Go Back

Tips For Choosing a Duct or Ductless HVAC System

air ducts

Ever wondered how your heating and cooling systems work? In their most basic form, there’s an air handler, which regulates the temperature, and then your ductwork that distributes the air throughout your home. This is the most popular system in homes, and for good reason.

It allows you to effectively regulate temperature as energy efficient as possible. But what do you do if you’re looking to upgrade or change that system? Ductless mini-split AC systems have gained popularity over time, and for good reason.

These small systems can heat and cool your home, more energy efficiently, and without the use of air ducts. But are they the right option for you? If you’ve been thinking about changing the HVAC setup in your home, then read on to learn more about your options.

Air Ducts vs. Ductless

While the main difference between these systems is always going to be their use of ductwork, there’s more to it than that. You standard air conditioner uses an air handler to change the temperature of the air and then force that air through your ductwork. This air handler does not exist in the ductless system.

airhandlerMini split AC systems also have evaporator coils, which regulate temperatures, but instead of relying on the air handler to distribute air, thee units feature blowers, which forces the air out and into your home. This creates:

  • Even cooling and heating
  • Improved air flow
  • Added temperature control
  • More energy efficiency

By eliminating the air handler and the ductwork, a mini-split AC system cuts down on wasted energy and provides you with a top-quality heating and cooling solution that uses a fraction of the energy.

The Impact on Airflow

airflowOne of the biggest advantages that central HVAC systems have is their use of air ducts. While the air ducts can suffer from damages and require repairs, they also allow for you to easily control the temperature inside your home.

When the air ducts are in good working order, you enjoy cool and convenient heating and cooling. However, always be on the lookout for indicators that your ductwork is damaged.

This can be something as simple as low airflow or poor indoor air quality. Also look for any increases in energy costs. If the air ducts in your home are damaged, your air conditioner will have to work harder to make up the differenced. Because ductless systems do not rely on air ducts, you can always expect consistent and powerful airflow wherever they’re installed in your home.

Why You Should Worry About Space Savings

compareFinally, space should be a concern for your home. If you have a smaller home or are adding rooms and don’t want to install new ductwork, then a ductless mini split AC system is always going to be the way to go.

They’re small, versatile, and can easily be mounted and installed just about anywhere. While central air conditioning may take up more space, it does offer the best amount of airflow for large-scale projects.

At Buric Heating and Air Conditioning, we are your Elliot City HVAC pros. We can help you choose the right system for your home and get it installed in no time!