Ductless AC systems are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. If you’ve perused our blog, you already know that ducts are often responsible for energy loss issues, which drive up your electric bill. While you can invest in duct cleaning or complete duct replacement, we also like to introduce another idea: the ductless mini split. These units typically consist of a mounted indoor unit and a compressor that lives outside. If you have a window unit, ductless systems are a significantly better alternative, as they’re less invasive and less vulnerable to air leakage. However, we’ve seen a number of customers switch from central air conditioners to ductless AC units, and it’s easy to see why. Ductless mini split systems are considered Zoned Comfort Solutions by our partner, Mitsubishi, and for good reason. Ductless units contribute to improved efficiency in your home by creating different zones in your home, which allow you to create separate yet comfortable living spaces. Ductless units certified by Energy Star can cut your heating and cooling costs by as much as 70%! That’s kind of a big deal, especially when you think about how much money you spend per year on energy. Further, ducts create tons of issues within HVAC systems, so going ductless allows you to bypass the headache of leaky, dirty ducts, which helps you save money on your electric bills.
One of the reasons we love ductless AC systems is the flexibility it provides to a home and the people living in it. Most families fight over control of the thermostat, and it can be a near-constant struggle. However, ductless mini splits allow you to keep different rooms at different temperatures, so those thermostat wars can be a thing of the past. This is especially helpful if you have older in-laws living in your guest room/house. You’ll never hear them complain about it being too cold again!
Further, science tells us that it’s actually healthier for us to sleep in cold rooms at night, but cooling your entire home during the evening hours can be expensive. This is another great reason to invest in a ductless unit– you could lower the temperature in your bedroom and keep the rest of your home warmer. Now, you can be comfortable and healthy while saving money!
If you don’t have pre-existing ductwork in your home, installing a ductless mini split can be a major money-saver. However, these units can be expensive, so make sure to do your research before you invest. This isn’t a decision to be taken lightly, and after all, HVAC systems with ducts do exist for a reason.
If you’re a fan of your central air conditioner but still want to see some of the benefits of a ductless AC system, consider adding a unit to one room in your house, like a man cave or a converted garage space. This allows you to keep one room isolated from the existing ductwork in your home, contributing to maximum flexibility.
When going ductless, we recommend that you stay on top of your filter game. They get dirty quickly, especially if you have pets, so make sure to clean your unit every month, if not more often. Also, it’s incredibly important to choose a contractor that is knowledgeable about ductless systems and has experience installing them. Ductless mini-splits are expensive, and it’s worth the extra money to make sure that they’re installed correctly.
Air Express is proud to be a certified Diamond Contractor of Mitsubishi ductless systems, which makes us one of very few in Florida. Diamond contractors are recognized for their extensive experience installing Mitsubishi products, in addition to their outside training on the systems. If you’re interested in diving deeper into Mitsubishi ductless mini splits, you can read more on their website. And if you’d like to see a video explaining how ductless systems work, click here!
