Considering a Ductless Mini Split for the Home
Though most people love the warm, sunny days of summer, part of that love is often because they know there’s a way to escape the heat when they’ve had enough. Being out in the heat all day can be overwhelming at times, so knowing that there’s a comfortable, air-conditioned home to come back to helps establish peace of mind for spending so much time outdoors. But what happens when someone goes inside to cool off only to find that it is just as hot and humid inside as it was outside? Oh no...maybe the AC is broken and needs to be replaced or upgraded!
As homeowners consider which AC system is best for their own needs, they should consider ductless mini splits as an option. In this article, homeowners can learn more about ductless mini splits, how they work, and what maintenance is needed to keep them up and running.
Defining a Ductless Mini Split
A ductless mini-split is simply another type of AC system. It essentially works the same way as a central AC system. It draws warm air from inside, sends it outside, cools it, and then sends the cool air back inside. However, there’s one component of the central AC system that a ductless mini-split doesn’t have: the ducts. While central AC systems blow cold air into the house through a network of air ducts, a ductless AC system will blow the cold air directly into the room where the system is located.
No matter which AC system a homeowner chooses, they’ll likely run into similar challenges and issues. Therefore, fixing a ductless system doesn’t require any special needs. HVAC technicians can use the same tools, technologies, and methods for fixing a ductless AC system as they would a central AC system!
The Many Benefits of Ductless Air Conditioners
Ductless AC systems are quite popular among homeowners because of the many benefits that they hold.
- Built-in zoning: With a ductless system, the temperature of each room is controlled individually. So if one room is always warmer because it’s in direct sunlight, homeowners can decrease the temperature of that room without impacting the other rooms in the house.
- Greater efficiency: On average, homes with central AC systems will lose 20-30% of conditioned air through duct leaks. Therefore, a ductless system is more efficient in its energy usage and is more efficient financially from having lower energy bills.
- Great for older homes: Many older homes don’t have existing ductwork, so having an AC system that doesn’t require ducts is a great option. Otherwise, installing ductwork can be quite expensive!
Despite the many benefits of ductless systems, some people will opt out of them because they aren’t aesthetically pleasing. Though they are sleeker than a window AC unit, they are hard to hide when they are hanging on the wall.
What Does AC Maintenance Look Like for Ductless Systems?
As mentioned, a ductless system is essentially the same as a central AC system with the same components, other than the ducts. So cleaning and maintaining ductwork is one less thing for homeowners to worry about with a ductless system!
Ductless ACs do still need to be properly maintained in other areas though, such as regularly switching out filters, inspecting the system for damage, and replacing any parts that have started to erode. Taking these precautions is the best way to extend the life of a ductless AC system and keep everyone in the household comfortable, even on the hottest of days.
About Elite Electric & Air
For over 30 years, Elite Electric & Air has helped homeowners and business owners throughout Port St. Lucie, FL with their indoor maintenance needs. They strive to keep their customers’ heating, cooling, and electrical systems working flawlessly all year. From the tools and materials they use to their rigorous training regimen, they have built their business to excel in every way.