Ductless vs. Ducted Air-Conditioning: Which is Best For Your Home?
Choosing the best air conditioning system for your home can seem like a daunting task. There are many different types of systems, with different prices and features to choose from. It is essential to consider the size of your home, climate conditions in your area, and budget before making any decisions on which type of system you want to be installed.
This article will compare ductless vs. ducted air-conditioning units to help you decide which is best for your needs!
Ductless air conditioning units are trendy throughout the United States, and for a good reason. These sleek-looking indoor units can be installed almost anywhere in your home without needing to run any ductwork whatsoever! Ductless systems use a heat pump system that does not require an outdoor condensing unit or large vents running through your walls. This makes installation quick and easy while keeping costs lower than most other types of ACs. Because there is no need to install ductwork. These systems also do well with homes where exterior construction has already been completed on multiple sides of the building, leaving little access for new air intakes/exhausts. Utilizing small wall-mounted venting panels, you can place one or more indoor units virtually anywhere they fit and still be effective.
On the other hand, ducted air-conditioning systems are a great option if you have been considering installing central AC in your home but were put off by high costs or difficulty of installation. These units require extensive ductwork to distribute conditioned air throughout the building from one outdoor condensing unit at its center point (usually an exterior wall). This type of system can quickly provide cooling for large open areas as it does not need to supply air through small individual vents as a whole house fan would. It also allows appliances that rely on cool temperatures, such as freezers, to remain functional during hotter months when they may otherwise overheat due to rising ambient heat levels inside the home. Ductless systems do not provide this function.
Ductless air conditioning units are typically used in homes that do not have room for ductwork or where construction has made installation difficult and expensive. Ducted systems can be more cost-effective when cooling large open spaces like warehouses and factories. Both types of air conditioners serve specific purposes depending on your home’s needs, so it is essential to consider all options before making a final decision! Both ducted and non-ducted ACs offer unique benefits to homeowners. Still, there may only be one right system for your particular situation—which type will depend primarily upon the square footage of air condition space required (larger areas need more extensive systems!), ease of access/installation (are you working with existing exterior walls?), and energy efficiency (ductless units are typically more efficient than ducted systems).
When Should You Opt For Ducted Air Conditioning
-Your space has existing ducts or exterior walls.
-Future renovations will make it difficult to install new ductwork or vents
-Your home requires cooling for large open areas (factories, warehouses)
-It would help if you had cool temperatures in appliances like freezers and refrigerators during warmer months.
When Should You Opt For Ductless Air Conditioning
Installation of your system is quick & easy due to no need for ducts/vents etc. (you can place units where they fit without impacting the functionality of existing rooms). This unit does well with homes with little access to outdoor air intakes as no exhaust vents run through exterior walls. The sleek design allows these systems to be installed almost anywhere inside a building, so you may not even notice them.
Your space has no room for ductwork, or it would not be easy to install new vents/ducts. Preferably, the area should not have already been renovated on multiple sides of your home, as this can make installation more expensive and time-consuming than necessary. This system is typically used in homes with little access to exterior walls where air intakes are required – options include attics, basements, porches, etc. Because they do not require any outdoor condensing units or large vents, these systems work well with renovations that leave exterior construction complete on all available sides of a building (think: finished basement). They also provide cooling, so appliances requiring cool temperatures like freezers cannot rely upon them during warmer months.
Because they do not require exterior vents or large condensing units, ductless systems can be installed almost anywhere in a building. Most models are no more significant than an average-sized DVR. These sleek and unobtrusive options are perfect for installing tight spaces like basements, attics, and porches where there is little room to install more traditional HVAC equipment! This type of system does well with homes with little access to outdoor air intakes as no exhaust vents are running through exterior walls – its slim design allows it to fit into any space without impacting the functionality of other rooms on the property. The lack of additional venting also makes them excellent choices for renovations where you don’t want your home’s existing construction altered on all sides.
Factors to consider when choosing an Air conditioning system
Price
How much should you expect to spend on an air conditioner?
Heat
Do you need a system that can also heat your home in the cooler months?
Maintenance and repairs
Is it easy for DIYers or will hiring a professional be necessary?
Type of coolant used.
There are several different types of coolants available. Some systems use CFCs while others use HCFCs (more sustainable options), but they all work well! It’s essential to get references from previous clients before choosing either type as some people have concerns about using one over another.
Latest technology
What features does this brand offer its customers; eco-friendliness, cooling power, etc. How could these advantages impact your decision-making?
Design
What is the creation of this system? Does it have a large footprint, or will you be able to fit multiple units throughout your home with ease? Can they be installed in rooms that are not currently being cooled by other equipment (like window air conditioners) as these can take up lots of space and work less effectively?
Space requirements
How much room do you have for an AC unit? Does it need to heat as well as cool, or is cooling all you require? How would installing one impact the rest of your living spaces if there were no exterior vents/ducts etc? Is installation going to alter the function/look of any existing parts of your home’s construction already on all sides?
Quality and warranty offered by the brand
It is essential to ensure you purchase a high-quality product for both safety purposes and reliability throughout its lifespan. It’s also crucial that any manufacturer offers an extensive warranties package on parts, labor, and compressor. This ensures you can have them come back if there are problems with the system later down the line without incurring additional costs when trying to resolve issues or replace defective units. This amount should cover at least five years’ worth of coverage beyond what is standard/included with the purchase price). If they do not offer extended warranties, it may be wise to consider another brand! If you require air conditioning, Riverside HVAC got you covered!
I love how you stated that ducted AC systems can be more cost-effective. My husband and I need to choose an AC system for our home. We’ll have to invest in a ducted system.