9 Benefits of a Ductless HVAC System
While many homes are still equipped with standard central air conditioning units, new homeowners have been electing to make the change to ductless HVAC systems more and more in recent years. A ductless HVAC system (also known as a mini-split system) is unique because it requires no ductwork to move cool air throughout your home, unlike central air systems. While these systems have been historically more popular in European and Asian countries, they’ve been gaining a huge amount of popularity among homeowners in the United States. Why? Well, they simply have a wide range of benefits that other systems can’t match, such as:
1. Better Efficiency
If you’re looking for a way to keep your home both eco-friendly and cool, then ductless systems are the way to go. Generally, these systems require less power to operate because they don’t need to push air through a series of winding ducts to cool the rooms in your home. The in-room units can cool rooms faster and more evenly, which translates to less energy spent on cooling costs and less wasted energy in the long run.
2. Easier Installation
The main selling point for many homeowners is that split-air systems don’t require ductwork in order to operate. This is imperative for homes that weren’t built with ductwork initially, as installing new ductwork is an expensive and time-consuming process. When you choose to install a ductless system, you don’t need to worry about this costly additional step. Instead, there will only need to be space for a thin hose to move outdoors. Typically, the installation of a ductless system can be completed within a few days, while installing ductwork for a central unit could take weeks.
3. Fewer Allergens
One of the main issues with ductwork is that it’s hard to clean without professional tools. Even if you’re sure to change your air filter on schedule, dust, dirt, pet dander, and other debris end up in your ducts and accumulates. This could cause serious problems for those with asthma or allergies because a little bit of the accumulated debris enters your home through the vents each time the air kicks on. When you choose to use a mini-split system, you’ll never need to worry about dust buildup in the ductwork because there is no ductwork, to begin with. Because the entire cooling and blower unit is indoors, and it’s easy to clean and keep allergen-free, promoting better overall indoor air quality.
4. Location Flexibility
Most ductless units are quite small, which means you’ll have plenty of flexibility regarding where units are placed throughout your home. These systems are wall-mounted, meaning you won’t lose valuable floor space after installation, and they’re typically mounted close to the ceiling to remain as unobtrusive as possible. You can install several indoor units throughout your home to ensure you’re keeping its most important areas cool. While they work to keep your whole home cool, the rooms that benefit most from the installation of a ductless AC system are:
- Sunrooms
- Any rooms with large windows
- Add-ons or converted garages
- Spare bedrooms and in-home suites
- Office spaces
- Bathrooms
- Attic and basement finished spaces
Each of these spaces tends to create and retain more heat than other rooms of the house. Hot showers, the heat from the sun peeking through the windows, poor insulation, or even running electronics and appliances all create heat. Having a ductless system in the spaces where heat is created most is a good way to keep your whole home cool before the heat can get a proper foothold.
5. Cooling Zones
Some central air units come with cooling zones, but many of them are unreliable at best, and if those zones are set up incorrectly, it could cause serious issues with the central AC unit. Ductless units, however, shine when it comes to zoned cooling in a home. Every system consists of an outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit connected by a thin hose. Some models come with up to four indoor units, which can easily be set to keep some areas of the home cooler or warmer than others.
6. They Save Money
By being efficient and offering homeowners easy-to-use cooling zones, ductless AC systems can help save a significant amount of money annually when it comes to electricity bills. Using the zoning feature throughout your house means you’re able to evenly cool rooms, and you’re able to more directly control which rooms are being cooled and when. Raising the thermostat of the unit in your bedroom, for example, before you leave your home for work or school, saves energy. Likewise, turning the unit in your sunroom or other common areas up after you go to bed saves energy because you’re not cooling a space that’s not in use. Taking advantage of zoned cooling is one of the best ways to save big on your energy bills, and ductless systems are here to make the process easier than ever.
7. Utility Incentives
While not a universal movement, many utility companies have begun offering rebates and incentives to homeowners throughout their service areas to make the switch to ductless units and other efficient cooling methods. These units use far less energy than the average central HVAC system, meaning the utility company has to create less energy for your home to stay cool in the long run. Before installing a ductless AC system, check with your utility provider to see if you’re eligible for a cash incentive or another form of rebate in return for your dedication to going green.
8. Unobtrusive Appearance
While ductless HVAC systems are more noticeable than those that rely on air ducts, they are by far the most aesthetically pleasing of the alternate options. Window air conditioners are often bulky and require you to seal parts of your windows, which can invite inefficiency and look less than ideal. Mini-split systems, meanwhile, are only an average of approximately 7 inches wide and generally have a sleek outer shell that keeps them looking modern. They can be mounted at any point on a wall, hung from the ceiling, or even mounted on a drop ceiling, so you can place them out of the line of sight to keep any space in your home looking beautiful while still enjoying cool air and efficiency.
9. They’re Quiet
Another advantage ductless air conditioning units have over central AC and window units is that they’re quiet. The loudest element of the whole system is the condenser, which happens to be located outdoors, and even that is smaller and quieter than the outdoor unit of a central unit. The indoor units are often constructed with your comfort in mind, including lessening the noise you encounter during use with the implementation of noise-dampening materials that absorb vibration. This makes them ideal for office spaces, bedrooms, and any other rooms where you might require a bit of peace and quiet.
Cons of Mini Split Ductless System
- The primary disadvantage of mini splits is their cost. They are generally priced around traditional AC systems.
- Correct sizing of the system is important. Over-sized or incorrectly installed equipment often results in short-cycling; wasting energy and being unable to properly control the temperature or humidity. Too large a system is also more expensive to buy and operate.
- It is important to have a professional install the mini-split system or the homeowner can expect a higher consumption of electricity.
Contact The Weather Changers for Ductless HVAC Systems Today
If you’re looking for a new, efficient, easy, and unobtrusive way to keep your home cool and comfortable year-round, contact The Weather Changers today. We specialize in installing ductless systems and are here to help you decide whether or not these increasingly popular air conditioning units are right for your home and your family’s needs. Call us to learn more about ductless HVAC systems or to schedule a consultation to begin your installation today.
Featured Image: Chad Robertson Media/Shutterstock
