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The Benefits of Ductless AC Systems

Explore the benefits of ductless AC: efficient cooling, easy installation, and versatile design for a comfortable, energy-smart home.

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If you’re like most people, you probably assume that the traditional large central air units that you see so often are the most energy-efficient option available, as well as the most convenient. But just because they’re frequently used doesn’t make them the best choice. Not only are these ducted systems expensive to rely on, they’re not very convenient, either. Ductless AC systems offer many benefits that are worth considering. Read on to learn more.

Close up image of a ductless AC system installed on the wall

Benefits of a Ductless AC System

A ductless AC system will help you cool a specific area of your home effectively. Several of them are required for a single home, and that can make the whole house more efficient, while also making it more versatile and comfortable. It’s an option to strongly consider if you want to enjoy any of those benefits.

Reduce Your Utility Bill

One of the main benefits of ductless AC systems is that you won’t spend as much to cool your home down with a quality system. If you run a ducted central air unit and a ductless cooling unit that are the same efficiency, you would still save money with the ductless unit. That’s because a great deal of thermal energy is lost through the ducts in your home. When cooling your house with ducts, the cool air will be warmed by the hotter air outside the ducts as it moves around your home. You’re losing energy as air travels around your home, by removing all the necessary travel from your heating system you cut out those losses.

More Control Over the Cooling

Central air delivers cooling all over your home and you only have to set one thermostat in order to adjust the temperature. Ductless AC units are different because you need more units to achieve that same level of cooling. While it’s a bit more work to adjust the temperature and you’ll have to set it in multiple locations, this is actually a good thing. More people will have control of the temperature around the house, and you can potentially save some energy as well. Less occupied areas of the house can be left to stay a bit warmer and cut down on the overall energy expense a bit.

Lower Your Installation Costs

If you’re building a new home, you’ll have to spend a lot of money to have all the ducts run throughout your home. It’s a lot of work and takes a great deal of planning to make sure they are all running where they need to be without interfering in the current design. Ductless cooling systems don’t require as much planning and preparation, and they really aren’t that much work. It’s likely only a single hole will have to be made in your wall and the installation can be finished. Even though you’ll have to put in multiple units in your home, they’ll still save you a great deal of money compared to ductwork.

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Overhead Ductwork - Image Source

Open Up Additional Space

You might not realize it, but the ducts that run around your house take up a lot of space by cutting into closets and lowering ceiling heights — they’re the reason that you can’t have rooms set up the exact way you want them. When you decide on a ductless setup in a new home you’ll open up a lot of space and your home will instantly feel roomier.

Drawbacks of a Ductless AC System

Even though there are many benefits of having ductless cooling put in your home, it’s important to consider the drawbacks as well. The main one is for homeowners who already have duct systems run through their homes. It’s easy to see why people would choose ductless AC for a new home, but for a home that has an existing duct system, it’s might be harder to justify the added cost of installing multiple units rather than simply replacing the central air unit.

There are a lot of benefits to relying on a ductless AC system. You’ll likely save money over the long term, and you’ll have more control over the temperature of your home. It’s easy to get used to having a home that’s split into multiple zones, and once you get used to that, you aren’t going to want to go back. It’s like having a car that lets the driver and passenger adjust their heating and cooling independently. It’s a luxury that you won’t want to give up after you grow used to it.

Find the Right Contractor for Your HVAC Project

Whether you’re ready to begin your project now or need some expert advice, our network of contractors are here to help. With a few simple questions, we’ll find the best local professionals for you