Wouldn’t it be nice if you no longer had to use ducts for climate control in your living spaces? Learning about ductless air conditioning can make this dream a possibility. This guide will help you decide whether this is a good option for your home.
How Does a Standard Ductless AC Work?
While learning about SEER ratings makes it easier to choose a cooling system that costs less to operate, many units share the same processes.
Ductless air conditioning is similar to traditional air conditioning in that it uses an outdoor compressor as part of the system. As the outdoor compressor pumps refrigerant to the indoor air handler, it removes the heat from indoor living spaces.
The process of cooling warm air transforms the refrigerant into a hot gas. That gas gets returned to the compressor, where it cools and returns to liquid form. During this process, excess warm air gets released outside.
The difference between a traditional air conditioning system and a ductless model is in how cool air gets delivered to your living spaces. A ductless system doesn’t use ductwork or a fan. Instead, the cool air gets pushed directly into the living space. A home with a closed floor plan or multiple rooms will need several air handlers.
Creating Various Climate Zones
It might seem as though a ductless mini split is an inconvenience for a larger home, but that’s not necessarily true. You can connect several air handlers to one compressor. That means you can use ductless air conditioning to create multiple climate zones in your home.
The Advantages of Going Ductless
Here are a few reasons to consider adding ductless air conditioning to your home.
Greater Energy Efficiency
When using a traditional AC, sealing home air leaks is especially important. As cool air travels through your ducts, any gaps or crevices can let treated air escape and impede efficiency. With a ductless system, the cool air goes directly into your living spaces.
Fewer AC Repairs
Since the ductless system doesn’t use ducts, you won’t have to worry about damaged ductwork. You also won’t have to maintain a blower fan. There are fewer parts to the system, and that eliminates many common AC malfunctions.
Customizable Cooling Experiences
By using several air handlers, you can customize how you cool your home. Set different temperatures throughout your home or decide which rooms don’t need cooling at all.
The Drawbacks of Using Ductless Air Conditioning
There are a few downsides to using ductless systems. Learning about them can help you decide whether this is the right system for your home.
Higher Upfront Costs
The upfront cost is typically higher when compared to the installation of a traditional system. However, the energy efficiency of a ductless AC leads to long-term financial benefits.
Limited Coverage
Every room will need its own air handler. While this makes it possible to create distinct climate zones, homeowners will have to install multiple handlers.
Intrusive Appearance
You’ll work with an air conditioning service to choose the best location for each air handler. This can be a challenging part of the process since air handlers can disrupt the decorative style of the home.
Make the Switch to a Ductless System
On The Spot Air Conditioning & Heating provides a full range of HVAC services to ensure Plano, Texas, homeowners can maintain comfortable indoor climates. We can help you explore cooling alternatives when you’re ready to replace an outdated air conditioner. Contact us to request an estimate for a ductless air conditioner today!
