The summer heat is no joke in the Denver area, with average August temperatures reaching into the mid-90s. Any kind of temperature control system is essential for surviving the dog days of Denver’s summer.
Most people picture the big HVAC units when they think of an air conditioner, but air temperature control systems come in various sizes and models. If you’re looking for an affordable air conditioner, a ductless system may be what you need to cool your place.
Keep reading to learn all you need to know about ductless heating and cooling systems.
- What Is a Ductless System?
- Multiple Zones
- How Long Do Window Air Conditioners Last?
- Ductless Heat Pump vs. Central Air
- Consider Going Ductless
What Is a Ductless System?
HVAC systems, which stand for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, condition air and pump the air through the ducts and throughout the building.
A ductless system does not have ducts. It pumps the conditioned air directly into a single room. Thus a ductless system looks much different than an HVAC system.
The ductless air conditioner will have two parts to it: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit will have a compressor, fan, and condenser coil. The indoor unit will connect to the outdoor unit with copper refrigerant tubing and electrical wiring. It will blow cool air directly into the living space and will also have an evaporator coil and blower fan.
The ductless system works efficiently. Here’s what is happening when you feel cold air coming from your indoor unit:
- The outdoor fan pulls air in as the outdoor compressor pumps refrigerant to the indoor unit’s coil through a refrigerant tubing.
- The liquid refrigerant transforms into gas.
- As the indoor air blows across the coil, it removes heat and humidity.
- The cooler, less humid air ends up in the living space.
- The gas refrigerant goes back to the outdoor coil.
- The outdoor coil converts the liquid into heat energy and releases heat energy.
The ductless unit can also use a reverse process to heat the same indoor space. Thus, you have both a heating unit and a cooling unit in one.
Multiple Zones
When you think of a ductless unit, you might be picturing a window air conditioner that cools a single room. However, air conditioning pros can configure ductless systems with multiple units and a single outdoor compressor. This versatility makes them a perfect solution if you have an older, ductless home or if you need a unit for a garage or sunroom.
A single-zone air conditioner works pretty simply. The AC professional will connect the outdoor compressor to the indoor unit. The compressor will carry the refrigerant and power to the inside unit.
The single unit has the least impact on your home.
You can also have a multi-zone ductless unit. A zone control system is a type of central heating and air conditioning system that allows you to regulate the temperature in each room of your home separately. Some outdoor compressors can power up to five inside units. You can control each of the units individually with a wireless remote control.
Such a system gives you maximum control over your home environment. You can cool some rooms more than others while saving money by keeping unused rooms warmer.
You also have more flexibility if you want to add to your home. You can always add more indoor units when you renovate or add to your house.
You May Also Be Interested In: Denver Central Heating & Air Conditioning Combinations
How Long Do Window Air Conditioners Last?
If you have a window air conditioner and you’re looking for a more sophisticated but affordable solution, a ductless system is your solution. On average, window air conditioners typically last eight to ten years.
Ductless systems, in comparison, last ten to thirty years, depending on where you live and how often you use the unit.
To check your window air conditioner’s efficiency, begin by reviewing the seal around the unit. Is warm air leaking in your home?
If you have weather stripping, you can always replace it when it loosens over time. You can also clean the filter with soapy water and check the evaporator coils. Look for bent fins and apparent signs of wear and damage. Proceed to clean the condenser fins.
If your air conditioner still pumps in warm air after cleaning it, you most likely have low refrigerant or a problem with the compressor. This could mean you need a new air conditioner, and now you can consider a ductless heat pump or a ductless mini-split.
Ductless Heat Pump vs. Central Air
Ductless systems are becoming increasingly more popular for a number of reasons. They make sense if you have an older home that currently has no ductwork. But do people actually build houses with no ducts?
Ductless systems are much more energy-efficient than central air systems. A central air system ducts, in which you end up losing 25 percent or more of your energy. A ductless system has a single, small hole in the wall where the indoor unit connects to the outdoor unit.
There’s less chance for air seepage compared to central air and a window air conditioner.
Many people use ductless heat pumps to regulate the temperature in a basement, garage, sunroom, or an addition to a home where they do not have ductwork. Electricians and AC repair specialists also have less trouble installing a ductless system.
Plus, you can purchase an ENERGY STAR qualified system and save even more money on your heating or cooling bill.
Consumer Buying Guide in Denver 2021-Types of HVAC Systems
Consider Going Ductless
A ductless system will keep your home cleaner and your air at an ambient temperature. You can hope for the perfect cool air on a hot summer day with the right ductless system for your home.
Do you need a new air conditioner? Is your air conditioner failing you?
Schedule a service call with us today. Our experts will have you cooled down in no time. Long Does a Ductless System Last?
