Ductless air conditioning is perfect for Blandon, PA homes that lack the ductwork for supporting central cooling. Much like central ACs, ductless mini-split systems have both indoor air handling units and outside condensers. However, ductless mini-splits can support up to eight handlers and eight separate service areas or cooling zones. With each air handler independently controlled by its own thermostat, residents can enjoy customized comfort everywhere they go. Read on to discover six advantages of having a ductless AC system in your home.
1. Cleaner Indoor Air
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) asserts that indoor air can be up to five times more contaminated than outdoor air. While installing a ductless mini-split system won’t address all causes of indoor contamination, it will eliminate your reliance on dusty, allergen-filled ducting. Ductless mini-split ACs distribute conditioned air right where they produce it. Thus, this air doesn’t pick up things like dust mites, dander, carpet fibers, and pollen along the way.
2. Reduced Energy Waste
According to both the University of Florida and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), ductwork is responsible for the loss of up to 40% of the heating and cooling energy that central HVAC systems produce. While sealing and insulating HVAC air ducts can minimize these losses, ductless air conditioners eliminate them entirely.
As-Needed Climate Control
Ductless air conditioners also eliminate energy waste by allowing residents to only cool the spaces that they’re actively using. For instance, if you’re relaxing in a downstairs den and are home alone, there’s no need to route conditioned air into empty, second-floor bedrooms. With the selective, as-needed cooling of a ductless mini-split, you can cut your carbon footprint and your energy bill without experiencing any adverse changes in your comfort.
3. No Need for Ductwork Retrofitting
For reliable, whole-house cooling in a home that lacks air ducts, the only alternative to a ductless mini-split system is post-construction ductwork retrofitting. When ductwork is installed during a building’s initial development, installers can conceal it behind drywall and other elements. Although concealment efforts are made during retrofitting projects, these jobs often leave building interiors both looking and feeling noticeably smaller. In some homes, having ductwork added post-construction could even mean having air ducts remain visible in major common areas.
The Surprising Truth About the Cost of Ductless Mini-Split Systems
When citing the drawbacks of ductless mini-split systems, many consumers list their cost. However, although a ductless mini-split AC will cost you a bit more than a central air conditioner, it could be much cheaper to install. The costs of purchasing and installing a new central AC along with the costs of ductwork retrofitting often exceed the total costs of a mini-split.
4. Cool Remote, Unserviced Areas
Ductless mini-split systems aren’t just for whole-house cooling. You can install a ductless mini-split AC in a recent basement or attic conversion, in your garage, or in your garden room. As supplementary cooling systems, they’re great for cooling down spaces that are either un-serviced or under-serviced by existing central HVAC equipment.
5. Eliminate Arguments Over Thermostat Settings
Standard, central HVAC systems cool all building areas uniformly. With just a single, central thermostat, they create the same temperature in every room. While this works well for some households, most have residents with dramatically different temperature preferences. Choosing a ductless mini-split over central AC will give everyone the power to control conditions in their immediate areas. It will also eliminate heated arguments over thermostat settings.
6. Boost the Marketability and Value of Your Property
Selling a home with a new ductless AC is a lot easier than selling one with a bulky and inefficient window AC. Window air conditioners compromise building security. They’re noisy, low-performing, and incapable of cooling more than one room. Over time, they can also set the stage for structural building damage by weakening window frames and creating areas of ingress for pests and moisture. Replacing your window AC with a ductless mini-split will help your listing stand out and allow you to command a higher asking price.
With over 30 years of combined experience, we help residents of Blandon, PA optimize their home comfort. We offer exceptional furnace and AC installation, maintenance, and repair services. We also provide duct services, smart thermostats, and preventative maintenance plans. To find out more about owning a ductless mini-split system or schedule an appointment, contact Real Airflow Heating & Cooling now.
