In simplest terms, a ductless air conditioner, also known as a mini-split system, is a cooling system that does not involve ductwork. Having a ductless system in your home is an efficient way to add climate control without extra renovations.
A ductless air conditioner usually consists of a wall-mounted indoor unit combined with an outside compressor. These units are often used in situations where a window AC unit or baseboard heating would be considered, such as in an add-on to a home. Unlike bulky window units, mini-split systems require only a small hole drilled into the wall, making them less susceptible to security problems and air leakage. These systems also tend to blend in better with a room, are quieter, and are very energy efficient.
But how exactly do multiple mini-split units cool an entire house? The network of mini-split units is connected to one outdoor compressor, which receives the warm air from the house. Once the main unit is installed, homeowners can choose various types of indoor unit options such as ceiling register, floor mount, or ceiling recessed to match each room’s needs and design.
While the greatest advantage of having a ductless system in your home is how easy the installation process is, there are many other advantages as well including:
- Conserving 20-30 percent of energy by not leaking cool air through ductwork
- Mini-splits operate on heat pumps, therefore they can heat and cool a room
- Inverter compressors adjust to the system’s needs instead of shutting down the entire system
- Integrated zoning that allows each room to have full control of the temperature
- Ductless units are quiet and inconspicuous
Even though ductless air conditioners come with a host of advantages, they also have some downsides. Ductless units are more expensive than window or baseboard units, and also require monthly cleaning of filters to eliminate dust and debris. Also, these units aren’t usually aesthetically pleasing to look at, as they mainly come in white or beige.
Whatever your needs are, however you use it, or wherever it is in your space, ductless mini-split systems have customizable solutions that are quiet and efficient.
