Whether you are looking to buy a new air conditioner or looking to replace an old one, consider getting a ductless air conditioner during the decision process. Also known as a mini-split air conditioner, the ductless air conditioning system is composed of three main parts: the outdoor condenser unit that pumps cold air inside the home, the indoor unit that releases the cold air, and the refrigerant lines that connect the two parts together.
Here are some of the factors you need to consider if you are thinking of getting a ductless air conditioner for your home or business:
- Budget – The upfront cost of a ductless air conditioner is estimated to be around $1,000 to $5,000. Aside from the cost of the unit, there’s also the installation and energy costs to consider. While the initial equipment and installation costs can be pretty steep, you also need to know that this kind of system operates on less power. Aside from saving money on utilities, you can also often get tax credits or rebates from the federal and state government to help offset the costs.
- Zones – One of the standout features of ductless air conditioning is its easy zoning capability. Ductless air conditioners distribute cool air to different zones of the house, allowing you greater flexibility and temperature control. While traditional central air conditioners cool all parts of the house including areas that you do not use, ductless air conditioners make use of zone cooling, allowing you to cool only specific areas of the home. This is great if you have people in the house with different cooling requirements.
- Energy Efficiency – Ductless air conditioners follow the ENERGY STAR guidelines. They are energy efficient, resulting in lessened energy consumption, decreased utility bills, and a lowered carbon footprint. In fact, many ductless air conditioners are actually more efficient than central air conditioner systems, as you can choose to cool different rooms to different levels based on your needs.
- Installation Requirements – Compared to other air conditioning systems, the installation of a ductless air conditioner is less invasive and can be done within the day. This type of air conditioner runs on small pipes that require only a small hole, so there’s no need to tear down walls, nor would it take a lot of space.
- Air Quality – With a ductless air conditioner, there is no need to have a ductwork system installed. Ductwork is notorious for accumulating dirt and debris over time. By going ductless, you get cleaner air, and you no longer have to worry about allergens or mold building up in the ducts.
- Size and Power – The power used in ductless air conditioning systems is measured in BTUs. The larger your space is, the higher the number of BTUs you will need. For example, if you have 150 to 250 square foot of space, you will need 6,000 BTUs. If you have 1,400 to 1,500 square foot of space, you will need 24,000 BTUs to properly cool the space. This is important to consider, as more powerful units are more expensive to purchase and operate.
Need Help with Your Ductless Air Conditioner? Contact Our St. Louis Experts
If you decide to make the investment in a ductless air conditioner for your home or place of business, make sure to hire a trustworthy HVAC company in St. Louis to help you with the purchase and installation. Galmiche & Sons is one of the leading heating & air conditioning companies in the area. Contact us at 314-993-1110 to book a ductless air conditioner consultation!
