Should I buy Ductless Air Conditioner?
O ne of the most important aspects of comfort in the home is a good air conditioning system—one that both heats and cools efficiently and effectively. This is especially important in a place like Toronto, as the cold can become dangerous to anyone’s health. As such, it is important to select the right heating and air conditioning system to keep things nice and comfortable.
The Ductless System
One kind of heating system that has grown in popularity is the ductless system. A ductless air conditioner usually consists of a wall-mounted indoor unit combined with an outdoor compressor. They are used everywhere, from homes to businesses, and are also commonly known as split-type air conditioners.
The Pros
One advantage that ductless systems have over the window-type is that there doesn’t need to be a designated window or hole in the wall for them to go in. All these systems need is a small hole for the connections to pass through, allowing a smaller risk of air leakage.
Another advantage they have over traditional systems is that they are incredibly energy-efficient, as over 25% of your energy is wasted in the ductwork. Not only that, but ductless models also have inverter-driven compressors, which adjust the power output of the system depending on its needs, saving precious energy.
If you purchase a model with the Energy Star, you can save up to 30% of the cost of heating and cooling your space. One thing is clear with this type of air conditioner: it saves you money.
The Cons
One con of the ductless system is the cost. Ductless systems generally cost more than your run-of-the-mill window-type air conditioner. Paying to replace your duct system with a ductless system can cost quite a bit more than you would normally spend on traditional ducted systems, even if you do save money on bills instead.
In places of extreme cold, you might even need a fuel-based backup if you want ductless heat, as older ductless systems might not have adequate power output in the event that temperatures drop below zero. Newer models, however, are more capable of handling such weather conditions.
Ductless systems also require more maintenance, as the filters have to be washed at least once a month. This gets even shorter if you have fur-shedding pets and smoke indoors. Your system also requires professional cleaning every four months to clean out the internal components of debris. Forgoing this maintenance can cause expensive damage to your system if ignored.
Final thoughts
The cons of the ductless system are difficult to ignore, especially with the cold in Toronto. Coupled with higher costs and more demanding maintenance needs, you would have good reason to hesitate choosing the ductless system when upgrading or building your home.
That being said, the power savings of ductless systems are something you can count out either, as you can easily recoup the higher costs eventually. Even the monthly maintenance is fairly easy to do, as many manufacturers actually provide a maintenance hotline to those who buy their air conditioners. With a ductless air conditioner, you would have a device that gives you lower power bills, and that is environmentally friendly.
If your ductless air conditioner needs servicing or maintenance, send us at Temp-a-Sure a message. We’re based in Toronto, and can help fix or maintain your system so that it operates smoothly and efficiently.