By now, you’ve probably heard about or considered installing a ductless air conditioner. There are many reasons to consider installing one. Like a conventional central AC system, it has an outdoor compressor and an indoor evaporator unit and uses refrigerant to absorb and release heat. Below, we’ll explain eight reasons to consider a ductless system so you can determine if it is right for your home.
1. Hassle-Free Installation
Installing a ductless AC system is much simpler than installing a central air conditioning system. There’s no ductwork to install, which immediately reduces the time, effort, and cost of the project. It can cost half as much to install a ductless unit than a ducted one. Plus, you don’t have to tear apart the ceiling or walls. The indoor and outdoor units are connected by a conduit that requires just a 3” hole in an exterior wall, which is hidden out-of-sight behind the air handler.
In addition to the simplicity of installation, ductless air conditioners offer more flexibility. You can install three or more ductless units to control the temperature of different rooms or areas separately. This means you can turn off units you don’t need and save energy while everyone in your household can adjust the temperature to their liking.
2. Reduced Operating Costs
If you’re looking to save on your monthly utility bills, installing a ductless AC system can meet your goals. The absence of ductwork is the primary reason. Air ducts can lose a significant amount of air through gaps, holes, and tears, which wastes energy. Much of a central air conditioner’s energy consumption is taken up by it compensating for air loss from ducts.
3. Increased Efficiency
Ductless air conditioners have a higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) than other cooling systems. A ducted system is typically rated from 12 to 16 SEER. However, a ductless system can be rated at 30 SEER or higher, meaning it is inherently much more efficient. It also contributes to a lower carbon footprint for your home, reducing environmental emissions.
4. Minimal Maintenance
There’s not much to do to keep a ductless AC in top shape. Clean or replace the air filters regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer. Also, keep shrubs, debris, and objects away from the outside unit and fan and obstructions away from indoor vents. There are fewer vents to clean and no ducts to be checked, cleaned, or sealed. Therefore, you can save significantly throughout the year.
5. Improved Indoor Air Quality
Dust and dander tend to collect in air ducts and re-circulate in your home. Invisible contaminants such as fumes, chemicals, bacteria, and viruses can also pollute your indoor air, while ductwork often harbors mold and algae as well as insects and rodents. Ductless air conditioners often use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to block microparticles as small as 0.3 microns, but even standard filters do a good job of keeping the air clean.
6. Compatibility with Smart Systems
Many ductless units work with smart controllers that can be operated from your smartphone. A Wi-Fi controller is a modern amenity that lets you control your AC from anywhere. It can incorporate weekly scheduling, temperature- and humidity-based triggers, and location-based controls. The controller can even track usage history and link with smart home assistants.
7. Possible Heating Capabilities
Ductless systems with heaters eliminate the need to purchase a furnace or other heating appliance. These are often called ductless heat pumps and can be reversed by changing the setting. You do not need a furnace or have to deal with its associated operating and maintenance costs. Your AC can be used every season of the year.
8. Financial Incentives
By installing a ductless air conditioner, you may be eligible for financial incentives such as rebates from your utility company. Some equipment is also eligible for a federal tax credit, so you can claim up to 30% of the project cost. You can qualify for a credit of up to $600 depending on the air conditioner and up to $2,000 for heat pumps.
Call Grasshopper Heating & Cooling
Our customers in Clifton Park, Albany, and surrounding areas rely on us to install ductless air conditioning systems. These mini-split systems cut utility costs and last longer than conventional AC units. In addition, our EPA-certified technicians can clean or repair your system. To learn more and receive a free ductless air conditioner estimate and consultation, call Grasshopper Heating & Cooling at (518) 241-1758.
