Is Ductless Air Conditioning the Right AC for You?
If it’s time for you to upgrade to a new AC system, you may be thinking about central air conditioning. But what about a ductless air conditioner? They’ve grown in popularity over the last few years, and for a good reason.
Will it satisfy your personal needs? You might be wondering, “what does ductless air conditioning look like?” Don’t worry, by the time you finish reading this article you’ll understand all of the main factors to consider.
What Is Ductless Air Conditioning?
Have you heard of the terms ductless or mini-split air conditioning system? These systems are very similar to central air conditioners. Both systems have two units: a condenser outside the home and an evaporator inside the home. Coolant moves between the two units and carries heat from inside to outside, where it is released.
However, a central air system is different because the air is sent through the handler on your furnace and into the ductwork. Then it is carried throughout the house. With a ductless system, a slim cable connects the condenser to a box on your wall. There is no ductwork, hence the term “ductless,” and no vents are required in your walls or floors.
How Do Ductless Air Conditioners Work?
At the minimum, ductless ac units include the two parts we’ve already mentioned: the indoor unit and the outdoor compressor. They have a few additional components that are necessary for them to work properly in every setting. Those additional components include:
- Wall units mounted on interior walls
- Consoles if there is no place to mount on a wall
- Some units can be placed in the ceiling if space allows
- Cassette units which can be mounted to the ceiling directly
The outdoor unit can be placed somewhere to minimize the noise heard in the house or the outdoor gathering space. It pumps chemical refrigerant through tubing connected to the indoor unit. That refrigerant turns to gas, and the heat or humidity is removed from the air inside. This air is then blown across the coil, sending cooler and less humid air back into the room. Then, the refrigerant returns to the outdoor unit in gas form and is converted into liquid. Ductless heating works in the same way and reverses the process to heat an indoor space.
Benefits of Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioning
A ductless AC system can be a great solution for heating or cooling your home because you can divide your home into different zones that can maintain different temperatures.
Maybe you want your bedroom kept at 65 degrees, but that’s too cold for the rest of the rooms used throughout the day. No problem! You can adjust the temperatures of each room and keep them all comfortable, no matter what temperature it is outside. Another benefit, and one reason why many people make the switch to ductless AC, is the energy efficiency. You can turn off units in rooms that aren’t frequently used, reducing the amount of energy used to cool your home. Ductless AC systems will also improve the quality of the air you breathe.
Finally, these units require minimal maintenance. To keep your ductless AC working properly, change the filters and keep the vents clear of debris. If you keep the space around the outdoor unit tidy, it will help maintain airflow. Remember, there is no ductwork to clean or leaks to seal like those found in traditional HVAC systems!
Scheduling an annual inspection will help keep your system in check. Your HVAC contractor will be able to identify any problems and make repairs when they’re necessary. Your ductless AC could last up to 20 years if you keep up with your maintenance!
What Does Ductless Air Conditioning Cost?
A good ductless AC system will cost a few thousand dollars if you invest in a single indoor unit. However, the more units you need, the higher the cost. Generally, central air systems are more expensive, but some top-of-the-line ductless HVAC systems will be more expensive than a low-efficiency central AC.
What Is Ductless Air Conditioning and Heating?
A ductless system can provide both warm air and cold air if you purchase a heat pump for the outdoor unit. These units contain a reversing valve that changes the direction the refrigerant flows to match the type of air for the season.
If you’re ready to make the switch to a ductless air conditioner, the experts at Premier HVAC Services are here to help. A member of our team will review your home and determine what kind of setup is best for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.