Ductless air conditioners, also known as “mini splits,” offer Texas residents countless benefits. These are air conditioning systems that circulate air throughout a home without requiring any ductwork, so installations are less invasive. That can be ideal in older homes that do not have existing ductwork, but ductless air conditioners are also great for newer homes without a forced-air central heating system.
Homeowners thinking about having a central HVAC system installed will want to consider all of their options. Ductless air conditioners are efficient and versatile, making them a smart alternative. If you are still on the fence, consider the many advantages that ductless ACs offer over their central HVAC counterparts.
1. Cost-Effectiveness
On average, mini split air conditioners are about half the cost of a central air unit. While their cooling capacity tends to cost more than central HVAC systems in the long run, there are other upfront costs to consider.
Homes without existing ductwork, for instance, often require wall remodeling, painting, wallpapering, fixture replacement, and refinishing after a central HVAC installation – not to mention the cost of the ductwork and labor. It’s generally more cost-effective for homeowners in this situation to opt for a ductless air conditioner, which only requires a small hole drilled into an exterior wall.
Operating costs vary between the two models, but mini splits are usually considered more economical. This is because a ductless AC provides zonal cooling. In other words, they only operate in occupied rooms rather than cooling the entire house as an HVAC system would. This “on demand” cooling capability is further strengthened by the fact that ductless systems do not experience energy losses. HVAC systems tend to lose about 30 percent of their energy through leaky ducts. While some of that leakage eventually finds its way back into the home, ductless ACs don’t experience any type of energy waste, making them more cost-effective in terms of energy usage.
2. Compact Size
There is no substitute for cooling and heating a large home with a central HVAC system. Modern HVACs are more efficient and effective than ever, but they’re simply not required in every situation. Ductless ACs, on the other hand, are ideal for smaller homes, apartments, attics, basements, guest quarters, garages, and other small living spaces. Even homeowners that have an existing HVAC system installed that doesn’t extend to newer additions or basement and attic spaces should consider adding a mini split to finished living spaces.
Since they are wall mounted, mini split units are designed to be sleek and stylish, blending into a room’s surroundings without effort. They are typically mounted high on an exterior wall (though some models function on interior walls) and are connected to refrigerant lines and the outdoor compressor. These outdoor units are even more compact and streamlined than traditional AC units.
Although they are compact, ductless air conditioners are powerful, providing all the cooling effects your family needs to enjoy even the most sweltering of Texas summers.
3. They Don’t Stop Working in Winter
Mini split air conditioners serve double duty. Not only do they provide exceptional cooling in the summer, but they also work in reverse during the colder months, heating your home with the help of the built-in heat pump. This effectively eliminates the need for an additional heating system, saving you more time and money.
How does an AC provide heat? When used as an air conditioner, the mini split pumps its refrigerant to the discreet wall-mounted unit using thin copper tubing connected to the exterior unit. In the wintertime, this process works in reverse and the unit absorbs heat from the outside air in order to bring it inside your home. Your family can enjoy a comfortable home environment year-round, no matter how extreme the temperatures get outside.
4. Eco-Friendliness
More homeowners are looking for environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional appliances, and air conditioners are no exception. Mini splits are designed for targeted use, meaning that they send their heating and cooling capabilities directly where they are needed, which uses much less energy. You don’t have to worry about wasting that energy cooling rooms that aren’t in use, or worry about any leaks in ductwork.
Beyond the energy considerations, ductless air conditioners require a type of refrigerant that is considered to be the most environmentally friendly refrigerant currently on the market. Mini split refrigerant is 100 percent eco-friendly and is non-ozone depleting. This is a huge benefit for eco-conscious homeowners. If you have already swapped out your appliances for ENERGY STAR models and have taken other green initiatives throughout your home, with a ductless AC, you can always be confident that your heating and cooling needs are not compromising the health and wellbeing of the planet.
5. Increased Efficiency
You already know that ductless units don’t waste energy because there is no ductwork involved, but did you know that mini split efficiency goes beyond that? The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average family can save between 20 and 30 percent on the amount of energy they use each month, simply by switching to a ductless system.
Mini splits only use the amount of energy needed to heat or cool any given living space. This means that, as the need for heating or cooling decreases, so does the ductless AC electrical consumption. Unlike HVAC systems which constantly cycle, turning off and on throughout the day, ductless air conditioners do not waste electricity trying to maintain an ideal comfort level.
And if you are thinking of opting for a window AC unit instead, consider the fact that ductless systems are much more efficient than even the highest ENERGY STAR-rated window ACs. Even though you pay more for your initial mini split investment and need a technician to install the system, you simply won’t find the same level of efficiency in window units as you will with ductless systems.
6. Convenience
You are probably wondering how ductless systems can be more convenient than window ACs since you can simply unbox and plug in the latter without requiring any professional installation services. Window units are affordable, convenient options for short-term use, but they simply do not provide efficient cooling options in the long run. They also don’t provide the heating capabilities ductless ACs do, so you will need to remove your window units at the end of every summer and store them through winter. That can take up valuable space, especially if you live in a small home or apartment.
With any window AC unit, your home receives less natural light due to the obstruction. Not only is the unit itself obstructing the natural light and view, but so is the insulation used between the unit and the window frame. You are left with a bulky, conspicuous unit rather than the sleek, subtle design offered by a wall-mounted mini split.
Even when you’re not comparing the convenience of a ductless system to a window unit, the list of benefits goes on.
7. They’re Minimally Invasive
Since mini splits only require a small hole drilled into the wall, your home’s architectural value is never compromised. This makes them a must-have for historic homes that would lose their value with an HVAC addition.
If you are looking for greater control over your home’s comfort levels, but you want an eco-friendly heating and cooling option that won’t compromise your home’s interior beauty, a ductless air conditioning system may be the answer. These innovative, compact units enhance your home’s overall aesthetic without requiring extensive remodeling or loss of space. Considering their many benefits, it’s no wonder that more and more homeowners are opting for this forward-thinking piece of technology.
To learn more about ductless air conditioners or to schedule an installation service with one of our professional technicians, contact Bill Joplin’s Air Conditioning & Heating at 469-846-8339. We can help you choose from our extensive line of high-efficiency ductless solutions so your family’s needs are met without compromising your home’s comfort or integrity.
