Pros and Cons of Ductless Air Conditioners
Ductless air conditioners have received a greater deal of attention in recent years, especially as many people adopt eco-conscious habits to reduce our carbon footprint.
A ductless air conditioner, also known as a mini-split system, involves a wall-mounted unit and outside compressor to keep the temperature consistent in a room. While they consume less energy in the process, they are not ideal for every homeowner. Here’s what you should know.
What Is a Ductless HVAC System?
Ductless heat pumps and air conditioners offer an alternative to a window unit or baseboard heating. The system consists of a compressor placed outside the home and at least one wall or ceiling-mounted heating or cooling unit.
Installation involves drilling a hole into the wall to support the unit. With a ductless air conditioner, this arrangement results in less air leakage, eliminates security problems, is less visible and makes less noise. Unlike a traditional HVAC system, no vents or ducts are needed to circulate air.
Tubing is needed to connect refrigerant lines to the unit. Meanwhile, each unit is equipped with its own thermostat and fan. Once operating, a ductless mini-split system allows you to automatically implement zoned heating and cooling based on the placement of units in your home. To cool, the room’s warm air passes over the unit’s evaporator coils and heat is moved to the outdoor compressor.
This option eliminates the need to install and maintain ductwork that passes through your home and tends to be easier to install upfront.
Pros of a Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner
Considering the factors above, ductless mini-split systems:
- Are more energy-efficient than other alternatives. It’s estimated that traditional ducts lose as much as 25 percent of the air passing through. Furthermore, ductless compressors slow down or speed up based on heating and cooling needs, rather than fully shutting off. With certain ductless systems, you can save up to 30 percent on HVAC costs.
- Are easier to install. Ductwork is complicated and expensive to install. Ductless systems typically require a three-inch hole to be drilled and tubing to be connected.
- Allow for a greater degree of temperature control. Mini-split systems let you control the individual temperature of each room. As they work with a home’s heat pump, you can receive warm and cool air throughout the year.
- Generate less noise and take up less room. Unlike window units, ductless air conditioners are relatively quiet and tend to draw less attention. This makes them ideal for those living in apartments and older homes.
Downsides of Ductless Air Conditioners
In spite of the benefits outlined above, a ductless mini-split system may not be ideal for everyone:
- They’re not ideal for extremely cold climates. If you plan to use a ductless system to heat your home when temperatures drop below zero, it’s recommended that your home has a fuel-based backup system.
- They can be expensive to set up. The upfront costs for installing a ductless system end up being more than adding a window unit or baseboard heating.
- They’re not maintenance free. Just as with any HVAC system, ductless mini-splits require maintenance. It’s recommended that you clean the filter monthly, more often if you have pets, and schedule yearly maintenance.
- Installation is not a DIY project. Although ducts won’t need to be installed, the unit should be properly sized, holes need to be created and sealed correctly, and any connections need to be secure for the system to work properly. In turn, you’ll need to work with an HVAC professional to install your ductless mini-split system properly.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your window unit with a ductless air conditioner, work with the HVAC professionals at MJ Fahy & Sons to install the new system. To learn more, contact us today.
