A common question our customers ask us is, “Should I get a ductless AC system?” If you’re considering getting a new air conditioner or replacing an old system, you might be curious about the benefits of the new ductless systems and how they compare to traditional central air systems.
Continue reading to learn more about the different types of AC systems so that you can decide which type is best for your home cooling needs.
What is a Ductless AC System?
Ductless air conditioning systems, also known as mini split air conditioners, are similar to traditional central air conditioning systems in many ways.
Both types have an evaporator or air handler that is situated inside the home or apartment and a condenser that is set up outside. When coolant flows between the two parts of the system, heat is transferred from the inside of your living space to the outdoor part of the system where it is discharged.
Traditional central air conditioning systems disperse the cooled air through your furnace and into the ductwork, where it is released through vents throughout your home. A ductless system, on the other hand, doesn’t require any ductwork to be installed and vents are not needed in the floor of your rooms where they could interfere with your furniture layout.
This makes ductless systems a great option for additions to your home. Many people assume that they can add new ducting to their existing central AC system, but that may not be a good idea. Adding extra ducting may end up asking more of the unit than what it is capable of supporting. Make sure to have a professional technician evaluate your system’s current capacity before spending hundreds, if not thousands, on making modifications. A ductless system can also heat your home, during the colder months, as well, making it the perfect solution for many of our customers’ homes.
Pros and Cons of Ductless Systems
How do you decide if ductless is right for you? Learning about the pros and cons of each can be helpful in order to know which is the better fit for your home layout, desired budget, energy usage, and the speed with which you want it to cool.
One of the first questions we typically ask our customers is whether they already have existing ductwork in their home. If you do, it might be more cost effective to stick with a traditional system. If the living area does not have ductwork in place, such as in an older home or add-on, a ductless system might be more budget-friendly and easier to install.
Ductless systems have the potential for greater energy efficiency in homes under 1,500’ square feet or less, but for larger homes (over 1,500 square feet) a central air system will pay off because it has more cooling power to quickly and effectively cool a larger space.
Both ductless and central systems offer the ability to provide zoned cooling, depending on which model you opt for, so whichever type you choose, make sure that it has all the features you want.
How On Time Home Services Can Help
Do you have further questions about ductless AC systems? Buying a new air conditioning system system is a big decision and weighing your options can feel overwhelming. A lot of factors are important to consider when determining which type of air conditioning system is right for your needs, but we’re here to help!
At On Time Home Services, we specialize in guiding customers through the decision-making process so that they understand the pros and cons of each option. That way, you can be sure you are purchasing a system that will meet all of your home cooling needs.
