Ductless mini-split AC: Is it your best choice for home cooling?
When it comes to home cooling, you probably think of the following two choices for air conditioning systems:
- Central air systems
- Window units, if your home has no ductwork
But a third home cooling option is also available that could be the best choice for you and your home – a ductless mini-split AC system. These compact, quiet systems consist of two components that connect through a small pipe in an external wall: an indoor air handler and an outdoor condenser or heat pump.
Ductless mini-split AC systems are extremely efficient, with most models having SEER ratings of 20 or more – well more than the required 14 rating and far higher than window units, which typically run in the 14-15 range. But efficiency is just one benefit of a ductless mini-split AC system compared to both window units and central air systems. You’ll also enjoy the following benefits:
- Cost efficiency– In addition to their high SEER rating, ductless mini-split AC systems give you the ability to create flexible cooling zones in your home, giving you unmatched control over how you spend your cooling energy (and dollars).
- Ease of installation– It only takes about a day to install a ductless mini-split AC system, with only a small 3-inch pipe hole or two to show for the effort. There’s no need to remodel around ductwork, and no more lugging heavy window AC units out of your basement or attic.
- Placement flexibility– Air handlers can be installed wherever you need them – including rooms with no windows. A single condenser can handle up to four air handlers, each of which can be sized to the room you need to cool.
- Air quality– While air ducts in home HVAC systems must be cleaned regularly by professionals, ductless mini-splits AC systems have no ducts – which can drastically reduce the dust, bacteria, pollen, allergens and other air-borne nasties floating around in your indoor air.
- Environmental performance– With a ductless mini-split AC system you’ll not only save energy, you’ll also use a more ozone-friendly refrigerant called R410A.
Ductless mini-split AC systems can also be a great way to add supplemental air conditioning to your centrally-cooled home – like in a renovation or addition or newly finished basement or attic.
If you think that installing a ductless mini-split AC system is the best choice for you, contact Wood’s Heating today! We can answer any questions and take care of all your installation needs.