Ductless Air Conditioning System Pros

As ductless air conditioning systems continue to grow in popularity – either as forced alternatives in the case of some older houses or, in other situations, a more attractive option than installing a whole-house system – it’s time for a refresher on the basics for buying ductless systems, which are known as Mini Split Air Conditioning and Heating Systems.

First some advantages of ductless systems: One of the more obvious pluses is energy efficiency, as improperly installed ducted systems can account for up to 30 percent of the total energy lost by a home’s HVAC system. Ductless systems deliver air directly to the rooms they serve, thereby eliminating the waste that can occur when ducts crack and leak. Ductless systems, quite simply, reduce your overall energy costs.

They can also provide health benefits because the unit’s evaporator coil, where dirt and bacteria tend to collect, is easy to clean and maintain. The lack of ductwork means that there are fewer unreachable places for organisms to grow and proliferate. And the inverter technology on ductless systems allows the unit to adjust heating and cooling output according to the room’s current temperature – rather than basing output on a central household thermostat reading.

Many entry-level ductless systems contain the following features: A range of fan speeds, auto-shut flaps on units mounted on walls, reusable filters, wireless controllers and optional hard-wired thermostats.

Installation of ductless units is fairly straightforward. It’s best to consult a qualified professional installer, particularly for the electrical work. Substandard wiring or an insufficient refrigerant charge can harm the system, as well as void the warranty. Of course, faulty installation can also result in injury to you or others, which you should bear in mind when considering the installation of any power appliance. However, much of the basic prep work for ductless systems can be accomplished by someone who’s fairly handy.

More questions about ductless systems? Contact AC World today!