Ductless Air Conditioning Systems: How They Work

Ductless air conditioning systems may be the lesser-known than traditional central ACs and window units, but they tout some serious benefits. Designed to provide cooling and/or heating to your home without needing ductwork, these systems are ideal solutions for homes built without ductwork or for room additions to an existing home.

Ductless air conditioning systems are much quieter and more energy efficient than loud, unsightly window units. They provide better energy efficiency than ducted air conditioning systems by giving you the ability to control the temperature and airflow of each unit. Some models of ductless air conditioning systems also come with heat pumps, so both heating and cooling can be provided by the same unit.

What Does a Ductless Air Conditioning System Look Like?

A ductless air conditioning system consists of a small indoor unit and an outdoor compressor that is considerably smaller than a typical outdoor air conditioning compressor. Each compressor can run one unit (a mini-split) or up to five units (a multi-split), depending on the model.

With these systems, you have the ability to control the temperature of each indoor unit individually. The outdoor unit is connected to the indoor unit by a small cable and refrigerated line. A small 3” hole in the wall is all that is needed to connect the two units. The outdoor unit is usually on the ground, but can be installed in a crawlspace or basement. The indoor unit is typically hung high on the wall, but can be placed at a lower level, depending on your needs.

Advantages of Ductless Air Conditioning Systems

Ductless air conditioning systems are quiet and energy-efficient. Think of the money you can save on electricity by having the ability to individually control the temperature of each room. The outdoor compressor unit is smaller than a conventional air conditioning compressor unit and sits adjacent to the house, saving space in your yard. Meanwhile, the indoor unit is quiet and can be operated by remote control. No leaky ductwork also saves on energy costs. Best of all, installation is simple and much more cost efficient than retrofitting a home with ductwork.

Think a Ductless Air Conditioning System Is Right for Your Home?

Ductless air conditioning systems can be a great solution for an existing home, addition to your home, or new construction. If you’d like to learn more about ductless air conditioning systems, contact Sea Coast Air Conditioning. Our team of HVAC professionals is ready to help you upgrade your comfort, and can help you find the best system for your home.