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Ductless air conditioners operate without air ducts, distinct from their central counterparts. Like central air conditioners, they cool an area by drawing in warm air, removing its moisture and warmth, and then expelling it outdoors. The absence of ducts means ductless units directly cool the designated area or room. Conversely, central air systems use a network of ducts to disperse cooled air across a residence. Yet, the question remains for many homeowners, “How do ductless air conditioners work?” In this article by Taylor Energy, we’ll answer this common question.
How Do Ductless Air Conditioners Work?
Keep reading to learn more about this topic.
Components Of A Ductless AC Unit
A ductless air conditioning system comprises three primary parts:
- AC Evaporator/Blower Unit: Positioned inside the premises, particularly in the area requiring cooling, the evaporator/blower unit is a slender device, usually around 3 feet in length. Its role is to draw the room’s warm air in, extract the moisture and heat, and then release the cooled air into the environment. This unit effectively introduces cool air into the space while concurrently expelling the absorbed moisture and heat outdoors through a conduit.
- Conduit: This component is the essential link between the indoor and external units. It consists of a narrow, lengthy cable that includes refrigerant tubing, a condensation drain, and a power cable. It ensures the indoor and outdoor sections of the ductless air conditioners are supplied with electrical power and serves as the pathway for conveying moisture and heat from the interior to the condenser outside.
- Air Conditioner Condenser: The condenser is the external part of the ductless air conditioning system. Its task is to remove the heat gathered from within your home and release it outdoors.
Single-Zone Mini-Split vs. Multi-Zone Ductless Setups
Ductless AC systems are versatile, efficiently serving single rooms and multi-zone areas. Depending on the layout and cooling needs, these systems can be deployed in two main configurations:
Single-Zone Mini-Split
This setup comprises one indoor evaporator/blower unit paired with an outdoor condenser, perfect for managing the climate in a single space. For more significant properties with sufficient exterior space for multiple condensers, it’s possible to install several mini-split systems. These operate independently to cool different property sections, offering tailored temperature control for each zone. An advantage of this arrangement is that if one unit experiences issues, it does not impact the performance of the others.
Multi-Zone Ductless HVAC
Multi-split ductless AC systems come in two forms. The primary version features a singular outdoor condenser linked to various indoor evaporator/blower units. Every indoor unit has its thermostat, allowing for individualized control. This setup is activated simultaneously across all units when cooling is needed, providing a cost-effective solution for structures where each room has distinct cooling requirements.
For a truly customizable experience, choosing a multi-zone mini-split system is advisable. This configuration features separate compressor circuits for each evaporator/blower unit, empowering occupants in different zones to tailor the temperature settings according to their individual preferences.
Ensure optimal performance for your ductless air conditioner with regular maintenance. Schedule a tune-up with Taylor Energy today!
Do Ductless Air Conditioners Have Adequate Cooling Power?
Despite their compact appearance, ductless air conditioners are designed to cool specific zones or rooms efficiently. The key to their effectiveness is matching the unit’s BTU (British Thermal Unit) capacity with the room size. A larger room will require a unit with a higher BTU rating to cool effectively. For optimal results, consult with an HVAC contractor. They can accurately assess your cooling needs by considering various factors to recommend the most suitable system for your space.
Choosing a system with inadequate capacity for your space can result in it straining to maintain cool temperatures, accelerating wear, and leading to more frequent repairs. A system that’s too large for the area will frequently turn on and off, a process known as short cycling, which can significantly reduce its longevity. Common sizes include:
- For rooms ranging from 400 to 650 square feet, opt for a unit with 12,000 BTUs per hour.
- Spaces between 600 and 1000 square feet require a system delivering 18,000 BTUs per hour.
- For larger areas of 800 to 1300 square feet, a unit providing 24,000 BTUs per hour is necessary.
Consult a licensed HVAC contractor to ensure you get the most suitable ductless air conditioning system.
Make sure you get the right-sized ductless air conditioner unit for your home. Call Taylor Energy for a free in-home consultation now!
Pros & Cons of Ductless Air Conditioners
Explore the advantages and drawbacks of ductless cooling systems below:
Pros of Ductless Cooling Systems
- Ductless air conditioners feature inherent zoning capabilities, allowing for individual temperature settings in each room to suit the preferences of its occupants.
- Ductless air conditioners are celebrated for their energy efficiency. According to Energy.gov, duct leakage can squander 20 to 30 percent of conditioned air. By eliminating ducts, ductless cooling systems avoid these leaks.
- Ductless air conditioning units present a practical, more affordable cooling solution for homes lacking ductwork. This is particularly relevant for older properties where the space for adding or installing new ductwork is absent. Moreover, installing ductwork typically requires significant modifications to walls, floors, and ceilings, resulting in a time-consuming and expensive process.
- Ductless air conditioners offer versatility in installation. You can mount them on floors, walls, or ceilings, accommodating your home’s unique layout.
Cons of Ductless Cooling Systems
- Although ductless air conditioners may have a higher initial purchase price, they offer greater customization and enhanced energy efficiency. Installing ductwork for a central air conditioning system can substantially raise its overall upfront cost, potentially making it more costly than an equivalent ductless setup.
- Unlike central air conditioning systems, which can be discreetly installed in basements, attics, or closets, ductless air conditioning units are often mounted on walls, floors, or ceilings, making them more visible. Nonetheless, they are sleeker and less intrusive than window air conditioning units.
Professional maintenance services can maximize the lifespan of your ductless AC unit. Contact Taylor Energy today to schedule an appointment!
Conclusion
Ductless air conditioners offer customization, versatility, and superior energy efficiency. Their design, which removes the need for air distribution ductwork, typically results in lower installation and maintenance costs when compared to central air conditioning units.
Call Taylor Energy for Your HVAC Needs
Taylor Energy offers premier heating and cooling solutions across Northern Connecticut. Our team comprises highly skilled technicians, each professionally certified and experienced in delivering outstanding HVAC tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements. Our experts have the necessary knowledge and expertise to service your HVAC system efficiently and effectively.
We provide the most competitive prices for heating and cooling services in the region. Our maintenance services are made to enhance your comfort, boost energy efficiency, and lower your heating and cooling expenses. If you need HVAC repair or are considering a new system, we’ll help you find the perfect fit for your home and budget. We stand by our work with a satisfaction guarantee. To book a service or for a free in-home estimate, call Taylor Energy today.
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