ducted systems can lose a significant amount of energy – it can be 20-30% or even more – due to leaks, gaps, poor insulation, and/or inefficient ductwork. Ductless systems deliver air conditioning or heat into the room where the indoor unit is located, eliminating energy loss.
2. Precision Comfort Control: Zone Your Way to Savings
- Older homes often have inconsistent temperatures – maybe the top floor is too hot in summer while the main floor stays cool. In the winter reversed.
- True Zoning: Ductless systems excel at zoning. Multi-zone systems allow you to connect several indoor units (each serving a specific room or "zone") to a single outdoor unit. Each indoor unit has its own thermostat and control. You can set the bedroom to a comfortable sleeping temperature, keep the living room warmer, and turn off heating/cooling completely in unused rooms or areas.
- Targeted Heating & Cooling: Instead of heating or cooling the entire house, the system provides a targeted approach which drastically reduces energy consumption.
3. Advanced Technology = Superior Efficiency (Especially in Toronto's Climate)
- Inverter Technology Explained: Unlike traditional systems that cycle on at full blast and then shut off completely, ductless systems predominantly use inverter-driven compressors. The inverter allows the compressor to modulate its speed, running continuously at lower, energy-sipping levels to precisely match the heating or cooling demand. This avoids the energy-intensive start/stop cycles of older technology. It maintains a consistent room temperature and operates more quietly.
- Cold Climate Performance: This is crucial for Toronto winters. Modern ductless systems, particularly designated Cold Climate Heat Pumps (CCHPs), are engineered to provide efficient heating even in very low ambient temperatures, often down to -15°C, -20°C, or even -25°C, depending on the model. While older heat pumps struggled in deep cold and relied heavily on inefficient backup heating systems, today's CCHPs maintain high efficiency ratings well below freezing. This makes it viable as a primary heat source for many Toronto homes. However extreme cold snaps can still occur in Toronto, so it's best to discuss your options with your Green Heating and Air Technician. If you want to learn about how heat pumps work in the cold, refer to the video links on heatpumps.
- High Efficiency Ratings: Look for SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) for cooling and HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) for heating. Ductless systems often boast significantly higher ratings than older central air conditioners or furnaces, translating directly to lower hydro bills.
4. Beyond Energy Savings: Additional Benefits for Older Homes
- Improved Air Quality: Each indoor unit has filters that capture dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. Some offer advanced filtration options are available depending on the model you select.
- Quiet Operation: Both the indoor and outdoor units are typically much quieter than traditional central systems or noisy window air conditioners.
- Heating and Cooling in One: Provides efficient air conditioning in the summer – a feature often missing or addressed inefficiently with window units in older homes – and effective heating in the winter.
- Flexible Installation: Indoor units come in various styles (high-wall mounts, floor consoles, ceiling cassettes) offering flexibility to fit different room layouts and aesthetic preferences with minimal disruption.
Is Ductless Right for Your Older Toronto Home?
If you live in an older Toronto home it's worth the investment. You'll see the long-term energy savings and enhanced comfort. Right now you can also take advantage of the Home Renovation Savings Program.
At Green Heating Air Inc., our team understands the specific needs of older homes in the Toronto area. Our highly skilled professionals can assess your property and address your goals. We'll help you determine which ductless HVAC system is right for you, while preserving the character of your home. Contact us for a consultation tailored to your unique property. Call us at (416) 627-7724 for a free estimate.
