Summer hasn’t officially arrived yet, but we’ve already seen the thermometer reach 25 degrees here in Hamilton, Ontario! Is your air conditioner ready to take on the heat?
One of the top questions we get at Shipton’s Heating and Cooling throughout the summer is whether a ductless air conditioner is really as good as people say.
Is it affordable? Energy-saving? Easy to maintain?
Is it just as powerful as a central air conditioner?
We even get questions about whether it’s indoor component is considered an eyesore in your home or not.
And each of these is a fair question to ask. After all, your home air conditioning system is a big purchase and it’ll be around for about 15-20 years. You want to make sure it’s strong enough to take on the humid summers of Southern Ontario without burning a hole in your wallet.
So let’s discover what makes a ductless air conditioner so special and whether it’s worth all the hype.
Our Shipton’s air conditioner technicians have tons of experience helping homeowners choose the best air conditioner for their homes. They are happy to explore these options with you – answering any questions you may have along the way!
But First! What Exactly Is a Ductless Air Conditioner and How Does It Work?
Are you building an addition to your home or renovating a basement apartment? If so, you’ve probably heard that a ductless air conditioner is in your future.
Here’s why!
A ductless air conditioner, otherwise called a ductless mini-split, does not rely on ductwork to operate. It’s an entirely independent cooling system. So you can cool individual rooms in your home without worrying about connecting them to your existing central air system.
How can it be this simple?
Your ductless air conditioner consists of two parts:
- The indoor unit(s) and
- The outdoor condensing unit.
The indoor unit is usually mounted to your wall, near the ceiling. And the outdoor unit connects to it via copper tubing and electrical wiring.
This AC system then works pretty much the same as a central air system. Except, instead of pushing air throughout the ductwork in your home, it delivers it to just one room.
Sounds pretty simple right? Well, it is! And it’s pretty handy too! Especially if you have different people with different temperature preferences in your home. Instead of constantly changing the thermostat up and down, affecting the entire house, your zoned thermostat can monitor and control temperature room by room.
Getting To The Bottom Of The Ductless Air Conditioner – Is It The Right Cooling System For Your Home?
Now that we know what a ductless air conditioner is and how it works, we can explore its many benefits!
Are they really all they’re hyped up to be? Let’s find out!
Below is a list of 5 popular questions that we’ve heard from our clients lately. So if you have any further questions about a ductless air conditioner and whether it’s a good decision for your home, give us a shout!
Is a ductless air conditioner affordable?
As you can probably imagine, a ductless air conditioner needs less power to operate than a central air system does.
Like we mentioned before, a ductless AC basically pushes cooled air into the home at the point of contact. It doesn’t use a series of ducts and vents like a central air system does.
And since there’s less mileage to cover in ductwork, there’s less power needed to get it from one place to the next!
The zoning versatility of your ductless AC can also give you more control over how much air conditioning each room gets. For example, you might like to focus your energy budget on cooling your master bedroom, rather than your unused spare bedroom. And while that’s difficult to do with a central air cooling system, a ductless mini-split makes it easy!
Now, there is another angle to consider here too. The upfront costs of a ductless air conditioner are not that great. In fact, they are usually higher than a central air system. But the energy-saving capabilities that this system can give you over the years can actually save you money down the road!
Does a ductless air conditioner need as much maintenance as a central air conditioner?
A ductless air conditioner is just as powerful as a central air conditioner – without any ductwork!
Did you know that ductwork can waste more than 30% of your energy consumption? Efficiency loss in your ductwork could be due to leaks, drag, lack of insulation etc.
As we mentioned above, in a central air system, cool air passes through a network of ducts before releasing into multiple vents throughout your home. If these ducts are not properly maintained, you’re really only using 70% of the expensive electricity you pay for every month!
On the other hand…
If your air conditioner is ductless, you never have to worry about duct cleaning services or maintenance! You can get the same powerful air conditioner performance but without the added stress of keeping your ductwork in shape.
Can a ductless air conditioner double as a dehumidifier?
One of the coolest (pun intended) features of a ductless air conditioner is its ability to control both the temperature and the humidity levels in your home.
An essential aspect of cooling your home is keeping the humidity levels manageable. This helps protect your indoor air quality and your home in general (ie. your drywall!).
But did you know that a ductless AC can actually dehumidify your home without turning on your air conditioner?
In dry mode, the ductless AC will have a lower fan speed and be able to remove moisture without using the heat transfer components of the system.
Is a ductless air conditioner too much of an eyesore?
Some homeowners consider ductless air conditioners to be bulky and unappealing. But with the innovation of HVAC equipment these days – quite the opposite is true!
The indoor component of a ductless AC system is usually high on a wall, suspended from the ceiling or mounted from a drop ceiling. It is usually quite slim as well. In modern homes today, the system actually blends in quite easily with decor and usually goes unnoticed.
This cooling system is also way more attractive than traditional window AC units. Plus, it can save a lot of space compared to other whole-home HVAC systems.
So, although it might not be as discreet as a central cooling system, this equally powerful AC system might not be as much of an eyesore as you think.
Find The Best Air Conditioner For Your Home With Shipton’s Heating and Cooling in Hamilton, Ontario!
Are you looking for affordable and efficient air conditioning in Hamilton, Ontario?
Mini-splits are a great choice for residential, commercial and institutional buildings!
In fact, they are an especially great cooling solution for:
- Apartment buildings
- Retrofits
- Smaller homes
- Sunrooms and
- New additions.
So if you’re planning a home reno this summer, what you’ve heard is probably right – a ductless air conditioner might very well be in your future!
Do you have more questions about ductless air conditioners and how they might best suit your home or business location? Contact our team today! You can reach us at (905) 549-4616 or online!
