No Ductwork? No Problem
The Pros and Cons of Ductless Air Conditioning
Are you adding air conditioning to an existing house? Does the house have radiators or other “non-ducted” heating systems, or you are adding-on to a home or office? There’s good news: there is an alternative to installing ductwork throughout the space: a “mini-split” AC system.
The mini-split system consists of one outdoor unit that is smaller than a traditional AC compressor, and indoor wall units in each of the rooms being cooled. The indoor units can be some distance from the outdoor one, which is where you get the name “split” from (1, 2).
The Top Advantages of a Mini-Split System
The cost and “hassle” of adding ductwork is avoided.
Installing ducts throughout a house can be expensive, and intrusive if you are living in the house. (Just ask anyone who’s made the switch!) But with a mini-split system, you can get a flexible hose that leads from outside to inside, and it can all be concealed.
You can get greater flexibility – which means ultimate comfort for you and the family.
Each indoor unit has its own thermostat, so you can easily vary the temperatures among rooms, cooling the rooms you’re using without wasting energy on the other rooms.
Flexibility doesn’t end there: compared with other add-on systems, mini splits offer more flexibility in your interior aesthetic/design options. You can have handlers coming from your ceiling, mounted flush into a drop ceiling, or located on the wall. Floor-standing models are also available. Despite what some people may tell you , just know that many options are available based on the aesthetics you’re looking for (1, 2).
High Efficiency.
It’s worth repeating that mini-split systems don’t have the energy loss that can happen with ductwork. Mini-split system can be up to 30 percent more efficient than other systems, because the cool air is created right in the room, and does not travel from a central unit through ducts, where it can warm in the process (1, 2).
The Disadvantages of a Mini-Split System
Limitations – and less versatility.
Most mini-split systems cool no more than 4 rooms, so you will need a second outdoor unit for larger homes. Some people find that the location in which it needs to be installed inside their home can also be a limitation they don’t like, aesthetics-wise.
Potential for higher costs.
If oversized or if air handlers are not located in an ideal location, you can end up wasting money and paying more. Because of certain restrictions and potential for an increase in cost, this is why they are seldom used to add air conditioning to buildings that already have ductwork for a forced-air heating system. Ask us for more information to ensure the return on your investment is clear, and right for your home (1, 2).
For some brands, a shorter lifespan.
According to Energy.gov, mini-split units have an estimated life of 12-15 years, versus 15-20 years for a central AC unit. Your climate can affect any unit’s life as well (1, 2).
The experts at GC Home Services can calculate the savings from energy efficiency and avoiding ductwork, versus the extra cost of the units, to help you pick the most cost-effective system. But if you are passionate about a greener planet, split systems win hands-down (1, 2).
High Efficiency, Versatility & Ultimate Comfort For Your Family
Call the experts at GC Home Services to learn more about how ductless can offer you a flexible way to increase comfort in your home – whether it’s a single room or an entire floor. We’ve installed, maintained and repaired more than 25,000 HVAC systems in our 28-year history. Give the experts at GC Home Services a call today at 859-491-4915 today.
Sources/References
- http://energy.gov/energysaver/ductless-mini-split-air-conditioners
- https://www.angieslist.com/research/air-conditioning/
