Around 87% of American homes are equipped with air conditioning systems, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). The majority of those households have central cooling systems that rely on a network of air ducts to circulate conditioned air. Over the last decade however, an exciting new type of cooling system has come to the forefront: ductless air conditioners.
Because duct work takes up a substantial amount of space in walls and ceilings, it just isn’t feasible for use in every home and every application. Additionally, most duct work air distribution systems are far from energy efficient. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), around 20 percent of the air that travels through duct work in the average system is lost to leakage. Ductless air conditioners offer an attractive alternative that conserves energy and lowers monthly utility bills.
How do ductless air conditioners work?
Like most conventional home air conditioners, ductless systems have both outdoor and indoor components. The outdoor unit houses most of the equipment. The indoor units are air handlers that can be installed in different rooms or cooling zones throughout your home. These compact units look something like an air vent, only more chic and stylish. They can be easily installed anywhere on an exterior wall. Some homeowners even have them mounted on ceilings or floors. Eliminating the duct work middle man, slender pipes connect each air handler to the outdoor unit.
Instead of a central thermostat, each air handlers gets its own set of controls, allowing you to enjoy different temperatures in different rooms of your home. Most systems come with remote controls, so you won’t even have to leave your favorite easy chair to adjust the temperature. Wall-mounted control panels are available as well.
What are the benefits of ductless air conditioners?
Energy Star-qualified ductless air conditioners can be up to 30 percent more energy efficient than central systems, according to the EPA. They take less time to install, and the installation also causes far less disruption to your home and busy schedule than conventional systems. Whisper-quiet operation means that your sleep won’t be disturbed when the system cycles on at night or while you’re catching that rare catnap.
Ductless systems are ideal for homes that can’t accommodate traditional duct work and are perfect for remodels like enclosed porches, workshops and home offices. Whether you need a single cooling unit for a converted garage or multiple air handlers installed throughout your home, ductless air conditioners are versatile, effective and energy-efficient cooling solutions that offer an optimal level of cooling comfort while saving you money too.
What makes a new ductless air conditioner even better? Protection by a home warranty from American Home Shield.
Post Author: andyc.
