The majority of homes in the U.S. that use air conditioning have a central AC system which delivers air to a home through the ducts. Chances are that this is the setup in your home as well, but if you have a new room add-on, or if you use a garage or a detached shed as a workspace, you have to look for other methods of cooling.
One of the most popular alternatives when this is the case is a window or room air conditioner. These small packaged units are relatively easy to purchase and install, but there are so many disadvantages that make them less than ideal if you seek comfort and efficiency. Here’s why a ductless mini-split, a system comprised of one outdoor compressor unit and one or more indoor air handler, is the way to go when you are looking for the best air conditioning system for your single-room needs.
What makes ductless air conditioning the ideal alternative?
- No Ducts! – While you are planning your new room addition, you may decide to hire someone to extend the ductwork into the space. However, this is a time-consuming task, and there is a lot that can go wrong if the job is completed incorrectly.Ducts are known to have air leaks which can contribute to significant energy losses; around 20-30% of conditioned air is lost to the ducts in the typical home.
- Efficiency – Ductless air conditioning systems have SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) ratings which are often higher than many conventional split-system SEER ratings, in addition to the energy savings that come from a lack of ductwork. And these are much more efficient than window and room air conditioners: with these types of units, manufacturers do not even have to comply with the same efficiency standards as other systems do.
- Durability – Because window and room air conditioners are not designed to fit a particular space, they often struggle to run smoothly and are likely to run into problems within a short amount of time. Ductless air conditioning systems can last 15 years with proper installation and maintenance.
Get in touch with your friendly Farmington, NM air conditioning contractors for more information about ductless air conditioning. Call Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. today!