The Benefits of Ductless Systems
If you have a room that’s hard to keep comfortable or are planning an addition, consider ductless air conditioner systems. They offer significant advantages over ducted systems in places where it would be difficult or costly in terms of space or money to run ducts.
These systems are heat pumps that both cool and heat spaces. They work by moving heat from one place to another. They’re also called ductless mini splits and are gaining in popularity because they are:
- Easy to install. These systems have two components connected by a conduit that attaches quickly to each. The condenser sits outdoors and the air handler can sit on the floor, hang from a ceiling or on a wall. The installer drills a small hole through the exterior wall to run the conduit, which contains the refrigerant line, the drainpipe and the power. Smaller mini splits can be plugged into a 120-volt outlet.
- Energy efficient. Since ductless air conditioner systems are heat pumps, they must meet the same efficiency standards that central systems do. The minimum SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) stands at 13 and the HSPF (heating seasonal performance factor) stands at 7.7. Systems are available that have SEER ratings as high as 23 and HSPF ratings of 10, qualifying them for the Energy Star label. The lack of ducts also increases their efficiency, since there are no thermal or air losses that occur with ducted systems.
- Flexible. Larger mini-split condensers can support up to four separate air handlers and conduits are available that are over 65 feet long. Each air handler has its own thermostat that can be controlled with a remote. Some air handlers have oscillating louvers and multiple fan speeds.
- Easy to maintain. The condenser and evaporator coils and air filter in the mini split are easy to reach, making it easy to replace the filter and clean the coils, improving the system’s efficiency and extending its life span.
To learn more about ductless air conditioner systems for your home, contact Gulf Coast Air Systems, Inc. We’ve provided HVAC services for the greater Tampa Bay area for more than 30 years.
