Ductless air conditioning is a common alternative to central systems, and it’s a popular option primarily because it’s significantly cheaper to install. Below, we’re taking a look at the pros and cons of ductless systems so that you can decide if it’s right for your home.
What is Ductless Air Conditioning?
Ductless ACs work similarly to central systems in that they include a condenser outside your home that cools the air. The major difference lies in how the air is distributed. Instead of pumping it through ducts behind your walls, ductless systems pass the air through a very short duct to your interior AC unit, which pushes the conditioned air into the room in which it’s situated.
These systems aren’t right for everyone, so let’s take a look at the pros and cons of going ductless.
Ductless AC Pros
First, ductless systems are significantly cheaper to install, especially if you don’t have ducts running through your home for a forced hot air heating system. Central air often costs tens of thousands of dollars and can reach around $50,000 if you need to remove sheetrock to install ducts.
Ductless systems can be installed in just one day, whereas central air can take more than a week, depending on your current setup.
They offer highly-efficient, localized air conditioning, which means you can dial in the preferred setting for each room in which they’re installed. This also helps you save on electricity, as you can opt not to cool unoccupied rooms.
Ductless AC Cons
Of course, there are some downsides to ductless AC systems. The biggest drawback for most people is that the interior units, which get mounted to the wall or ceiling, are large and visible. They can detract from the aesthetic of your home, whereas central air ducts are small and unassuming.
Ductless AC can’t be used in all applications, and there are limited mounting options where it can. You’ll often be restricted to mounting to an outside wall that is near the exterior condenser. Otherwise, your costs will be significantly higher.
For most people, the increased efficiency and lower cost of installation outweigh the cons of ductless air conditioning. Contact one of our friendly professionals for more information on ductless systems or to get an estimate for the installation cost in your home.
