In the US homeowners, ductless air conditioners are becoming a popular option for home cooling. Ductless air conditioners are great for people who don’t have a ton of space or just want to control their own temperatures. They’re also the ideal solution for anyone with allergies or asthma since they don’t use a filter.
In fact, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), more than half of all households in the country have at least one room that an air conditioner has cooled. And while this is great news for comfort and health, it’s not so good for your wallet: The average American spends around $1,000 on energy bills each year just to keep cool.
But with ductless air conditioning systems now available in the US, there’s no need to spend all that money on home cooling anymore! These ductless ACs are designed to provide you with efficient cooling without requiring a traditional duct system—so you can enjoy maximum comfort without paying through the nose for it.
Moreover, with more than 90 million ductless air conditioner (DAC) systems installed in US homes, it’s clear that this technology is here to stay.
But how do they work? What are their pros and cons? And what should you look out for when buying one? We’ve got answers!
In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about ductless ACs, including their advantages and disadvantages. We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the best model for your needs.
What is a ductless AC?
A ductless air conditioning system is a type of central air conditioning system that doesn’t use ductwork to distribute cool air in your home. These systems are often used in homes that have tight living spaces, like condos and apartments.
Ductless air conditioners come in two main types: mini-split and multi-split. A mini-split system has one outdoor unit and one indoor unit; a multi-split system has two or more outdoor systems and two or more indoor units.
Both types of systems are designed to be easy to install yourself, which makes them a good option if you don’t want to hire a professional ductless air conditioner services company to install your AC unit.
How does Ductless AC Work?
Ductless AC, also known as a ductless mini-split system, works by using a combination of indoor and outdoor units to provide cooling and, in some cases, heating to a specific area or zone. Here is a breakdown of how does ductless ac work:
Components of a Ductless AC System:
- Outdoor unit (condenser): The outdoor unit comprises the condenser coil, compressor, and fan. It is responsible for dissipating heat via the refrigerant and releasing it outside.
- Indoor unit(s) (evaporator): The indoor unit is mounted inside the space you want to cool or heat. It consists of a fan, evaporator coil, and air filters. The indoor unit blows conditioned air into the room and absorbs heat from the indoor air.
- Refrigerant lines: These copper tubing lines connect the outdoor and indoor units. They carry the refrigerant, a chemical substance that absorbs and releases heat, between the two units.
Refrigeration Cycle in Ductless AC:
- Cooling Mode:
- The refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air as it passes over the evaporator coil in the indoor unit.
- The absorbed heat causes the refrigerant to evaporate and become a low-pressure, low-temperature gas.
- The compressor in the outdoor unit pressurizes the refrigerant, which increases its temperature and pressure.
- Now in a high-pressure, high-temperature state, the refrigerant flows through the condenser coil in the outdoor unit.
- As the outdoor fan blows air over the condenser coil, heat is released to the outside, and the refrigerant condenses back into a liquid state.
- The liquid refrigerant then travels back to the indoor unit through the refrigerant lines, ready to repeat the cooling cycle.
Heating Mode (if applicable):
- Ductless AC systems equipped with heat pump functionality can reverse the refrigeration cycle to provide heating.
- In heating mode, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside air, even in colder temperatures, and transfers it indoors.
- The heat is released into the room through the indoor unit’s fan and evaporator coil, while the cold air is expelled outside.
By utilizing the refrigeration cycle, ductless AC systems are able to provide efficient cooling and heating without the need for ductwork. The ability to individually control multiple indoor units in different zones allows for personalized comfort and energy savings.
Ductless AC vs. Traditional HVAC Systems: What’s the Difference?
If you’re in the market for a new HVAC system, you might wonder whether ductless AC suits you.
Ductless air conditioners and heat pumps are becoming more and more popular, but people still aren’t sure what the difference is between them and traditional HVAC systems.
To help you understand the differences between these two types of systems, we put together this comparison table highlighting the key differences between ductless AC systems and traditional HVAC systems:
| Aspect | Ductless AC | Traditional HVAC Systems |
| Installation | Relatively easy and flexible | Complex and requires ductwork |
| Energy Efficiency | Highly efficient | Varies based on system and upkeep |
| Zoning Capability | Easy to create multiple zones | Limited zoning options |
| Cost | Higher upfront cost | Lower upfront cost |
| Maintenance | Requires regular filter cleaning | Regular duct cleaning needed |
| Indoor Aesthetic | Sleek and space-saving indoor units | Requires space for ductwork |
| Cooling and Heating | Provides both cooling and heating | Provides both cooling and heating |
| Noise Level | Quiet operation | Noise from ducts and vents |
| Air Quality | Individual air handlers offer better air filtration | Shared air circulation |
| Flexibility | Allows for room-by-room temperature control | Centralized temperature control |
| Space Efficiency | It takes up less space in rooms | Requires space for ductwork |
Common Applications of Ductless AC
You may be wondering what the most common applications of ductless AC are. If you are, then you’re in luck! We’ve compiled a list of the top four applications for ductless AC.
Residential Homes
Ductless ACs are used in residential homes for several reasons. They are ideal for homes with multiple rooms and can be placed in each room without causing damage to the home’s structure. This makes sense since ductless air conditioner installation doesn’t require modifying the home’s structure to work properly. Ductless ACs also allow homeowners to control their cooling needs without having to rely on central air conditioning systems or other cumbersome methods such as window units.
Commercial Buildings
Ductless ACs are commonly used in commercial buildings because they are easy to install, making them ideal for new construction projects where there isn’t much time or money available for installation costs. Because they use less energy than traditional air conditioners and have fewer moving parts than window units, they’re also much quieter than other cooling options, which makes them ideal for office spaces where noise levels need to remain low.
Multi-family Buildings
If you live in an apartment building or condo, you probably don’t have control over how cool your unit gets. That’s why installing a ductless AC unit is such a great idea—you can use it as an alternative that allows you to set your own temperature! And when everyone has their own unit, there won’t be any fighting over who gets what temperature.
Supplemental Cooling and Heating
Another common use of ductless AC is supplemental cooling and heating. If you have an attic space above your garage, you may want to use ductless AC units instead of a traditional central air conditioner or furnace. This will allow you to avoid having to run long lengths of ductwork through your home.
8 Pros Of Ductless AC Unit
Ductless air conditioners are a great solution for homes and businesses that don’t have the space for a traditional central AC system. They’re quiet, reliable, and energy-efficient, which is why they’re so popular with homeowners across the country.
But there’s another reason ductless systems are so popular: they offer some major advantages over traditional AC units. Here are eight of the biggest benefits of using a ductless air conditioner in your home or office:
Energy Efficiency
Ductless ac units are often more energy efficient than central air conditioners. They don’t require ductwork, which means they don’t waste energy through the ducts and don’t use electricity to cool the air being pumped through the ducts. This saves you a lot of money on your monthly bill!
Cost Savings
Ductless air conditioners are also cost-effective because they save on installation, maintenance, and ductless air conditioning repair costs associated with traditional systems. This makes them appealing to homeowners who want to save money in the long run and lower their carbon footprint by using less electricity or natural gas than traditional units use.
Flexible Installation
Ductless air conditioners can be installed more flexibly than traditional split systems. This allows you to choose which rooms will have an AC unit and which will not. In addition, if the layout of your home changes, you can easily move the air conditioner from room to room.
Zone Control
Another benefit of ductless air conditioners is that they allow for zone control. This means that you can control the temperature in different rooms of your home independently of one another! If one room gets too cold or too hot, you can adjust it without changing the other rooms’ settings.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Because ductless air conditioners are installed outside the home, they don’t need to be connected to a central air handler. This means there’s no need for ducts and connections between the outdoor and indoor units. Because there are no vents or ducts, the system is much quieter than traditional systems. Additionally, the installation process is much easier than that of a traditional system because there are fewer parts to install.
Ductless AC systems also offer improved indoor air quality by eliminating dust from entering your home. This is especially important if you have allergies or asthma. Ductless AC units have been shown to reduce pollen levels by up to 75%.
Design Flexibility
Because ductless air conditioners have no ductwork, they can be installed virtually anywhere in your home without any restrictions on placement due to HVAC system requirements. This makes them perfect for remodeling projects where you want specific locations for multiple rooms but may not have enough space in one area of the house for both an HVAC system and other amenities such as a fireplace or kitchen island countertop appliances like microwaves and dishwashers.
Quick and Efficient Cooling/Heating
Ductless ac units are efficient because they don’t use ductwork, which means they can cool or heat your room faster than other air conditioning systems. This is especially beneficial if you’re trying to cool down a room quickly or heat up your home after a long winter break from school or work—you won’t have to wait around while your system catches up with the temperature change!
Quiet Operation
If you’ve ever lived in an apartment building, you know how annoying it can be to have your neighbors’ air conditioners blasting all day long. Ductless ac units are often much quieter than their traditional counterparts, so you can enjoy them without worrying about bothering your neighbors.
Cons Of Ductless AC Units
Ductless air conditioners are one of the most popular choices for staying cool and comfortable during summer. They offer a lot of benefits, but there are some downsides to consider as well. Here are some cons before you make your final decision on whether or not to buy a ductless AC unit.
- Higher initial cost compared to traditional HVAC systems.
- The appearance of indoor units may not suit everyone’s aesthetic preferences.
- Limited cooling/heating capacity for larger spaces or whole-building needs.
- Regular maintenance is required for optimal performance.
- It may require professional installation for proper setup.
- Potential for air distribution imbalances between rooms.
- Limited options for integrating with existing ductwork systems.
- In some cases, multiple outdoor units may be required, taking up outdoor space.
- More difficult to retrofit into existing buildings with no prior ductless system setup.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Ductless AC System
Choosing a ductless AC system is a big decision. You have to consider a lot of factors, including cooling and heating capacity, the number of zones you need, and whether or not you want to purchase an air handler. Here are nine factors to consider when choosing a ductless AC system:
Cooling and Heating Capacity
The cooling capacity of your unit will depend on the size of your home and the number of rooms. If you have a larger home with more rooms, you’ll want to consider getting a system with an increased cooling capacity so that it can cool your entire home quickly. If you have a smaller home or only need cooling in one room, it is possible to get by with a smaller unit with less cooling power.
Number of Zones
You can choose between single-zone or multi-zone systems depending on how many rooms you want to cool or heat at once. Single-zone systems are usually better for smaller homes where only one area needs cooling or heating at a time because they don’t require as much installation work—you just connect one unit directly to your ductwork instead of connecting several units together like with a multi-zone system. Multi-zone systems allow you to connect multiple units together so that they can all operate from one central location, such as an outdoor unit or indoor unit (aka “mini-split”). This makes it easy for you to adjust temperatures throughout different areas of your home.
Noise Level
In many residential and commercial buildings, the noise generated by traditional window air conditioners can be disruptive for workers who need quiet conditions to focus at their desks or perform other tasks requiring concentration and focus. While some window units can be quieted down with foam baffles around the compressor and louvers over the exhaust port (which helps keep outside noises from entering), most still produce noticeable levels of sound when operating at full capacity. Ductless units are less likely than window units because they only run while cooling or heating a single room at once (versus cooling large spaces like offices or warehouses).
Energy Efficiency
When it comes to ductless AC systems, you’ll want to look for a system that uses the latest energy-efficient technology. Additionally, look for ductless AC systems with high energy efficiency ratings. Check for energy labels, such as ENERGY STAR certification, which indicates that the system meets strict energy efficiency standards. This will help you save money on your utility bills by reducing your energy consumption while also helping the environment by lowering your carbon footprint.
Indoor Unit Options
The indoor unit is what you’ll see when you look at a ductless system. These units come in different sizes and shapes, with different features available on each model. The size of your home will determine which size you need. For example, if you have a large home with multiple stories or high ceilings, you might need a bigger indoor unit than someone living in an average-sized home with low ceilings.
Installation Requirements
Another factor to consider is installation requirements. Some models require professional ductless AC installation help, while others are easy enough for anyone to install themselves (if they’re comfortable doing so). In addition to cost considerations, this can also affect how quickly you can get your new HVAC system up and running after purchasing it!
Brand Reputation and Warranty
When it comes to ductless AC systems, brand reputation is important because it’s what separates one system from another. The reputations of brands can vary quite a bit, so do your research before purchasing a unit. You want to be sure that the brand you choose has a history of reliability and quality, as well as support services, if something goes wrong with your unit later on down the road.
Maintenance and Service
In addition to a good warranty, you should also find out if any ongoing ductless AC maintenance requirements are associated with owning this type of system, such as annual inspection or ductless air conditioner repair services offered by the manufacturer or distributor who sells them in your area!
Budget
You should always consider your budget when choosing a ductless AC system. The cost will vary depending on your needs, but it is important to be realistic about what you can afford and what you need in terms of comfort and efficiency.
FAQs About Ductless AC
How much electricity will my new AC use?
In a 24-hour period, a window-mounted central air conditioner uses on average 3,500-kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year—that’s about $300 at today’s average rate for energy consumption in the U.S., according to Energy Star estimates for 2017.
What is the lifespan of a ductless AC system?
A ductless air conditioner can last up to 20 years, depending on its quality and usage.
Can ductless AC be used for large spaces?
Yes! Ductless air conditioners are great for large spaces because they don’t require ductwork to be installed in your home or office. They are also energy efficient, so that they won’t cost you any money over time!
How do I install a ductless air conditioner?
It’s pretty simple! You’ll need to hire an electrician to wire up your new system and then an HVAC technician to install it for you.
How much does a ductless AC cost?
The cost of a ductless AC varies by model, but you can expect to spend between $3,000 and $6,000 for a new system. If you already have an HVAC system in place, the installation will typically cost around $1,500 to $3,000. If you don’t have an existing HVAC system, expect ductless AC installation costs to be higher due to the need for additional equipment like power supplies, ventilation fans, and labor time.
How much does it cost to install a ductless AC?
The cost of installing ductless air conditioners varies depending on the size of your home and the type of unit you choose. A typical installation will cost between $2,000 and $3,000.
How do I know if my ductless AC needs repair?
If your system is not cooling properly or turning on at all, you should call a professional for help. There are many reasons why a system might not work correctly and it needs a ductless air conditioner repair service, including:
- Not enough refrigerant
- Air filter clogged with dust or debris
- Faulty thermostat setting (too cold or too hot)
How long will it take to repair my ductless AC?
Ductless air conditioner repair service can be completed in a single day, so you can get back to enjoying your home as soon as possible.
Ready for Ductless AC? Call Professional Ductless Mini Split AC Repair and Replacement Services in Doylestown, PA!
If you’re in Doylestown, PA, and are looking for an expert ductless AC repair and replacement company, look no further than CDO Heating and Air Inc.!
We’ve been in business for more than 25 years now and have a stellar reputation for providing top-notch service to our customers. We’re fully licensed and insured for your safety, so you can live stress-free knowing that your home is in really good hands.
And we don’t just offer air conditioning repair but also air conditioning replacement! If your current system is getting old or outdated, we can help you find a new one that meets your needs and budget.
We also offer a full range of services, including:
- Ductless AC Repair
- Ductless Mini Split AC Replacement
- Ductless AC Installation
- Furnace Repair and Maintenance
- HVAC System Diagnostics
Our team is fully licensed, insured, and trained to handle any situation—no matter how complex it might seem. We’ll come out to your home or business and take a look at your system. Then we’ll give you an honest assessment of what’s going on with your unit so that you can make an informed decision about how to proceed. Then we’ll get right down to business: removing old units, installing new ones, and ensuring everything is up and running again. We’ll even clean up after ourselves when we’re done!
Whether it’s time for an upgrade or just some general maintenance, we can get your system back up and running with our 24/7/365 emergency service.
So, If you’re looking for professional Ductless AC Installation, Repair, & Services in Doylestown, call us today at (267) 481-7787!