Ductless air conditioners are becoming more popular as homeowners and business owners alike take advantage of their efficient delivery of treated air while also going greener in the process.
That’s right. Ductless air conditioning systems allow you to enjoy smaller energy bills because of their high efficiency, and their efficiency means they expend less energy to meet temperature settings and are better for the environment.
Already in use in Japan, some parts of Asia, and Europe for more than a half-century, ductless air conditioning systems are relatively new to American households and businesses. However, because of two prominent factors – increasing energy costs and growing concerns for the environment in an era of global climate change – ductless AC systems have risen in popularity in recent years.
Ductless air conditioner systems are very practical as they are ideal for converting an existing space, and also perfect if you are wanting total year-round climate control for a specific room or area in your home.
What is Ductless Air Conditioning?
Unlike a conventional ‘split’ central air conditioning system, made up of an outdoor compressor/condenser unit and indoor evaporator/air handling unit for distributing cool air through ductwork in a home’s attic or crawlspace, a ductless or ‘mini-split system operates differently. Ductless air conditioning systems are installed directly into the wall of your home. The noisy, compressor/condenser parts of the system located in a unit on the outside wall – up to 50-feet away – connect to indoor system components installed on floors, walls, or ceilings with small tubing. Cooled air is directly distributed through these wall-mounted units.
How Ductless AC Systems Work
Ductless AC systems work the same way a central air conditioner works, just without the ducts.
The primary difference between these two energy systems is how they deliver cool air:
- Ductless air conditioner systems funnel cold air directly into the room or area it cools without ducts.
- Central air conditioners blow cold air into a network of air ducts where it is distributed throughout the home.
A ductless air conditioning unit includes an indoor unit with an evaporator coil and blower fan. It also has an outdoor unit with a compressor, condenser coil and fan. These two units are connected with copper refrigerant tubing and electrical wiring.
The outdoor compressor unit pumps chemical refrigerant through the refrigerant tubing to the indoor unit’s coil. As the liquid refrigerant turns to gas, heat and humidity are removed from the indoor air blowing across the coil, funneling cooler, dryer air back into the living space. The refrigerant, in gas form, cycles back to the outdoor coil where it is transformed back to a liquid as heat energy is released through the outdoor coil. The ductless heat pump system functions the same way for cooling, except it has the extra ability to reverse the process for heating the indoor space.
Single and Multi-Zone Systems: It is possible to configure ductless systems with either one or multiple indoor units that are powered by a single exterior compressor. The adaptability of ductless AC systems makes them ideal for numerous applications, including room additions, sunrooms, garages, and they are perfectly suited for air conditioning in older homes.
Single Zone: When it comes to installation, ductless AC units and ductless heat pumps can be positioned so that one indoor unit matches one outdoor compressor. The compressor transports refrigerant and power to the interior unit through a small pipe, which runs through a tiny opening. The installation process has minimal effect on a home.
Multi-Zone: One outdoor compressor is able to power as many as five indoor units, which are each controlled by wireless remote control, giving you flexible options for setting your comfort levels. You also have the option of adding units to the compressor subsequent to installing two indoor units – based on the maximum number of connectable units – allowing for additional streamlined expansion or renovation of your home.
Advantages of Ductless AC Systems
Ductless air conditioning means you don’t have to be concerned with losing money, and cool air, because of duct leaks. Anywhere from 20 percent to 30 percent of conditioned air is wasted as a result of duct leakage, according to Energy.gov.
When you utilize a ductless AC system, you are able to install as many as four evaporator units to one condenser unit, allowing you to cool multiple rooms.
When you go ductless in an older home, you save money since older homes do not have ductwork, as this is significantly less expensive than installing a central AC system plus ductwork.
Ductless air conditioning systems are highly versatile. They are able to deliver comfort in livings spaces where conventional ducted systems cannot.
There are numerous ways you can take advantage of the flexibility of ductless AC units. For example, if you are adding a room to your residence, or converting a basement, attic, or garage, or if you have an older home, a ductless system can meet all of these needs. Ductless air conditioners can also bring about more stability with your treated air so a room isn’t too hot or too cold, dialing in perfect comfort levels throughout your home.
Ductless AC systems provide the ultimate customizable comfort solution!
Look to Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning for Expert Maintenance of Your HVAC
Look to the HVAC experts at Apollo to ensure your energy system is in excellent condition and operating at optimal efficiency so you can stay cool and comfortable this summer. Our experienced team of highly trained technicians will work with you and exceed your expectations during HVAC repairs and A/C unit replacements.
Apollo field technicians will work closely with you in deciding what HVAC system is the best, and tailor it to fit your unique needs and preferences! We are committed to delivering premium quality HVAC service, maintenance, products, and documentation in Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, and beyond!
Learn more by contacting Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning! Call us at (509) 396-COLD (2653).
