Keeping your house cool in Tucson uses a lot of energy. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system you choose can have a big impact on your utility bills and environment. While central air conditioning is common, a ductless air conditioner or mini-split system is a good fit for many households. These units are becoming increasingly popular.
What is a Ductless Air Conditioner?
Home and business owners have several different cooling options. One of these is a ductless or mini-split system. This type of air conditioner uses indoor and outdoor units that are similar to a central air system. However, these are more size-efficient. Instead of pumping air through ducts, a ductless AC has a small conduit that connects the components.
These systems can be used for single-zone or multi-zone applications. In a single zone, there is one outdoor and one indoor unit. This is designed for use in a single room. A multi-zone system combines a single outdoor condensing unit with up to four indoor units that can be in separate rooms, each with its own thermostat.
When to Choose Ductless
If you own a home without ductwork or one that needs new ductwork, has no air conditioning, or has through-the-wall or window air conditioning units, you may want to consider adding a ductless air conditioner. This type of system is perfect for historic and small homes. They are also ideal for new additions or as a supplement to a central air conditioning unit for rooms that are still too warm. Perfect for small spaces, ductless mini-split air conditioners are compact, easy and quick to install, and are aesthetically pleasing. These systems can also be a good option since they create less noise than a central air system.
Typically, a ductless system will be more expensive than a central air unit. However, if you would need ductwork installed or replaced to install a standard system, the costs are frequently similar. While there may be higher upfront costs, ductless units are incredibly energy efficient. As a result, lower utility bills can help offset the added expense over time.
Here are a few ways that this system can improve your life:
Lower Utility Bills
With a central AC system, air has to travel through ducts to reach the rooms you want to cool. As it travels, a lot of it seeps out through imperfections in the ductwork. When this happens your unit has to work harder and this wastes energy. A ductless system is more efficient and can cool your home more quickly.
Most ductless systems also have variable speed air handlers. These are fans that change speed based on the conditions inside and outside of your home. They lower the rate at which they blow cool air once the room reaches the desired temperature and only stay on to maintain this setting. This type of fan decreases uncomfortable temperature variations and saves energy.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Pet dander, dust mites, pollen, mold, bacteria, pest droppings, and other indoor pollutants can accumulate inside the ductwork of your home, especially without regular cleaning. With a ductless system, there is no opportunity for these contaminants to get trapped and they are sent through the system to be caught by the filters.
A ductless system also frequently has longer cooling cycles which decrease humidity and control the temperature better than central AC units. This helps your family be more comfortable and healthy.
Lower Maintenance Cost
With a ductless system, you won’t have to spend time or money inspecting, cleaning, repairing, sealing, or adding insulation to your ductwork. However, you will still have to perform routine maintenance no matter which system you choose. Ductless units have an air filter that will need to be checked and it is important to have your system inspected by a professional at least once a year to keep it running optimally.
We Install, Repair, and Inspect Ductless Air Conditioners
At Signature Heating and Cooling, we can help you install, maintain, and repair a ductless HVAC system, a central heater or air conditioner, or an air purifier to improve your indoor air quality. With our advanced diagnostic equipment, we can make sure your heating and air conditioning system performs at its peak efficiency.