You hear a lot about ductless air conditioners. They have a reputation for being highly efficient and reliable. They provide heating and cooling systems for your home, and they save money on energy costs. A ductless air conditioner can keep your home cool regardless of the heat outside. If you’re a homeowner who needs consistent, even temperatures all year round, you may want to invest in a ductless system.
Before you make your choice, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of ductless air conditioners. But first, we’ll provide an overview of how they work.
How Ductless Air Conditioning Works
Due to their efficiency and versatility, ductless ACs have become popular in recent years. They have several components and features that make them a great choice for home use.
Outdoor Unit
Ductless air conditioners have an outdoor unit that blows cool air toward the indoor unit through a conduit. The conduit has three parts: the refrigerant line, the power cable, and the condensate drain line. Each has a role in ushering in cool air.
Indoor Unit(s)
Most ductless systems have at least one indoor unit with an evaporator and a blower. The evaporator takes the heat from the air, moves it to the outside unit, and transfers it to the refrigerant line. From there, the evaporator coils cool the refrigerant to absorb the heat. This is how a ductless AC cools your home.
Refrigerant
Refrigerant is a special fluid in an air conditioner that cools the air in your home. It absorbs and releases heat outside, which helps keep the indoors cool. In most cases, there’s no need to replace refrigerant. But you may experience a refrigerant leak, and when it happens, you need to call an HVAC professional immediately.
Remote Control
Most ductless ACs today have remote-control technology that allows you to control the temperature from a distance. You can use it for other purposes, too, such as adjusting the fan speed and the timer. It’s a handy tool for monitoring and controlling the various functions of a ductless air conditioner.
Inverter Technology
Inverter technology is effective at keeping your home cool by adjusting compressor settings. You can increase or decrease the compressor speed to adjust the temperature as needed. It helps moderate noise levels and reduces energy use.
Zoning
If you have a ductless mini-split system, chances are you also have zoned cooling. If so, you’ll be able to customize temperatures in each room of your house individually. For example, you might adjust it to a lower temperature in your bedroom than in your home office or study room. Having different temperature levels meets the needs of every resident while reducing energy costs.
The Perks of Ductless Air Conditioners
If you’re seeking an energy-efficient way to cool your home, a ductless air conditioner might be a good choice. We’ll discuss the benefits of ductless air conditioners and their impact on your home energy use.
Easy Installation
Unlike other air conditioners, ductless systems are easy to install. They only have a few parts, so installation is quick and efficient. There is no extensive ductwork to install, and the only time you need to drill is to create a pathway for the conduit. Older homes, small apartments, and condos are ideal places for a ductless air conditioner because most of them have no ductwork. Once installed, the system works with optimal efficiency because no air is lost through a hole in the ductwork.
Energy Efficiency
Another plus of ductless systems is that they’re energy efficient. This is because of inverter technology, which controls power consumption by adjusting the compressor speed. This keeps your system from shutting on and off as it maintains an ideal temperature for your home. Your air conditioner will last longer and make less noise during active use.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Ductless air conditioners are energy efficient, and they produce cleaner air for your home. The lack of ductwork makes this easier because no dirt or dust particles are getting trapped. Instead, air is transferred through a tiny conduit to cool your home. Moreover, some systems can remove tiny particles through a complex filtration system, where they are trapped and expelled. This reduces the likelihood of mold, mildew, and dust in your home.
Silent Operation
Unlike standard HVAC systems, the ductless air conditioner runs quietly at a maximum level of 19 decibels — no louder than a whisper or rustling leaves. There is no banging, loud humming, or disruptive whirring to contend with, making ductless air conditioners ideal for apartment and condo dwellings with noise restrictions. Plus, you don’t have to worry about noises coming from the outside, because your indoor and outdoor units are separate. This also protects your compressor from loud noise and excessive vibration.
The Drawbacks of Ductless Air Conditioners
Despite their advantages for homeowners, ductless air conditioners also have some drawbacks. Below are a few cons to consider before investing in a ductless air conditioner.
Cost
One downside of ductless air conditioners is their initial startup costs. Indoor and outdoor units are expensive, and so are conduits. Also, installing a ductless air conditioner requires the expertise of a licensed technician, and the installation process may be more costly than a ducted system.
Appearance
Despite their overall efficiency, appearance can be another downside to ductless air conditioners. The indoor unit is typically placed high on a wall or near a window, where some may consider it an eyesore.
Then there’s the question of space. Unlike units with ductwork, these systems don’t transport air as easily. For your home to be properly cooled, you need a unit in every room. And if you live in a small home, space could be an issue. You might feel crowded with a unit in each room.
Maintenance
Maintenance is another problem with ductless air conditioners. It takes a lot of work to replace refrigerant lines, conduits, and indoor and outdoor units. You may be able to perform some basic tasks, such as cleaning the unit and checking the filters. However, most maintenance tasks for ductless air conditioners require a licensed technician because of some complexities. This may cost you more money in the long run. Plus, your system’s wiring may need to be checked every three to four months to ensure safety and efficiency, and that requires the expertise of an electrician.
About Us
At Landen Heating and Cooling in Zebulon, NC, we take pride in the work we do. Our services include air conditioning repair, AC installation, and ductless solutions. We also work with ducted HVAC systems and offer indoor air quality services for your home. We’ll help you get your home ready for the winter with our heating repair options. We provide furnace installation, furnace repair, and heat pump maintenance. Anytime you need repairs or installation, our technicians are here to help. They will inspect the problem and offer you a free estimate of the costs. We have a variety of finance options to suit your budget, too.
Call Landen Heating and Cooling or visit us online to learn more!
