Posts Tagged ‘Ductless Mini Split Systems’

Springfield AC Question: What Is the Difference Between Ductless and Central Air Conditioning?

Monday, July 9th, 2012

When considering air conditioning solutions that cover the whole house, some Springfield homeowners are surprised to learn that they have options besides just traditional central air conditioning. While that is still the best option for many people, another option to consider is ductless air conditioning.

They both keep your whole home cool, so what’s the difference? Actually, there are a few, having to do with the configuration of the machinery, relative ease of installation and some other factors.

Equipment & Installation

The two types of systems are alike in that they both have indoor and outdoor units, but they differ in just how those units are arranged and what they do. Ductless systems consist of an outdoor compressor/condenser unit and several indoor air handlers. Each indoor unit is designed to cool one room or area and is controlled independently of the others. The indoor units are connected to the outdoor unit via a conduit that is filled with refrigerant. By having the individual indoor units perform the air handling, ductless systems can be installed more easily, since usually just a small hole for the conduit is all that is needed to connect the outdoor unit to the indoors.

Contrast that configuration with central AC, where the air handling is done by a central indoor unit, usually located in the basement. The cooled air is then delivered to the various rooms of the house via air ducts. Ductless systems make ductwork unnecessary.

Advantages

Each type of system has its advantages. Central air conditioning is the best choice for homes that have ductwork already in place, since that will make for the easiest installation. Also, many people like the idea of having one unit to cool the whole house instead of having to control the indoor units separately, as with ductless systems. However, central AC can be zoned if you like.

Ductless systems are generally more efficient to operate, since there is less opportunity for cooled air to be lost in the ducts. They are usually the best option for smaller homes or any homes that don’t have existing ductwork.

No matter which type of system you choose, your home will be cool and comfortable. It is largely a matter of what type of system works better for your particular situation, so there is no right or wrong solution. Call Cool It today if you have any questions about Springfield air conditioning installation!

Ridley Park Air Conditioning Tip: Benefits of Ductless AC

Monday, July 2nd, 2012

Ductless air conditioners, sometimes also called ductless mini split systems, are a multi-room or whole house cooling solution that doesn’t require ductwork. This makes them a good option for smaller or older homes where there is no ductwork, but are there any other benefits of ductless AC in Ridley Park?

Turns out that there are– at least five of them, in fact:

1.       Easy to Install

Because of the time and effort it usually takes to install ducts, a ductless air conditioning system can be installed much more quickly than a traditional central air system. A ductless system can usually be installed in less than a day, whereas putting in a new central air system from scratch can take up to a week. That means six fewer days of having a crew working in your house while you sweat out the blazing summer heat.

2.       Easy to Use

The individual indoor satellite units of a ductless system can be controlled independently, often by remote control. That means you can adjust the temperature in one room without affecting the rest of the house, and often you can do it without even getting up.

3.       Cheap to Operate

Ductless AC systems draw less power than traditional central air conditioning, which makes them generally a more cost effective solution. Plus, since you can control individual units (see #2), it doesn’t cost nearly as much to cool just one room.

4.       Quiet Operation

The equipment involved in ductless AC systems is very quiet, often generating nothing more than a low hum.

5.       Small Footprint

Ductless air conditioners take up very little space, which makes them unobtrusive when in use and easy to store when they are not.

When looking for a home cooling solution, consider the benefits of a ductless AC system before making your decision. You may see that it is a better option for you than traditional central air conditioning in Ridley Park. Call Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning today if you are interest in having a ductless AC system installed!