3 Benefits of Ductless Air Conditioning & Heating Systems

Ductless Mini-Splits Explained

Anyone who’s shopped around for a new HVAC system, whether to replace the one they have or to install in their new home, has probably seen plenty of hype about ductless mini-split systems. So what is a ductless mini-split?

A ductless mini-split is essentially a smaller version of a typical heat pump, which features an indoor air handler unit and an outdoor condenser unit, with electrical wires and refrigerant lines running between the two. One unit captures heat from the air and the other releases it (which unit does which depends on whether the system is set to “heat” or “cool”). 

Whereas a central heat pump would circulate air to and from a single large air handler via ductwork, a ductless mini-split system features multiple smaller units spread throughout the house, each serving a designated room or section of the home. This article will discuss a few key benefits of the ductless approach, from lower energy bills and ease of installation to improved indoor air quality and comfort.

Save On Electric Bills

Of all the advantages of ductless mini-split systems, none gets mentioned more than their higher energy efficiency – which means lower energy bills. One reason is that the temperature in different rooms can be controlled independently, so homeowners don’t have to waste energy heating or cooling empty rooms.

Another reason ductless systems are more efficient than central ones is that air ducts almost inevitably experience some heat loss. Since ductwork is usually located in uninsulated spaces like attics or crawlspaces, the air isn’t always as warm or cool as it should be when it reaches the air registers. Ductwork can also develop small air leaks over time, exacerbating this problem.

So while ductless mini-split systems usually come with a higher up-front cost due to the higher number of units being installed, they can generally make up for that extra cost fairly quickly due to all the money saved on energy bills!

Easier To Install

Installing a central HVAC system in a home without existing ductwork can be costly and intensive, potentially involving many renovations. Ductless mini-splits, on the other hand, are a piece of cake to install by comparison – making a small hole in the wall for the electrical conduit and refrigerant lines is usually the biggest alteration to the home itself. This means homeowners can have their new system up and running quickly, without the days or weeks of renovations often required in a typical heating or air conditioning installation.

Their compact, discreet nature makes ductless mini-split systems ideal for retrofitting old homes that don’t have any ductwork and for small houses, cabins, or cottage-style homes that don’t have enough space to accommodate air ducts.

Cleaner Air and a Comfier Home

Last but not least, ductless heating and cooling systems also tend to be better for general home comfort and indoor air quality. Regarding comfort, ductless mini-splits have the advantage of precise zone control – when each room has its own AC or heater, everyone can keep their room at the desired temperature.

And regarding indoor air quality, doing away with air ducts can make a big difference. This is because a home’s ductwork tends to accumulate allergens like dust, dander, and even mold (particularly in very humid climates), which can get kicked up and circulated throughout the home. With a ductless system, these allergens will either be captured by the air filter or dispatched through regular house cleaning.

So going ductless not only means that homeowners can breathe easier but also that they won’t have to pay for air duct cleaning every few years! Of course, every home is different, so homeowners should consult their trusted HVAC company to see if a ductless mini-split system is right for them!

About Chad’s AC Direct

Chad’s AC Direct has been Montgomery’s go-to HVAC service company for years. With their reputation for honesty, reliability, and outstanding service, they are proud to offer competitive up-front pricing, financing, a money-saving membership plan, and 24/7 emergency service. Their licensed and background-checked technicians always arrive on time and work efficiently to get the job done right the first time – so homeowners can rest easy when they call Chad’s AC Direct for ductless mini-split installation in Montgomery, AL!

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