Downsizing retirees, empty-nesters, young professionals in starter apartments: There are plenty of reasons people are opting for smaller living spaces. Even if you love the compact efficiency of your small home or apartment, you may miss the convenience and comfort of central air. Or maybe you’ve converted a shed or garage into a guest house or home office, and it’s not connected to your main heating or cooling system. You may feel like window AC units and space heaters are your only choice when it comes to keeping comfortable.
While ugly, inefficient window units were once the only option for spaces without ductwork, those days are long gone. Ductless air conditioners, also called mini-split systems, are a great alternative for small homes and apartments without ductwork, as well as spaces that your central HVAC doesn’t reach properly—those converted spaces like attics, sunrooms and additions. Ductless systems are super-efficient, quiet and they heat, too. Plus, installation only takes about a day! Here’s everything you need to know to upgrade to a ductless cooling system.
You might be wondering how a window unit and a ductless unit are different. After all, window units are ductless, right? The most obvious difference is that a ductless mini-split system doesn’t block your windows. Ductless mini-split systems are made up of a single outdoor condenser and one or more indoor units, which can be installed almost anywhere—the wall, the floor, even from the ceiling. All that’s needed to connect them to the condenser is a pair of slim refrigerant pipes that fit in a three-inch hole.
There’s a lot to like about ductless AC systems, not least of which is that you gain sunlight and views without a window unit.
You’ll also notice big savings. While the system is more expensive to install, a mini-split system is much more efficient. An Energy Star-rated model will use as much as 60% less electricity. Another way ductless systems help you save is with zoned cooling. With a central air conditioning system, you are paying to cool your whole house, even rooms you aren’t using. A ductless system lets you cool specific spaces, such as a guest room or home office, only when you’re using it—while using less energy, and with less noise than window units.
A ductless system is a smart upgrade to rental properties, too. Your tenants will appreciate the comfort and efficiency, as well as the improved curb appeal compared to window units.
If you’re cooling your small home or apartment with window units, a mini-split system is a smart investment. A ductless system is also a great solution for any hard-to-cool or heat space that isn’t reached by your main system.
Make your space more comfortable in the summer—and beyond. Our expert technicians can provide a thorough assessment of your home and recommend the right mini-split system for your space. Then, we’ll install it promptly and correctly! Contact us for more info today.