Ductless AC System Installation Options

Ductless AC systems are a great solution to adding or increasing a living space’s comfort level. Depending on the living space configuration, a ductless AC system can make sense in applications from individual rooms to whole-house heating and cooling. Here is a list of ideal situations where a ductless AC system is a clear advantage.

Room Additions

Garage apartments, bonus rooms, sunrooms, and add-on rooms are great for ductless AC systems. The main advantage of ductless systems is that they can be properly sized for the new living space. The new addition will be self-sufficient and not pull air conditioning resources from existing air conditioning systems.

If you are adding a “man cave” to your existing home that will be used for cigars or cigarette smoking, a ductless AC system will not share ductwork with the rest of your home.

Downsizing Within Your Home

Downsizing a larger home can be an ideal scenario for a ductless AC system. If you don’t want to heat or cool rooms that are no longer being used, a ductless AC unit can accomplish that with ease.

Normally, HVAC vents are closed in empty rooms or low traffic areas to increase the airflow in other rooms. However, this creates pressure imbalances and can produce mildew and mold. A better solution would be to install a ductless AC system in high traffic areas and set the home’s main thermostat to run less.

Reduce Thermostat Wars

If your family fights over the thermostat, a ductless air conditioning system is a great solution to create individual temperature zones in different rooms in your home.

Increase the Comfort in a Problem Area

A heating/cooling problem area could be defined as poorly insulated sections of your home, a small kitchen that heats up while cooking, or a room with a large picture window that faces west. Installing a ductless air conditioning system can improve the comfort level in these situations.

Adding Air Conditioning to a Home with no Existing Ductwork

Older homes or homes with limited attic space could have been built with no existing ductwork. A ductless system is a perfect solution for these situations.

Pros of a Ductless AC System

Typically, a ductless system is an indoor wall-mounted unit with an outside compressor. A ductless unit does not require window access, only a small hole to the outside so security risk is limited. Compared to a window unit, ductless air conditioning systems are less visible and are much quieter.

“In the average house, you’re losing 25 percent or more of your energy to ductwork,” says James Bowman, National Technical Manager for RectorSeal and a 20+ year veteran of the HVAC industry. “Simply by removing the ducts, you end up with a more efficient system.

Ductless models also have inverter-driven compressors, which speed up and slow down based on the needs of the system instead of shutting off entirely like traditional HVAC compressors do. You consume a lot of energy during compressor start-up.”

Cons of a Ductless AC System

The two downfalls of a ductless system are up-front cost and maintenance requirements. For a single-room solution, ductless AC systems are several times the cost of a comparable window unit. If you are replacing a whole-house air conditioning system, the cost may be three-to-four times the cost of simply replacing with another ducted unit. Your energy bills will definitely drop and the return on investment will vary depending on use.

Your ductless AC system filter will need to be cleaned monthly. In homes with pets or smokers you will have to clean the filters more often. This is something that you can do yourself, neglecting it will require a costly maintenance call by a professional.

Some homeowners are reluctant to install a ductless system due to the limitations of their aesthetics. Ductless systems come standard in white or beige which may not always blend well with interior design choices.

Let Us Help with Your Ductless AC System Needs

AirPro has been providing ductless AC systems for clients across the Texas Gulf Coast since their creation. AirPro Houston provides excellent financing options for all of your HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance needs. Call us today at  (281) 880-8805 and see how we can help you breathe easy with purified air from your air conditioning system.