Ductless air conditioners have been growing in popularity in recent years. It is because they offer many benefits over traditional ducted air conditioning systems. However, ductless air conditioners also come with their own set of pros and cons. Before purchasing a ductless air conditioner, it is essential to know its benefits and drawbacks.
In this blog post, we will take a look at both the ductless air conditioner pros and cons so that you can decide if they are the right choice for your home or business.
Pros of Ductless Air Conditioner
Installing a ductless air conditioner is much easier and less expensive than installing a ducted system. It is because ductless air conditioners do not require any ductwork. Ductwork can be costly to install and difficult to retrofit into an existing home or business.
Some of the other pros of ductless air conditioners include:
Easy Installation
A portion of the walls and attic must be ripped out and the ducts installed if you want to extend or install a ducted system. It is not only time-consuming, costly, and untidy, but it also risks causing irreversible damage to a historic property. The only construction work required for a ductless system is a three-inch hole in the wall to run the conduit connection between the inside air handler and the outside condenser unit. It just takes a few hours to complete the installation.
Quiet Operation
Ductless air conditioners operate very quietly. The outdoor condenser unit is the only part of the ductless system that makes any noise, and it is typically located far away from living areas.
Room-by-Room Temperature Control
Another advantage of ductless air conditioners is that they allow you to control the temperature in each room independently. It is because each ductless air conditioner has its thermostat. You can set different temperatures in different rooms, depending on your needs.
For example, you can set the temperature in the living room to be warmer than the temperature in the bedroom. It can be beneficial if you have a large family or live in a multi-generational home.
Excellent Efficiency
Ductless air conditioners are very efficient. They use less energy than ducted systems, and they can save you money on your energy bills. Ductless air conditioners can be up to 40% more efficient than ducted systems.
Improved Air Quality
Ductless air conditioners also improve the air quality in your home or business. It is because ductless air conditioners do not recirculate the same air repeatedly. Instead, they draw in fresh air from outside and circulate it through the ductless system. It can be especially beneficial for people with allergies or respiratory conditions.
Cons of Ductless Air Conditioner
There are a few drawbacks to ductless air conditioners that you should be aware of.
High Initial Costs
A ductless system costs around 30% more than a ducted system. However, the ductless system will save you money in the long run because it is more efficient.
Limited Cooling Capacity
Another downside of ductless air conditioners is their limited cooling capacity. It means that they are not suitable for large homes or businesses. If you have a large space that needs to be cooled, you will need to install multiple ductless units.
Potential Refrigerant Leaks
Ductless air conditioners use a refrigerant called Freon. This refrigerant is damaging to the ozone layer and is being phased out. While ducted systems also use Freon, they are less likely to leak because the ductwork is not exposed to the elements.
Conclusion
If you are considering a ductless air conditioner for your home or business, consider the pros and cons. Ductless air conditioners have many advantages. Still, there are also a few disadvantages that you should be aware of. Ultimately, whether or not to install a ductless air conditioner depends on your specific needs and circumstances.
Are you thinking about switching to ductless? If you want to install a ductless air conditioner in your home, contact a reputable HVAC contractor like Furnace Repair Winnipeg. We will be able to help you choose the right ductless system for your needs and install it properly.
