A ductless HVAC system can be an excellent alternative for heating and cooling your home. However, this kind of HVAC system has several downsides that you should be aware of. Here’s a breakdown of the top perks and quirks of going ductless.
Advantages of Ductless Systems
- Flexibility. Ductless HVAC systems deliver conditioned air directly into zones. They’re cost-effective replacements for inefficient window AC units, electric baseboard heaters, and space heaters. You can add them to home additions, new constructions … even buildings that already have ducted systems.
- Better indoor air quality. Ducts tend to collect pollutants over time. What’s more, ductless systems come with multistage filtration that significantly reduces particulates.
- Energy efficiency. By delivering air directly where it’s required, ductless HVAC systems avoid energy losses. That makes them highly energy-efficient.
- Ease of use. You can quickly turn a ductless mini-split on and off using the remote control that it comes with.
Disadvantages of Ductless Systems
- Need for regular maintenance. You’ll need to wash your system’s filter once every month — or even more frequently if you own pets or are a smoker. The system won’t be able to deal with the accumulating dirt and debris if you neglect cleaning.
- Higher upfront costs. When used for just one room, a ductless HVAC system will be significantly costlier than comparable window or baseboard units. If you install mini-splits in all the rooms of your home, that will be more expensive than installing a ducted system. Nevertheless, you’re highly likely to recoup these costs over time thanks to reduced cooling and heating bills.
- Qualified installers can be hard to find. Some HVAC pros aren’t experienced in installing mini-splits. Improper installation downgrades the ductless system’s performance and efficiency.
Weigh the pros and cons of ductless HVAC systems to determine if going ductless is the best option for your home. For more information about ductless systems, contact Ace Hardware Home Services. We’ve satisfied all the home-comfort needs of Dayton-area homeowners since 1978.
