For most people, spring is the time to schedule some preventive maintenance for their air conditioners in preparation for summer. For some people, however, no amount of maintenance will be enough to get their system through another summer. In times like those, all you can really do is replace the system entirely. If you’re looking for a new system to replace your old air conditioner, you should consider all the options available. Changing the type of air conditioning system you use might fit your individual needs a lot better. A ductless system, for example, might just be the perfect air conditioning solution for you.
Ductless Air Conditioning
A ductless system is a heat pump, but one that does not use ducts. Instead of using a central unit to circulate air throughout the house, a ductless system relies on a series of air handlers. One air handler is installed in each room that is to receive climate control, with up to four indoor air handlers connected to a single outdoor unit. Each air handler has its own thermostat, allowing it to operate independently of the rest of the system (to a point). Like all heat pumps, a ductless mini split system is capable of reversing the direction in which its refrigerant flows. This enables it to act as both a heating and air conditioning system.
Advantages of Ductless Mini Splits
Being able to use one system for both heating and air conditioning is a huge benefit in and of itself. Many homeowners install heat pumps, including ductless systems, for this reason alone. A ductless system has far more to offer than just that one advantage, though.
Ductless systems are far more energy efficient than centralized climate control systems. They allow different ideal temperatures to be established for each room, which prevents wasting energy on rooms that don’t need it. They don’t burn fuel to generate heat, which makes them more energy efficient than most traditional heating systems. They also don’t have to worry about duct leaks. While that may not seem like that big of a deal, duct leaks are actually responsible for losses of up to 30% of a forced air system’s total output. That’s a massive amount of wasted energy that ductless systems bypass completely.
Ductless mini splits also make things much more comfortable for the occupants of the home. The standard central method of climate control typically only uses one thermostat, which cannot measure temperature changes across the entire house. With a ductless system, you can set a temperature that is comfortable for you without having to worry about affecting other people. No more warring with roommates or family members over a single thermostat. Everyone can set the climate that is most comfortable for them. If you want to improve energy efficiency and comfort in your home this summer, consider installing a ductless mini split system.
Sunset Air installs and services ductless systems in Olympia, WA. If you need ductless services, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.
