What is ductless air conditioning?

Also known as a “mini split-system”, ductless air conditioning is one of the best HVAC options for putting permanent air conditioning in residential or commercial areas that don’t already have ductwork.

A ductless system functions in a similar fashion to it’s ducted counterpart. While central air conditioners contain a single blower, air handler, and evaporator coil, the mini split systems include these components together in one indoor unit mounted in strategic places throughout the home or office building. The enclosed unit can be positioned in the ceiling or mounted on the interior walls, avoiding any need for ductwork.

A ductless system has two major components: a unit mounted on an inside wall delivering cool air to an area; and a unit mounted on the outside of your home or office. Between the two units runs a pair of refrigerant lines which allow the Freon to cycle from the evaporator coil to the compressor, a drain line removing condensate (water). It also includes a variable quiet blower and a thermostatic control system.

Owing to the design of a ductless system another big advantage to consider is that they are easier to install than any other air conditioning system. Furthermore, these systems are known to be quite small and are very flexible for zoning, cooling, and heating a single room. Every area has its own thermostat, which allows you to set the temperature for the space you are in. Thus, another advantage of this system is that it helps save energy and money.

There are a lot of models that can cover as many as four rooms by connecting to one central outdoor unit, but installing this system will depend on how much cooling each of your rooms need, as well as how well the building is insulated. Some of the advantages of a ductless air conditioning system include:

Flexibility
Ductless air conditioning is a convenient system for many buildings such as: multifamily housing, add-ons to houses with no duct installation, buildings where extending ductwork is not feasible for room additions, and small flats. The size and flexibility of these units means that they can easily be hung on a wall, or mounted/suspended from a ceiling. For smaller apartments or offices that won’t allow for permanent installations another option to consider is a floor-standing model.

Energy efficiency
Ductless systems are known to be energy efficient resulting in significant annual savings. It has been found that more than 30% of air conditioning energy consumption is lost through the ductwork. Since ductless units do not require the use of ducts, much of the above energy loss is eliminated.

Cost saving
Thanks to the energy efficiency of these units, you should definitely see a saving in your energy bill, however, another often overlooked saving comes in the form of the actual price of the unit and it’s lifespan. Although ductless air conditioning equipment may seem more expensive when compared with a conventional system, the lifespan of the ductless equipment makes it quite cost effective in the long run. It is also a good idea to keep in mind that when you are building, eliminating the need for ductwork and built-in air systems will result in a big cut on price.

Heath benefits
It is not hard to imagine the dirt and mold that can buildup in the ducts of an air conditioning system over the years without proper cleaning. This accumulation can easily deteriorate the quality of the air you breath and even intensify any existing respiratory problems. Without ducts you instantly eliminate this issue.

For all your ductless air conditioning questions and concerns please contact us at Art Plumbing & Air Conditioning for more information.