Ducted V. Ductless Air Conditioning.

Date: July 18, 2017

The Heat Is On

With Memorial Day right around the corner, the start of summer’s heat and humidity is soon to follow. Have you been thinking about adding some form of air conditioning system to your home? After all, your heating system keeps you comfortable in the winter. Don’t you deserve to be comfortable during the summer? The two most popular types of cooling are ducted and ductless air conditioning systems. Before getting into the advantages of each….let’s take a look at the differences

Ducted Systems

A ducted system requires sheet metal be run through walls and/or ceilings. This sheet metal or duct work serves to bring hot/humid air from the ducted system.pngspace to an evaporator coil, sitting inside an air handler, for heat and humidity removal. This is called return air duct. Cool dry air is then delivered via supply ducts that sit inside walls and vents in ceilings.

Ductless Systems

Ductless air conditioning systems do not require any sheet metal or duct work. Instead they typically have one outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor units. The two copper lines that connect the indoor unit to the outdoor unit is called a line set. To appear less conspicuous the line set can be sleeved within an aluminum cover that resembles a downspout.

Ducted System if….

• If you heat your home with a warm air furnace you have a duct system in place.
• Your cost will be limited to purchasing and installing the air conditioning equipment. This can be done relatively quickly and far less expensively than adding duct work.
• Decorative or aesthetics are important. Because ducted systems are hidden behind walls and in ceilings one can hardly notice that they are there. If you have a zoned ductless system you will have more than one indoor unit. Although these units are not prohibitively large they are noticeable.
• Your climate is high in humidity. Ducted systems move air around through returns and supplies. This is effective at removing moisture from the air.

Ductless System if….

• You are adding a room to an existing space. Ductless air conditioning systems are perfect for new spaces. Perhaps you are adding a sun room to your house?
• The main house has ducted air conditioning but it is too difficult or expensive to get duct work to and from the new sun room. A ductless system quickly and easily solves the problem.
• The architecture of the home/space doesn’t allow for duct work. There simply isn’t enough room inside the walls and/or ceiling s to accommodate duct work. Some homes have neither a basement nor an attic to accommodate air handlers.
• You are sensitive or allergic to dust. Duct work is a perfect place for dust, pet hair and dander to collect. Forced air traveling through the duct system keeps this debris floating through the home.

Do your homework

After determining which type of system best fits your needs, it is now the time for the most important decision…selecting a qualified contractor to perform the installation. Research the contractors on your list…ask them for referrals, seek out on-line reviews and ask questions.

In order for your air conditioning system to work well it must be properly designed and sized. Be aware that bigger is not better! An oversized system will lower temperature however, do little to remove humidity and leave you uncomfortable and frustrated. Align yourself with a reputable contractor. You’ll be glad you did.