If you’ve recently converted a porch to a sunroom or added a new addition to your home, you may have questions about how you want to cool these spaces. You could pay to have your home’s existing ductwork extended, but that can be expensive, and you may need a new AC with a higher cooling capacity. Another option to consider is installing a ductless air conditioning system.
Ductless AC units, also referred to as ductless mini split systems, are extremely versatile because they can cool just one or two rooms, or you can replace your traditional AC system and install a ductless system to cool your entire home. Keep reading to learn how ductless air conditioners work and the benefits of having one installed in your home.
How Do Ductless Air Conditioning Systems Work?
Traditional cooling systems have one indoor unit, an outdoor condenser unit, and ducts that move conditioned air throughout your home and to your living areas. They use one thermostat to control the temperature in the entire home.
Ductless mini split systems work differently because they don’t require ducts to distribute conditioned air. Instead of using one central air handler, each room or “zone” in your home has an indoor air handling unit mounted on the wall to distribute cool air. These units contain evaporator coils with refrigerant. The refrigerant in the coils absorbs the heat and sends it back out as cool air.
Some ductless air conditioners can have up to eight air handlers, and each room with an air handler is equipped with its own thermostat. This allows you to set different temperatures in rooms across your home.
What Are the Benefits of Ductless AC Systems?
Some of the benefits of using ductless mini split systems include:
Energy Efficient
Ducts are notorious for leaking conditioned air because of leaks or improper installation. It’s estimated as much as 20-30 percent of energy is lost through ductwork. You’ll notice the savings on your energy bills when you have a ductless system installed.
Easy Zoning
If you’re like most families, there may be an ongoing battle about what the perfect temperature should be in your home. Ductless air conditioners can end these feuds for good. For example, if your son enjoys his room warmer at night, and you prefer it to be cooler, each room can be controlled separately with its own thermostat. You can also adjust the temperature accordingly in rooms you barely use to save money.
Easy to Install
Extending or installing new ductwork is an expensive and time-consuming endeavor. With a ductless mini split system, the outdoor and indoor units are connected by a conduit line that requires a small, three-inch hole through the exterior wall.
Ideal for Various Applications
Your current air conditioner may not have the cooling capacity to treat new additions or areas recently converted to living spaces such as your attic, basement, or sunroom. A ductless system can treat these areas without needing to buy an expensive new air conditioner with a larger cooling capacity or extend your home’s ductwork.
Contact Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric for Ductless AC Services
If we’ve piqued your interest in the benefits of installing a ductless air conditioner in your home, contact the NATE-certified cooling specialists at Ravinia Plumbing to schedule an appointment for installation.
