Air conditioning (AC) is a must-have for 87 percent of homes in the U.S. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, air conditioning accounts for about 12 percent of home energy expenditures. If you’re going to spend money on AC, then it’s good to consider all of your options. One way to cool your home is by using a ductless air conditioner. Just search online to learn more about how these systems work.
This alternative to traditional AC could be more beneficial for your home and wallet. Explore your options for ductless air conditioners, start a search online.
Here’s what you need to know when shopping for a ductless air conditioner.
What’s a Ductless Air Conditioner?
Ductless air conditioners differ from central and portable AC. It’s a mini split system that includes one outdoor unit and wall mounted indoor units. They are connected via refrigerant tubing and electrical wiring, which eliminates the need for ductwork that central air conditioner systems use.
You can install multiple indoor units throughout your home and control the temperature in each room. The setup is relatively low maintenance because it only needs a hole in the wall to connect the system with the wiring and refrigerant line.
Benefits of Ductless Air Conditioners
Because of the unique way a ductless air conditioner operates, there are some major benefits to choosing this system over a traditional air conditioner.
Customizable Air Conditioner
With a ductless AC, you can customize where you want to put units in the home. All of them are connected to one outdoor unit and come with its own thermostat. This means you can easily control the temperature in each room with a remote and have varying temperatures in rooms depending on what people prefer.
Easy Installation
Since there is no ductwork involved with ductless AC, it’s pretty easy to install. Small holes through the wall are required to connect the outdoor unit to the indoor units. There are various lengths of conduits, allowing you to install units throughout the home regardless of how far it is from the outside unit. Plus, the indoor units look very sleek and don’t take up much wall space.
Energy Efficient
Save money and energy using a ductless air conditioner system. The U.S. Department of Energy says that duct losses account for more than 30 percent of energy consumption for space conditioning. Mini duct systems that don’t require ductwork can be a more efficient system that saves you money and energy.
The Ideal Situation for Ductless AC
Ductless air conditioners can be suitable for just about any home. In fact, you might discover how they can solve many heating and cooling issues commonly dealt with.
For instance, ductless AC can serve multiple needs under one roof. Roommates and family members won’t have to argue over the temperature in their rooms because each room can have its own unit. This means everyone can set the temperature however they want.
If you don’t need to cool your entire home, ductless AC is a good solution. You can simply install units wherever it’s needed most. You also won’t have to waste money or energy to cool down unused areas of the home like you would with central air conditioning.
Those not looking to break the bank by installing an AC system should look into a ductless AC system, especially if your home has no existing ductwork. Fixr says the average cost to install ductless AC costs $1,900 to $3,900, whereas central air will cost at least $5,000 to $9,000.
Overall, this type of unit is a good fit for many homes.
How to Save Money on Installation
While ductless air conditioners can save you money in the long term, there are ways to affordably shop for this system and save money now.
There are plenty of businesses that specialize in AC and can install the system for you. Alternatively, you could also shop for ductless mini split systems from Home Depot and install it yourself. Compare the different options between AC companies online to see what’s being offered.
Certain companies may pass savings onto customers if they decide to replace their AC system. For example, NexGen Air Conditioning, Heating, and Plumping incentivizes customers to replace their old system with credit towards a new system and zero percent interest for one year.
Some local utility companies may even offer rebates and tax credits to help offset the cost of new systems. It’s kind of like getting a reward for choosing an energy efficient alternative. Search online to learn more about how to qualify for this money-saving incentive.
