How Does Ductless AC Work?

You may have heard that a ductless AC, also known as a “mini-split,” is more efficient than the traditional air conditioning system. But why exactly is it more efficient, and how does it work?

Keep reading, and you will learn the pros and cons, which spaces are best for ductless AC, and when you should add them to your home. You’ll also learn how a traditional AC can be used alongside a ductless system!

The Way Ductless Mini-Splits Work

Though you may think there is something different, ductless AC works the same as a traditional air conditioning system! They both suck in warm air from your home, absorbing all that heat and moisture in the air. After, they dump it outside and return cool air into your home.

The difference is how the air is delivered. Ductless cooling blows the air into one room or space only, without the need for ducts obviously. In a central AC system, the cold air is blown out of a network of ducts installed throughout your home and goes from room to room.

Components of a Ductless System

There are 3 main pieces that are part of a mini-split:

Blower/Evaporator Coil

This is the indoor part of the unit. You will mostly see these installed either along the bottom of the wall near the floor, or at the top of the wall along the ceiling. The blower/evaporator works to suck in the warm air, and provides cold air to your home. It sends all the hot air in your home through a conduit it is attached to.

Conduit

This part connects the indoor ductless unit to the outdoor unit. Inside are the refrigerant tubing, condensation drain, and power tubing. The conduit provides electrical power to both indoor and outdoor units. Additionally, it also provides an outlet so heat and moisture can exit your home.

Condenser

Lastly, this is the outdoor part of the unit. The condenser takes in all that heat and moisture trapped in your home and dispels it outside.

Pros & Cons of a Mini-Split System

There are several benefits and potential downsides to installing a ductless AC unit:

Ductless AC Pros

Personalized temperature and airflow control in every room.

Better AC efficiency – A good amount of cool air (20-30%) is lost or wasted in leaks through ducts in your home. With a ductless unit, you don’t have to worry about wasting energy or money.

They are good for older homes that do not have ductways or buildings that cannot have them installed, which can be extremely expensive.

Ductless AC Possible Cons

A ductless air conditioning system could be more expensive at first. However, if your home does not have ducts, this might be a more affordable route, as a whole duct system installation can cost upwards of $10,000.

Very obvious – Ductless mini-splits are not most discreet and clearly stick out. Nowadays, modern ductless systems are now very sleek and minimal. Additionally, these are more visually and aesthetically pleasing than the alternative option, a window AC unit.

How a Ductless AC Unit Can Work With a Traditional System

Overall, installing a ductless AC comes down to what type of space you are trying to cool or heat. For example, if you are adding a new room to your home, such as a private office or bedroom, a mini-split is ideal as you do not have to go through the hassle of reworking your existing duct system. If you try, you run the risk of decreasing the efficiency of your AC system as it was not meant to handle an additional room/space, and you might have to replace it.

Perhaps you are doing some home renovations, and you are converting an attic or basement into a living or gaming area. In this case, a ductless air conditioning system would be the perfect option to add to these rooms.

Lastly, the ductless units work great for any rooms in your home that either lose too much heat, or can’t cool down. In this case, that specific room can be specifically adjusted to a certain temperature without affecting the rest of the air in the house.

Contact Trahan’s Heating & Cooling Today!

If you have any more questions or are ready to take the leap and install a ductless AC system, Trahan’s Heating & Cooling is ready to help with all Houma AC installations.