Pros and Cons of Ductless AC Systems
Are you considering a ductless mini-split system to cool your home or business premises? The air conditioning experts at McQuillan Bros in St. Paul MN say the suitability of these systems varies from person to person. So, the HVAC experts at McQuillan Bros explore the pros and cons of ductless AC systems to help you make an informed decision.
The Pros of Ductless AC Systems
Energy Efficiency
Homes with ducted central air conditioning systems lose about 25% of the energy they use to inefficiencies in the network of ducts. Heat loss may be due to limited insulation, duct leaks, etc.
Additionally, further energy efficiency stems from the way ductless ACs regulate the working of their compressors. These components slow down or speed up based on the present need, unlike the compressors of central air conditioning systems that cycle on and off, thereby using a lot of energy during the startup phase of the unit.
Easy to Install
Since ductless AC units don’t require a network of ducts, it is a lot easier to install these systems in homes and business premises. For example, your ac technician may only need to drill a small hole through an exterior wall. This work can be completed in a few hours, unlike a central air conditioning system that requires a week or more to install.
Less Noisy
Another key benefit of having a ductless air conditioning system in your home is that the days of a noisy AC will be no more. The advanced features and compact design of ductless ACs make them with barely a sound. The unit will also be less visible than your old central AC unit.
Longer System Life
We mentioned earlier that ductless air conditioning units work by slowing down or speeding up the compressor as conditions change in your home. This mode of operation doesn’t wear out the system in the same way as the stop-start-stop cycling. This longer service life means that you will get even more value from your investment in the system.
The Cons of Ductless Air Conditioning Systems
High Upfront Cost
One of the biggest possible drawbacks of ductless air conditioning systems is the high upfront cost a customer has to incur to acquire a unit. For example, air conditioning St. Paul technicians say that it isn’t uncommon for a homeowner to spend double or even triple on a ductless system for the entire home in comparison to what a similarly sized central air conditioning system would have cost.
However, the superior efficiency of ductless systems means that you will save more on energy bills. So, the upfront cost shouldn’t really put you off unless your technician from McQuillan Bros recommends otherwise.
Strict Maintenance Requirements
Although all HVAC units need to follow maintenance recommendations in order to ensure the longevity of the unit, ductless mini splits require a little more maintenance.
The Sacramento HVAC professionals at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing add that it is required that you clean the air filters on a monthly basis. This is because ductless ACs are less forgiving when this basic task is neglected. The high cost of correcting the defects which may result when proper maintenance isn’t done can put off some potential customers.
Limited Design Options
Some people may also find fault with the limited color options (beige or white) in which these units come. However, as more manufacturers come on board, air conditioning replacement MN experts say variety will follow and each customer will find what suits them.
When Are Ductless AC Systems Highly Recommended?
Ductless air conditioning units are the clear favorites in the following circumstances:
- Home additions, such as when you build an extra bedroom or sunroom on your home.
- When you downsize the AC system, for example when you want to cut the air conditioning to rooms that are no longer in use (once kids go to college, for example).
- Addressing conflicting/multiple needs within the home. For instance, if one person prefers less cooling at night while other people want the temperature really low, a ductless system can effortlessly address those zoning needs.
- Retrofitting ACs in buildings without existing ductwork.
- Addressing cooling or heating shortcomings in particular sections of a property (one hot room)
Everyone’s heating and colling preferences are different, which is why you should contact McQuillan Bros for professional HVAC advice. Our HVAC techs will access your HVAC needs and recommend the best HVAC systems for your Twin Peaks or St. Paul MN home. Interested in saving on the best HVAC services in Minneapolis, check out our Home Care Club.
