Ductless Mini Split AC Installation in Tucson, Arizona

Installing central AC can quickly become a costly and time-consuming endeavor if your home does not already have ductwork built in. Although central AC is an easy way to cool the entire house, some houses and budgets simply cannot accommodate this type of system. Here are the alternative options to a central AC unit.

Swamp coolers are a low-cost alternative for those who reside in places with dry climates. But, they tend to be very noisy and are limited when it comes to their cooling abilities. Most people are opting for a mini-split as an alternative, as they have been effective in many other countries for years. This AC system is easy to install and is energy efficient as well.

How does ductless air conditioning work?

In a house that uses a ductless systems there is an outside condenser and air handling units. Air handlers draw in room air, cool it with a refrigerant, and return it into the room. Heat is transferred through a conduit to the outdoor unit, which transfers the heat into the atmosphere.

The fans that are used by air handlers are as quiet as the central air conditioning. Fortunately, the loudest system component, the condenser, is installed outdoors, just as it is with central AC.

In a ductless system, air handlers are required in any room to be cooled and may be mounted on or appear flushed with the ceiling or a wall. You can choose to have a separate control for each air handler or to have them all connected to a central thermostat.

You can place several thermostats around your house for certain zones of comfort. Some homeowners like to maintain different cooling zones upstairs and downstairs, while others want to be able to cool certain rooms, like guest rooms, only when they are occupied. A ductless system typically accommodates up to four separately programmed thermostats.

What are the benefits of ductless systems?

A mini-split air conditioning system is comparatively easy to install for a ductless house. Homeowners usually have a choice in the type of air handlers that are mounted and where they are located in the house. Those that appear to lay flushed with the wall or the ceiling would come at a higher price tag but would look better.

In order for a home to be able to use central air conditioning many holes are drilled into some walls and parts of ceilings and closet space is also reduced. The only structural change needed to install a ductless system is a small hole to permit connection of the indoor air handlers to the condenser unit located outdoors.

Ductless air conditioning systems tend to be more energy efficient as they don’t use any large pathways for air travel. It takes about 30% more energy to cool home when air must travel through ductwork. Small gaps around seams, or other ways that air can leak from ductwork, account for the higher energy use.

The entire home does not need to be cooled at the same time and there are methods such as setting up unique zones and making use of ductless mini split systems. This way the entire home does not need to be cooled. This is particularly helpful in bedrooms, so residents can set their room to a comfortable sleeping temperature without having to cool the rest of the house. This can be a good way to bring down the cost of your monthly energy bill.

The ductless air conditioners are an advantage over the window air conditioners because they allow for complete safety and prevention of pests within your home. Ductless systems are a more flexible option as you can place them anywhere in the room compared with window air conditioners. With their dual functionality, they can also be set to warm mode in the winter and thus you can expect comfort and convenience throughout the year.

Professional Installation

If you have opted for a ductless mini-split AC unit in your home, then an AC professional can easily install that system for you. They will help you assess your home to decide how many units you need to cool the room and discuss zoning with you, if necessary.

Some homeowners think they can install a ductless system on their own, but it takes a trained professional to do the wiring and handle toxic refrigerant safely. Such a professional can give you advice on which to pick for your air handlers. An air conditioning technician can help replace, repair or service your device in a short period.