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Air Conditioning without Ducts: Pros and Cons

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Hand with remote control directed on the conditioner

Air conditioning without ducts, such as ductless mini-split systems, is becoming increasingly popular for its simple installation, versatile usage in small spaces, and superior energy efficiency. HVAC professionals and homeowners alike are warming up to the idea of the newfangled concept of air conditioning without ducts as an alternative to traditional HVAC systems, because this way makes it so much easier to service and maintain comfort in spaces lacking ductwork or otherwise unreachable by traditional systems.

Benefits of Ductless Air Conditioning Systems

For many homes, ductless air conditioning systems offer several benefits that a traditional HVAC system does not. Not only are they incredibly simple to install, ductless air conditioners are more appealing in that they require only a very small hole to be drilled into the wall, making it far less likely that a home would be vulnerable to air leakage or security concerns. Further, they’re less intrusive spatially, and make far less noise.

Air conditioning units without ducts allow for very targeted cooling and easy climate control if you are someone who is very particular about the temperature of your space.

Systems that provide air conditioning without ducts are also incredibly energy efficient. AC units like the ductless mini-split system include advanced inverter technology, which balances out the system’s compressor speed with the appropriate heating or cooling needs of the area in which it is installed, significantly minimizing energy usage and, of course, saving you money. 

Ductless system technology improves air quality, as each modern mini-split system is equipped with multi-level filtration, efficiently removing the very tiniest microbes, debris, or mold from the air circulating in a space. 

They come in the form of multiple indoor units that can be controlled independently of each other, transforming each space they occupy into a customizable climate for optimized comfort. Contact us today to find out more about our ductless air conditioning offerings to improve your household’s overall health.

Drawbacks of Ductless Air Conditioning Systems

It’s important to know that while installing air conditioning without ducts is overall a great option for many homes and families’ needs, there are a few cons to be aware of.

First and foremost, the upfront costs of installing a ductless mini-split system can be quite hefty. For just one room, ductless units may cost thousands of dollars versus hundreds of dollars as compared to a window unit. If you are looking to outfit an entire house with ductless air conditioning, you are potentially looking at 2 to 3 times more in installation costs than that of a ducted unit. It’s important to remember that the long-term benefits are great as you will have consistently lower energy bills, but climate, system usage, and local utility costs are also important to consider. Notably, we offer various financing options to help make this less of a burden on our customers.

Next, air conditioning without ducts with its more complex and advanced technology will require rigorous monthly maintenance in order to stave off large repair bills. Filters will need to be cleaned monthly, more frequently if your household is pet or smoke-friendly. If this is not something you can feasibly do, ductless AC might not be the best option for your home.

Finally, for those in search of ductless heat as well– you will need a fuel-based backup. Some newer ductless systems can handle the demands of below-freezing temperatures, but in most cases, this is a good way to fry them.

Important Considerations

There are a few additional neutral yet important items to simply keep in mind when considering ductless air conditioning. 

You will need to hire a team of trusted HVAC technicians to install the ductless system.  Our professionals are ready to facilitate this process to ensure proper placement and warranty-compliant installation of your ductless mini-split air conditioning system.

As we mentioned before, maintenance and upkeep of air conditioning systems without ducts is slightly different than that of a traditional HVAC system. To keep these unique units functioning properly, we recommend scheduling seasonal HVAC maintenance appointments. During these maintenance checks, Air Conditioning Specialist professionals will conduct a thorough inspection and clean your ductless air conditioning unit. 

To learn more about the Air Conditioning Specialist and how we can help you with new installs, system repairs, and more, contact our team today.