Air conditioning has become a staple in most houses, whether your home has central air or you’ve been making do with window units. However, if you’re looking to stay cool during the hot days of summer (and you own your home), you should consider installing a ductless air conditioning system.
What is a Ductless Air Conditioner?
Also known as mini-splits, ductless air conditioners help regulate the temperature room-by-room, making them efficient for a homeowner looking to lower their energy bill. In homes that are not set up for central air, these units are a great choice, providing significant relief from the heat in the most important rooms (like the primary bedroom) or for an entire floor if you’ve got a very open floor plan.
A ductless air conditioner is relatively new tech and is comprised of two main units – an indoor unit and an outdoor unit – which are connected using encased drains and cables. The indoor unit is mounted on a wall, and it includes blowers, evaporator coil, and air-handlers. The outdoor unit includes the condenser and compressor and pumps pressure to the indoor unit through refrigerant lining and electrical wiring.
You can choose between single and multiple zone units, depending on whether you want to regulate temperature for one or more rooms. Of course, the major benefit is that these units don’t require the ductwork that central air requires, which many older homes don’t have.
Benefits of Ductless Air Conditioners
Higher Energy Efficiency
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is the metric used to measure energy efficiency in air conditioning systems. 1 Ductless air conditioners are more efficient than traditional air conditioners and can save a significant percent on energy costs.
Easy Installation
Since ductless conditioners don’t have ducts, the installation process is relatively simple. Once you mount the indoor and outdoor units, you can drill a small three-inch hole through the wall to connect the two ducts. In contrast, installing a duct system is labor-intensive and costs more just in installation costs.
Better Control
With ductless A/C units, you get multi-zoning control if you instal multiple units throughout the residence. Each indoor air handler is independently controlled so you can control temperature room-by-room, via a remote control or smartphone app.
Lower Carbon Footprint
Ductless air conditions are more energy-efficient than central air conditioners, and this means a lower carbon footprint. Since ductless systems are independently controlled at each conditioned space, you can opt to heat or cool only the inhabited spaces, leaving out any rooms not currently in use. Additionally, mini-splits use r410A, an eco-friendly refrigerant, which decreases the effect that air conditioning has on the ozone layer.
Better Air Quality
Traditional air conditioners are known to let bacteria, allergens, and polluted gases into the house through the ducts. The modern ductless air conditioners solve this problem with their advanced filtration cartridges, which prevent foreign bodies from getting into the house. This results in improved indoor air quality, perfect for those with allergies or other respiratory issues.
Quieter
Ductless air conditioners have extremely quiet fans that make the system less noisy. They have a lower decibel rating than traditional air conditioners. Installing the outdoor unit farther away from the indoor unit using extra long refrigerant lines also contributes to then being quieter.
Heating Function
Ductless systems deliver dual functions, offering both heating and cooling. The system contains a heat pump, which is known to be heat efficient, and this helps cool or heat the spaces. 2 You can use the heating function without requiring additional adjustments or equipment.
Low Maintenance
Ductless air conditioners are low maintenance, with only the filter requiring regular cleaning. It’s also important to frequently check the vents to ensure the indoor ones are unblocked and the outdoor fans aren’t obstructed.
How to Save Money on a Ductless Air Conditioner
You can save money on the air conditioning systems by buying from retailers offering tax credits, rebates and discounts on purchase. You should also check with your state to see if there are incentives for installing ductless air conditioning systems. 3
It’s also a good idea to check stores for sales throughout the year to save additional money.
Learn More About Ductless Air Conditioning
Ductless air conditioners are an excellent way to regulate the temperature in your home, regardless of the external weather conditions. These systems tend to be low maintenance, and you can enjoy better control, a reduced carbon footprint, cleaner air, and reduced energy costs.
If you are looking for an energy-efficient air conditioning system, consider installing a ductless air conditioner.