Although central air has been a standard in the United States for some time, ductless air conditioning is becoming popular.
A ductless air conditioner uses an indoor compressor/condenser and one or more indoor AC units. Ductless systems rely on conduits to connect each indoor AC unit rather than ductwork as used in HVAC systems.
Many people prefer ductless AC because it saves energy, which lowers the household electric bill. However, that’s just one reason to choose a ductless system over central HVAC.
Here’s why people are choosing ductless over central air.
- You can take your ductless AC with you when you move
The main difference between a ductless AC unit and a central HVAC system is that a ductless system can be moved to your new home if you decide to move.
Ductless AC systems aren’t built into a house the way forced-air furnaces are built. There are multiple components that require indoor and outdoor installations, but it’s all easily accessible and can be removed fairly easily if needed. - A ductless AC will cool specific spaces
When you run central air conditioning, you can’t control the temperature in each room. Most homes end up with one room that gets too cold and a room that doesn’t get enough cool air. This is based on where the vents are and how far the air has to travel to reach the room in addition to outside temperature and whether the rooms are shaded.
A ductless air conditioning system will allow you to set the temperature in any room. Specifically, with a multi-split system, you can close off a room completely if you don’t want the cool air to blow into that room. This contributes to energy and cost savings. - Ductless air conditioning saves more energy than central AC
Since a ductless AC system cools individual spaces, you don’t have to run the AC for hours just to cool the warmest room in your house. You can turn on the AC and direct the cool air only to your office or your bedroom and set the thermostat to turn off at your preferred temperature.
With a ductless AC system, the unit will run less, use less power, and save more energy. This translates to a lower energy bill at the end of the month.
Another cool feature ductless AC systems have is a variable-speed air handler. When you turn on a ductless AC system, the fan blows cold air at full speed until your desired temperature is reached. Once the air reaches your set temperature, the fan slows down and uses less power to maintain the temperature. - A ductless system can be used to heat your home
A standard HVAC system consists of two separate heating and cooling systems. Ductless AC units can utilize a reversible heat pump to keep your home warm in the winter.
High-tech heat pumps will deliver heat even when temperatures fall slightly below-zero. - Each room can be set to a different temperature
You can’t make a central AC system deliver a different temperature for each room. While you can close vents and keep windows open to try regulating the temperature in a room, you’re better off investing in a ductless system with zoning.
A ductless system with zoning utilizes indoor air handlers in each area you want to cool. Each air handler can be turned on or off and set to a specific temperature. For example, you can keep your bedroom cool at 65 degrees and set the living room for 70. - Ductless air conditioning creates less energy loss than central HVAC systems
HVAC systems are notorious for energy loss. When cool air has to travel a long way through ducts, some of it leaks out along the way. On the other hand, a ductless system won’t leak because it doesn’t utilize any ducts. The only leaks you’ll find with a ductless AC are if you leave the window open or if your windows and doors aren’t shut or properly sealed. - Ductless AC systems are easy to install
Contractors don’t need to crawl around in your attic and tear down walls and ceilings for more than a week to install a ductless AC system, like they do with an HVAC system. You won’t have to give up valuable space in your closet or basement to accommodate custom ductwork, either.
Most ductless AC components – inside and out – come assembled and the entire system can be installed in a couple of days. All of the indoor air handlers are connected to the outdoor unit via a conduit through the wall. Both indoor and outdoor components are visible and easily accessible once installed. - Ductless air conditioning is easier to maintain
When something goes wrong with an HVAC system, it could cost you a pretty penny. Contractors have to inspect your ductwork to find the problem and then it takes time to seal leaks and clean the ductwork.
Without ducts, you won’t ever have to call a contractor to look for leaks or clean your ductwork. - Ductless AC systems support better indoor air quality than HVAC systems
Ducts are notorious for collecting pollutants like dust, pollen, mites, bacteria, and mold. When HVAC ducts aren’t regularly cleaned, those pollutants will end up blowing through your home via leaks in your ductwork.
If anyone in your household has allergies, asthma, COPD, or major health conditions, these pollutants can make their health problems worse.
A ductless AC system will collect these pollutants in a filter that can be cleaned or replaced every few months.
Choose a ductless AC system and add value to your home
While there are many immediate benefits to using a ductless air conditioning system, one long-term benefit is raising the value of your home. Potential buyers don’t want to bear the burden of installing new ductwork. A home that comes with a ductless system is more attractive to buyers.
If you’re ready to install a ductless AC system in your home, contact us today for a free estimate. We’ll help make your home more comfortable year-round.
