Mini-Split Musings

A Ductless Heat Pump Is Also an Air Conditioner!

The Pacific Northwest gets its fair share of hot days when summer arrives, and even the occasional heatwave that can put children and the elderly at risk. That is why it's crucial to maintain good air conditioning in Olympia, WA. It’s not just a matter of convenience; for some people, heat poses a significant health hazard.

The Interest in Ductless Systems Continues to Grow—Here’s Why

Ductless systems like mini-split units for heating and cooling are one of the fastest growing sectors of the HVAC industry as more home and business owners look to this technology for their in-building comfort needs. But what is it about ductless technology that makes it so popular with Americans today? Here are a few of the key benefits that are leading more people to make the switch.

Why We Think Mitsubishi Electric Products Are So Great

Ductless heating and cooling is a great way to keep your home in Washington State comfortable throughout the year. Part of this comfort comes from choosing the right ductless system, and one of the brand names we’ve always believed in is Mitsubishi Electric.

Why We’re Huge Fans of the Daikin Emura Ductless Heat Pump

Ductless heating can be a great cost-effective, and energy-efficient way to keep a single room or an entire home warm. For people who are thinking of switching to ductless, you can trust Alpine Ductless to help you find the right solution for the unique needs of your home. A mini-split heat pump allows you to cool and heat homes without requiring additional hook-ups, such as natural gas. The Daikin Emura is currently one of our favorite ductless heat pumps on the market today. So what makes it something we like to recommend?

4 Tips for Finding the Right Ductless Installer in Thurston County

Thurston County residents and business owners are regularly turning to ductless heating and cooling systems. But how do you make sure that you’re getting the right people to install your system? We’ve got four tips to help you find the people you can trust to get the job done.

Homeowner Do-it-Yourselfer? Installing a Ductless Cooling and Heating System

During a heat wave, life can be miserable without air conditioning. Our kids are cranky, we’re cranky and even our pets behave differently. If you are a Do-it-Yourselfer (DIYer), you may be tempted to install an energy-efficient ductless cooling and heating system by yourself. There are many off-brand ductless systems online that one could order. And, one can always consult YouTube and the Internet for installation instructions (which can yield mixed results). Before you hitch up your tool belt, please think it through.

Ductless Systems vs Central Air—What’s The Difference

You may be moving into a new home and thinking of doing some upgrades, like adding air conditioning to your home. Here in the Northwest, more and more people want to have air conditioning but may be concerned with the costs and energy-efficiency. It helps to have a basic understanding of how air conditioning works and consider how the conditioned air is delivered. We’re going to start by comparing a traditional central air conditioning system with a ductless.

How to Choose the Best Ductless System for Your Home

Ductless cooling and heating have some great, convenient benefits, the biggest of which is letting you control the temperature in your home without needing to install additional ventilation ducts. However, different ductless systems are going to be more appropriate for different homes and different needs. Which one is going to be the right one for you? Let’s look at the different situations a homeowner might be in.

Tips For Saving Energy As The Weather Changes From Winter To Spring

You can feel it...the temperatures are rising and spring is finally here. It’s time to start thinking about preparing your home for the change in seasons. Here are some tips that can cool your home AND lower utility bills.

Do Mini-Splits Run All the Time?

A mini-split, ductless system, does away with vents. The mini-split units are installed in specific rooms or regions of a space. Since mini-splits don’t operate with a duct network, many people wonder if a mini-split needs to run longer or even all the time, compared to a centralized HVAC system.

How Does a Mini-Split Defrost Cycle Work?

A mini-split or ductless system can cool the air in the summer and heat a home in the winter. One of the more clever things about this technology is that it uses the same chemical reaction to achieve both processes but applies it in different ways. In the winter, a ductless system occasionally turns into an air conditioner to keep operating in a way that will warm your home. But how does this happen and why? It’s all about the chemistry of changing states and how ductless systems use it! Keep reading to learn more about the mini-split defrost cycle.

The Costs of Not Switching to Ductless

There’s a more recent innovation in heating and cooling technology known as ductless or mini-split heating. As the name “ductless” implies, the system is very different from the traditional HVAC systems because it doesn’t involve a large network of ventilation ducts that need to be installed under the floors, behind walls, and in ceilings. Beyond the differences in structure, there’s monetary value in switching to ductless heating and cooling. You could be losing more money than you realize with traditional HVAC, but how? We’ll show you why ignoring what ductless systems can offer can actually cost you money in the long run.

What Is a Ductless Master Installer?

An HVAC system is also an enormously complex, comprehensive building system. And when it comes to HVAC solutions like ductless heating systems, it takes a lot of expertise to assess a space, provide solutions, and install it in right. That’s why ductless systems should always be installed by professionals, but if you want to go one step further and get some real peace of mind, you should find yourself a Ductless Master Installer. But what makes a Ductless Master Installer different from any other HVAC professional?

What Does the Ductless Installation Process Look Like?

Ductless is a great alternative heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Unlike a traditional, furnace-based HVAC system, ductless doesn’t have a series of large air ducts that need to be installed under the floors or in the walls of your home. That makes it a great choice for people who don’t want ductwork, who can’t have it because of historical restrictions, or who want better control and savings when it comes to climate control for their house. When considering this alternative, you’ll want to understand how a ductless system is installed.

Winter Energy-Saving Tips in Olympia, WA

We can be lucky in Olympia to not always get snowed in the way some parts of the country do, but that doesn't mean it doesn't get cold. When the winter season arrives, the heat must come on. But heat is not free. Some people pay for their heat through natural gas with an HVAC system, while others use ductless heating. Regardless of which system you use, there are a few ways you can save some money when it comes to heating your home in the winter.

When Is the Best Time to Go Ductless?

With ductless heating, you don't need to worry about building ventilation ducts into the house, which can save you considerable expenses. The air quality control is also better with ductless heating, so you can see why more and more people are making the switch. But is there a right time to go with ductless heating? Let's look at your options.

3 Myths About Ductless Heating

Ductless heating and cooling eliminates the need to build vents under the floor and in the walls, leading to every room. Since it's a more recent innovation, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about how ductless heating works, but we're going to dig into the truth now!

Going Ductless in An Older Home

Depending on how long a home has been around, its structural components may not have been touched in decades, if ever. Along with issues of plumbing or electricity, you have to think about the heating setup. You'll most likely want to update the system, and you need to know that standard HVAC units aren't your only option. Your older home is perfectly suited for ductless heating, and here's why.

Heating for Hosting the Holidays

You'll need to pay attention to your heating system and settings to keep your company comfortable over the holiday season. And if you've already switched over to a ductless heating system, you’re ahead of the game!

4 Tips to Get More from Ductless Systems in The Pacific Northwest

For anyone who’s decided that maybe it's time to think about going ductless, this is a fantastic heating and cooling decision for Pacific Northwest homes and businesses. You get comfort, control, convenience, and energy efficiency all in one package. But if you want to make the most of your ductless system, we recommend you follow these tips!

Why Puyallup Residents Should Consider Switching to Ductless Heat Pumps

A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that a ductless system is only useful in the summer, but this couldn't be further from the truth! Today's ductless systems can both heat and cool a home, even with the wet and cold winters we get in Puyallup and the rest of the Washington State area.

How to Prep Your Home for Cooler Temperatures

Washington State gets the full range of seasons, so hot summers can be followed by snowy winters as the year winds down. Winter can be a season that homeowners really feel in their wallets. Here are a few strategic changes you can make to prepare your home for cooler temperatures to save some dollars.

What Are the Five Best Heat Pump Brands for Your Home?

Is it time to upgrade your heating and cooling system. A ductless heat pump is one of the best ways to give you plenty of comfort and convenience, and it will even lower your bills. But now that you know you want a ductless heat pump, which one should you get? That's what we're here to discuss! Different homes and businesses will have different needs.

Benefits of Using a Ductless System for Gig Harbor Residents

If you’re a homeowner in Gig Harbor, one of the concerns you’ll have over the course of the year is heating and cooling your house. Washington State gets the brunt of four full seasons, so there's just as much need for heat in the winter as there is for cooling in the summer. One solution for maintaining a comfortable environment all year round is a ductless system. But what makes this system a good idea for Gig Harbor? Let's find out!

3 Myths About Ductless Systems That Simply Aren’t True

Technology can be complicated. Choosing the best heating and cooling system for your home requires homeowners to do some research about the basic technology behind the many options now available to them. Ductless heat pumps are an excellent choice for heating and cooling, but there is some misinformation about them that we’d like to clear up.

A Ductless System Maintenance Checklist

A ductless cooling and heating system represents an important investment in the value of a home. No other system surpasses the ease of installation, the quiet comfort or the affordability of a ductless system. Although ductless systems are relatively easy to maintain, here are some guidelines that will help you keep your investment working for you year after year.

Why Baby Boomers Love Ductless

You've worked both hard and long enough to warrant the benefits of calm surroundings. Having a ductless setup brings you the benefits of heating or cooling without hassle. You will see results immediately and grow to love this system. Here are just a few reasons why.

The Hidden Environmental Benefits of Ductless Heating and Cooling

Not only are these systems quiet, controllable, and efficient, but they carry environmental benefits that you might not be aware of.

Why Ductless Heating and Cooling is Especially Beneficial in Olympia, WA

In Olympia, WA, homeowners have a unique climate to deal with, meaning that their home must be able to do the same. Thankfully, ductless heating and cooling systems are the perfect solution for the diverse needs of residents in the area, saving them energy costs and keeping the home comfortable all year long.

3 Tips for Saving Energy This Spring and Summer

There are some easy ways that homeowners can lower their energy usage and increase their savings on energy bills. Follow these simple tips and keep your home comfortable and cost-effective.

Why DIY is Not the Way to Go for Ductless Heating and Cooling Installation

Before you start installing a new ductless heating and cooling system, make sure that you’re aware of the risks involved with major DIY projects and installations. A professional has the tools, knowledge, and expertise needed to make the ductless heating and cooling installation smooth and successful.

Questions To Ask When Interviewing A Ductless Heating Installer

Installing a new heating system in your home can be a tough task. Between choosing the most energy-efficient or cost-effective option and hiring the right contractor, there is a lot to think about before starting the job. One of the most critical choices is deciding who will do the work. This isn’t a matter of going online and choosing the company with the flashiest website or the lowest prices, there are questions you need to ask any ductless heating installer before hiring them.

3 Ways To Save Money On Heating Without Sacrificing Comfort

One thing homeowners can always expect in the winter is a higher heating bill. However, that does not mean you’re stuck paying as much as possible. We’ve got some tips to help you keep your costs under control that don’t involve having to spend a lot of money, to begin with.

How to Navigate the Energy Rebate Maze

Most Washington utility companies offer significant cash rebates for switching to ductless heating and cooling. The biggest issue, however, is that if you go into the rebate process blindly, it can seem rather overwhelming. To help you take the stress out of it, we’ve put together a short guide to help explain everything in a more digestible manner.

Why Ductless Is The Answer To Olympia’s Spring Temperature Changes

Spring is a transitional time, so while things will warm up, and lead to hot, pleasant, summer days, there can be a lot of back and forth between seasonal extremes before summer comes to stay. The unpredictable spring temperatures are a great reason for Olympia homeowners to invest in a ductless heating and cooling system.

Red Flags You’re Working With The Wrong Ductless Heating Installer

A ductless heating system can be a great, energy efficient addition to a home that can provide years of reliable comfort, and even increase your property value, but only if it’s done right. Doing it right hinges entirely on the team you hire to install it. So how do make sure you avoid a bad team that does a poor job, or worse yet, a scammer just out to part you from your money?

What To Look For In A Ductless Heating Installer In Olympia, WA

If you’re thinking of going with a ductless heating system, that’s a great choice! However, there’s one crucial step you need to take seriously, and that’s picking the right installer to do the job for you. Here’s what you should keep an eye out for when making this selection.

Ductless Pays for Itself

Ductless Heat Pumps have been shown time and again to be energy efficient. They use much less energy to maintain comfortable year-round temperatures in your home, saving you money on your utility bills and keeping cash in your wallet. Studies show most homeowners using electric heat can expect to save 25% to 50% off of their heating bills.

A Failing Heating and Cooling System...Know the Signs

Many of us are practitioners of procrastination. We delay the boring or expensive homeowner tasks or purchases until we are absolutely forced to deal with them. For instance, replacing an old furnace system verses going to Europe...a no brainer. Europe, here we come. The furnace may survive another season, but we may not have another chance to see Rome!

Ductless...Great for Realtors

We recently received a call from someone who had scheduled a free, in-home estimate with us for a ductless heat pump. He contacted us because a home he was selling needed an updated heating system. But on the advice of his Realtor, he decided to cancel his appointment...She convinced him that a new, energy-efficient ductless system was not worth the investment. It occurred to me that there may be many Realtors who would benefit from learning about the advantages of Ductless for the Real Estate industry.

Is Your Home Leaking?

If your utility bills seem extraordinarily high, or you can’t seem to get warm (or cool) despite constantly adjusting the thermostat, consider having a home energy audit performed. A home energy audit will give you information about your home’s energy performance. This simple evaluation can help you make the decision to upgrade to a more efficient heating and air conditioning system, such as a ductless heat pump, or just manage the causes of energy loss. Professional home energy auditors may use a blower door test, thermography, or a combination of both to determine the sources of your home or building’s air leaks, thus energy loss.

Alpine Ductless: Ductless Heat Pumps Are The Environmentally Responsible Choice

Ductless heat pumps are environmentally responsible heating and air conditioning systems. That’s why we chose to sell and install them. Here are some of the ways that ductless systems are considered ‘green’.

Alpine Ductless: Hire a Professional Ductless Heating and Air Conditioning Contractor

When hiring a Ductless Heating and Air Conditioning Contractor, remember four things: Ask for a recommendation from sources you trust; choose one who is experienced, licensed, bonded and insured; and choose a contractor who is trained and specializes in Ductless Technology. Be sure to refer to manufacturer's and preferred contractor lists, and lists from utilities and other organizations who know ductless.

Heating and Air Conditioning Rebate Change for Thurston County!

Thurston Energy, with Alpine Ductless, is still offering their "Cold Cash for Power" energy rebates but only until June, 2017. Don't miss out on these generous rebates...Our schedule fills up fast!

A Ductless Heat Pump is a Beautiful Thing

Although we find Ductless Heating and Air Conditioning systems to be, well, beautiful, we know that there are still some objections out there that may just be based on some incorrect information. Let's talk about those objections. Before long, you may just see what we see...that a ductless system, with its quiet operation, cool technology and energy-efficiency features is a work of art!

Utility Bills Lowered with Ductless

At the beginning of March, we launched our big project in Kent updating 18 duplex units with Fujitsu ductless WiFi-enabled single-zone units. Soon, some lucky tenants will be getting much needed relief on their monthly utility bills.

Renewable Energy Dreams

When Cory, and his partner, Mike, created Alpine Ductless, it was because they wanted to have a business that reflected their values and did something good for the planet, therefore, something good for people. Alpine was started because ductless heat pumps are clean and energy-efficient; and when compared to traditional forms of heating and air conditioning, are better for our planet, because they use less energy to heat the same space.

Thurston Energy's Cold Cash for Power

Thurston Energy Is still offering their Cold Cash for Power energy rebates. Don't miss out on these generous rebates. Get 30% off the cost of energy efficiency upgrades up to $1500 PLUS rebates on Ductless Heat Pumps of up to $1000. Designed specifically for homes that are heated with propane, oil or wood, and/or are rental homes, this rebate will help property owners save on the cost of weatherization projects, and the purchase and installation of Ductless Heat Pump Systems. In order to be eligible for this rebate, the home must be located in Thurston County and be primarily heated by Propane, Oil, or Wood, and/or be a Rental. Other restrictions apply. See website for more details.

Surviving a Cold Snap!

The Northwest cold snap is about to end! It was a bit harsh...The lake near our house stayed frozen for about two weeks lessening the available open water for the ducks and geese who live on it, driving was a bit more treacherous than usual, and I’m sure that a few of my plants will not be around come Spring. Such is the Nature of Life.

Being Grateful in 2017

This New Year’s, we celebrated by being thankful for all the good things that we've enjoyed this year. Today, we honored the day by having a traditional family meal with all of the trimmings. It was peaceful, pleasant and in no time, we needed a walk. We ended up going for a walk around a local lake. The North wind was really kicking up and it was frigid. Despite bundling up and walking fast, we were quite frozen by the time we were done.

Happy Holidays!

Stay Warm All Through the House...with Ductless

Northwest winters are not as harsh as in other regions. But when the temperature dips and the humidity climbs, the weather can chill your bones. And that's when people with traditional heating system turn those thermostats up and huddle up in the warm zone. But with a ductless heat system, you don't have to stay rooted to one room...just use your remote or thermostat to adjust your comfort and you're done. "Set it, and forget it"!

Stylish and Sleek Indoor Unit

The indoor head of a Ductless Heat Pump is the unit that is mounted on the wall and distributes heat or air conditioning. Inside the indoor head, or unit, air moves through coils that heat (or cool) air from outside. That air is circulated throughout the room to keep the temperature consistent and comfortable. The appearance of the indoor wall-mounted unit has stayed pretty much the same. But now, we’re happy to be able to offer a sleek and stylish indoor unit head option for multi-zone systems: The Daikin Emura Indoor Unit.

Alpine Ductless Heating and Air Conditioning in the Spotlight!

In October, Alpine Ductless was featured in the "Contractor Spotlight" section of the Halcyon Herald, a publication of Fujitsu General. Fujitsu is a major manufacturer of Ductless Heat Pumps in the United States, and offers products that Alpine Ductless is proud to offer. Here are some of the highlights from that article.

Tax Credits on DHPs Mean Greater Savings

When you choose a Ductless Heat Pump, it’s important to choose a system with an Energy Star certification. When you choose an Energy Star system certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency, you may qualify for a federal tax credit.

Ductless Heat Pumps are Permanent

We have been enjoying meeting people at the Washington State Fair for the last two weeks. Last Saturday was a particularly hot day and attendance was at a maximum.

Remote Reminder

So, the rain's back. I have to turn on the lights in the morning because it's getting dark again. I'm hauling out the sweaters and jackets. And, I've had to change my Ductless Heat Pump from air conditioning to heat. It seems as if Summer is taking a bow.

Size and Design Matter!

This weekend, we experienced the sad result of a ductless heating and air conditioning system that was improperly sized and designed. The system, quite simply was undersized for the load it was expected to service. That’s why I’ve decided to write this blog as a reminder to everyone that it is so important to hire specialists when installing a ductless system. Size of the system really matters!

Meet Us at the Fair!

Who can resist a fair? The smells, the sounds, the rides, the food; and the displays celebrating the accomplishments of our residents...

Summer Heat Advisory... Local Utility Rebates to the Rescue!

It’s here...That unrelenting summer sun of August. This year, we’ve had a gradual and pleasant build-up to the 90 degree temperatures that are predicted. Even so, nothing really prepares you for those days that feel almost dangerously hot! If you’ve planned ahead, and had a ductless heat pump installed, you’re in great shape! You’ll be ready for the winter winds in our future.

Real Savings

The above chart is a comparison of the Kilowatts per hour used by an Alpine Ductless client from January 2011 to December of 2012. Over the course of the two years, no changes were made to the occupants of the house and/or to the house itself, with the exception of the Ductless Heat Pump, which was installed on March 12, 2012, and a new refrigerator, which was installed in August of 2012.

Could You, Should You, DIY?

In this age of do-it-yourself-ing, the more industrious of us might be tempted to think that installing a ductless heat pump without benefit of an installer is do-it-yourself-able. While it’s possible to do most of the work yourself with the purchase of a small chest of special tools, and way more trips to the hardware store than a do-it-yourself plumbing job takes, there are parts of the operation that you simply cannot do without specialized tools and knowledge.

Ductless in a Nutshell

Ductless Heat Pump commercials are now showing up on TV. And if you have watched the Home and Garden channel lately, you will see they are dotting all the walls of the international homes. I counted them in every home profiled last night.

What's This Button For?

The weather this month has been interesting here in the Puget Sound area. Every morning for the past three weeks, we’ve awakened to a low cloud cover that burns off toward the end of the day. Those clouds are thick and full of moisture. In the winter, we would get a lot of rain as a result, but during the summer months, the trapped moisture and the relatively warm temperatures is serving to make everything just damp and muggy.

Can a Tiny House Be Your Dream House?

I’ve been thinking lately about Tiny Houses. They appeal to me. Maybe they remind me of when I was a little girl playing with the miniatures in my neighbor’s doll house. The definition of a tiny house is one that is between 100 and 400 square feet. Considering that the average square footage of the American home is around 2,600 square feet, that’s quite a significant difference!

Not on MY Wall... Well, Okay

As homeowners, we are usually very particular about how we decorate our homes. They are, after all, our nests and therefore, extensions of ourselves. We fuss over decorating styles, furniture and paint colors. We pour over magazines and surf the web to try to find a 'look' we want to achieve. There’s modern, mid-century, country, urban, etc. And, for those who follow such things, the trends seem to change every three months!

Vacationing Without Our DHP

We finally treated ourselves recently to a hard-earned vacation in a very hot place, and as we eagerly climbed the steps to our new condo, dripping with sweat from 90-degree weather and 90 percent humidity (well, it felt like that), we knew that as soon as we opened the door to that unit, we’d be welcomed by a nice frigid blast of cold air from the air conditioner. But, not so!

Clean Those Filters!

Ductless heat pumps are great little machines. They not only heat and cool your home or business, but they also clean the air and dehumidify. They are the kind of system that you can just set and forget, trusting that they will keep you comfy, so it can be easy to just take them for granted and forget to clean the filters on the indoor head.

What's Your Sign (or Microbial Cloud)?

It turns out that we all have a unique ‘fingerprint.' It’s called our microbial cloud. Our unique microbial cloud (think Pigpen) is made up of bacteria, fungi, algae and viruses. It’s like an aura.

Rentals, Rebates, and Cost-Reductions

Most rental property owners are always on the lookout for cost-effective upgrades to make their property more attractive to prospective renters and keep existing renters, well renting.

Got Garbage? We Recycle!

At Alpine Ductless, we believe in helping to protect our planet and its natural resources. That is why we sell and install ductless heat pumps, an incredibly energy efficient way of heating and cooling your home. Ductless heat pumps save energy by using significantly less electricity than more traditional furnaces or heat pumps while keeping you very comfortable in your home or business. We are proud to be able to offer such a “green” product that not only saves energy but also saves you money and keeps you comfortable.

Filters 101: Spring Cleaning

A Ductless Heat Pump System can be so quiet and comfortable, that after the initial purchase and install, it can be easy to forget you even have one! Once you determine how you want your system set, your DHP will consistently keep the temperature of your space exactly how you like it. Ductless Heat Pumps are really one of those "set it and forget it" type of systems. This is a real bonus, because really, who needs one more thing to think about daily?

Ducted vs. Ductless... What's the Difference?

What’s the difference between a ducted system, and a ductless system? It may seem like an obvious question, but the answer could help you make a more informed choice for your heating and air-conditioning needs.

Ductless Heat Pumps Offer Design Flexibility!

While a ductless system is perfect for heating and cooling an entire house, it is custom-made for homeowners who want to add on to their home, but extending the existing duct work is not feasible. It can be challenging to meld an existing footprint of a home with the design of a new addition. Sometimes, heating and cooling design issues trump aesthetics. Ductless systems offer design flexibility because they require no duct work.

It's Great to be Green!

Alpine Ductless was among many of the local businesses showcased at the recent Green Forum, sponsored by the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce. The Green Forum was designed to recognize the efforts of businesses who are actively reducing, in some fashion, their impact on our planet. These businesses, large and small, save energy and water and reduce waste. As a result of their conservation efforts, they also save money.

Alpine Ductless is Always Learning

At Alpine Ductless, we are committed to training and keeping up on current product and vendor information. Recently, Cory, and one of our installers, Chad Axtman, attended an important training event at the Fujitsu Headquarters, in Fairfield, New Jersey. They spent two days learning about product updates, and installation techniques. They met their counterparts in other ductless heating companies, from around the country.

Ductless Heat Pumps Improve Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air pollution has become an issue of growing concern and safety, especially for those suffering from chronic health conditions. There can be both short and long term effects from exposure to indoor air pollutants, and young children and the elderly are the most vulnerable.

Alpine Ductless Celebrates its Fourth Birthday!

Four years ago, Mike Meisenheimer and Cory Eckert, friends who met while training for the White Pass ski patrol, began to discuss starting a business selling and installing ductless heat pumps, which were a relatively new idea for the Pacific Northwest. Cory had just started using them in his home building business, and after discussing the possibilities, Mike was intrigued.

So, What is a Mini-Split???

A “Mini-Split” might sound like something that happens when you try to squeeze yourself into a pair of too-small skinny jeans. Or maybe it calls to mind a gymnastic move performed by the not-so-flexible. But in the world of HVAC, a Mini-Split is nothing to be embarrassed about, and definitely not sub-par. In fact it is something to aspire to!

Tacoma Remodeling Expo!!

Spring is (almost) in the air and it is a great time to think about those home remodeling projects you have been meaning to get around to. This weekend, March 4 through 6th, is the Tacoma Remodeling Expo held at the Greater Tacoma Trade and Convention Center. This event is a great opportunity to connect with knowledgeable and experienced contractors, designers and building experts to help make your remodeling dreams become reality.

Do I Need One of Those in Every Room?

It is a common misconception about Ductless Heat Pumps that you need an air handler, or "head" in every room, but this is almost never the case. A single head system, if properly sized, can heat and cool up to 1500 square feet or even more depending upon your home’s building envelope and air flow.

But Isn't Electric Heat a Bad Idea?

Some people think choosing to heat a space with electric heat is inherently bad. They may have heard that electric heat is inefficient and wasteful, not to mention expensive. And this certainly might be the case with heat types such as electric baseboard, wall heaters, or even electric furnaces, but certainly is not the case with the Ductless Heat Pump.

The Data Does Not Lie!! DHPs Proven More Efficient!!

Alpine Ductless is proud and honored to be a part of this project by supplying the systems for these homes. We are thrilled that the home owners are staying comfortable and saving money!

Get a Free Daikin Indoor Unit!!

Contact us today to schedule your free, in-home estimate.

Tacoma Power Study Evaluates Ductless Heat Pump Efficiency

Big Savings from Going Ductless!!

The above chart is a comparison of the Kilowatts per hour used by an Alpine Ductless client from January 2011 to December of 2012. Over the course of the two years, no changes were made to the occupants of the house and/or to the house itself, with the exception of the Ductless Heat Pump, which was installed on March 12, 2012, and a new refrigerator, which was installed in August of 2012.

Heat Pump Blowing Cold Air?

Recently, when we were in the thick of some freezing temperatures here in the Pacific Northwest, we heard from a new customer who said that although his house felt comfortable, his new Ductless Heat Pump seemed to be blowing "cold" air.

Thanks, Fujitsu!!

Just a short and sweet post today to give a shout out to Fujitsu. Thanks for keeping us covered during our typical winter weather here in the Pacific Northwest!! These little shelters sure do make a wet job that much easier and we are grateful to our supplier, Fujitsu America, for providing us with these handy little tents.

What's That Noise??

Ductless heat pumps are remarkably quiet during operation. In fact, most manufacturers refer to their systems as “whisper quiet.” And many of our customers tell us they are surprised how quiet their new system is – sometimes even checking to make sure the unit is turned on! But a Ductless Heat Pump can make some noises, and most are a part of normal operation. In addition to the low-level fan sound of both indoor and outdoor units, you may hear “whirring,” “clicking,” or “rushing fluid.”

Christmas Lights: Should I Go LED?

Most of us are aware that the energy savings from LED light bulbs can make them a good deal over time even if they do cost more than traditional incandescent bulbs up front, but it can be hard to determine if the savings is the same for holiday lights that most of us only use a few weeks a year.

Don't Neglet to Clean Those Filters!

A Ductless Heat Pump System can be so quiet and comfortable, that after the initial purchase and install, it can be easy to forget you even have one! Once you determine how you want your system set, your DHP will consistently keep the temperature of your space exactly how you like it. Ductless Heat Pumps are really one of those "set it and forget it" type of systems. This is a real bonus, because really, who needs one more thing to think about daily?

Thurston Energy Cold Cash!!

Thurston Energy has re-launched their popular heating and weatherization rebate known as ColdCa$h for POW&R for the 2015-2016 heating season and Alpine Ductless is an approved vendor!

Fujitsu RLS3 Ductless Heat Pump Commercial

Here's a great overview of Fujitsu's RLS3 single zone DHPs; significant improvements in comfort and efficiency. Alpine Ductless is proud to be an Elite Dealer with Fujitsu.

Save Money and Stay Warm This Winter With a Ductless Heat Pump

Of course by now, we all know the statistics. Ductless Heat Pumps have been shown time and again to be energy efficient. They use much less energy to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, saving you money on your utility bills and keeping cash in your wallet. Studies show most using electric heat can expect to save 25% to 50% off of their heating bills.

Do Ductless Heat Pumps Provide Uneven Heating and Cooling?

This is another question we get here at Alpine, and an easy assumption to make really, given the history of single system heating and/or cooling units in our country.

I Need One of Those in Every Room, Right?

The above is a common question we get here at Alpine Ductless. People take one look at the air handler component of the Ductless Heat Pump system, probably think about furnace vents or even those air conditioner units often seen in hotel rooms, and assume they need an indoor head in each and every room of their house or business. Please allow us to set the record straight! This is almost never the case.

Fall Home Maintenance Tips

Fall has arrived in the Pacific Northwest!! The nights are getting cooler and the skies are turning gray. Fall means time to pull out the sweaters and think about preparing your home for the colder months ahead. Here are some good tips that we could all benefit from this time of year.

Tiny House Revolution

Tiny houses seem to be all the rage these days. Whether you are downsizing from a larger home or purchasing your first starter home, a “tiny” house can help you save money and cut back on the expenses of maintaining a larger space.

Fall Is In The Air!

The nights are turning cool in the Pacific Northwest and the leaves are turning lovely shades of orange, yellow and red. Temperatures are starting to trend downward and some of us are firing up the old heaters for the season. Hello Fall!!

Washington State Fair!

It is that time of year again, time for Washington State’s largest fair, formerly known as “The Puyallup” but now called the Washington State Fair!