Are you currently considering replacing your air conditioning system? Then you may already have considered having a ductless air conditioner installed rather than sticking with the standard central air conditioning of most homes. We encourage you to take a look at ductless mini split heat pumps (yes, most are heat pumps, so they heat as well as cool) as a possible choice.
There are several facts to know that will help you decide between ductless cooling and central cooling.
One isn’t always better than the other
No HVAC system of any kind is a “one-size-fits-all” comfort package. You’ll hear many wonderful facts about the benefits of a ductless mini split heat pump, but that doesn’t automatically mean ductless is the ideal option for your specific needs. This is why we offer informative posts, and why we recommend always working with HVAC professionals before making a choice about getting a new comfort system.
A house with ducts should probably stay with central air conditioning
Do you live in a house with an already extensive duct network for central cooling and heating? If so, your best option when getting a new air conditioner or heat pump is to use a standard central unit that connects to the ducts. The installation is a basic one for technicians—they only need to take out the old unit and connect the new one without the need for making adjustments to the ductwork.
Ductless cooling isn’t an “all or nothing” system
You can have ducts in your house and a central air conditioner and still make use of a ductless mini split. Although you can use a ductless system to cool/heat an entire house, ductless mini splits also work to target specific parts of a home that are hard to condition or to provide comfort for an add-on room or room conversion that isn’t connected to the ductwork. This simplifies comfort for these areas and doesn’t force you to replace the central AC/heat pump or make modifications to the ducts.
Ductless mini splits can save money in several ways
Although putting in a ductless mini split heat pump isn’t a guarantee you’ll save money, these systems do offer several ways to reduce energy consumption:
- Lack of ducts means no heat gain in summer or heat loss in winter.
- You won’t need to spend money on duct cleaning or duct repairs over the system’s lifespan.
- Individual units can be shut off in rooms that aren’t occupied so you don’t have to cool/heat the entire house.
- Mini splits use smaller motors that consume less energy than conventional ACs and heat pumps.
Both require the same amount of maintenance
Although ductless mini splits have simpler maintenance needs, they still require the same frequency of professional maintenance attention as central heat pumps, which is twice a year. (A central AC will only need maintenance once a year, in the spring.)
Our team handles the installation of many types of ACs and heat pumps, including ductless mini splits. We can help you make the best decision when it comes to keeping your home cool.
Clawson Heating & Air Conditioning is “Connecting People to Comfort”! Talk to us today to have all your ductless heat pump questions answered.