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Ductless vs Central Air Conditioning Systems: An AC Repair Company Guide To Cooling Your Home | Plano, TX

Ductless vs Central Air Conditioning Systems: An AC Repair Company Guide To Cooling Your Home | Plano, TX

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Heating and cooling in Plano, TX, requires a great deal of energy, so the air conditioning system you select has a significant effect on the environment and your utility bills. In the United States, central air conditioning is common, but ductless systems are gaining more and more popularity. While it could be confusing for most homeowners to make a clear choice between the two, an AC repair company can help you make the best decision.

How Do Ductless Air Conditioners and Central Air Conditioners work?

Did you know that the ductless air conditioning system works very similarly to the central air conditioning system? The two systems, both comprised of a condenser which is an external unit placed outside the house, and an evaporator that is put inside your house by an AC repair company during installation.

One of the main differences between central ACs and ductless ACs is in how the cooled air travels. In a central AC, the cooled air travels via the air handler into the ductwork or ventilation. From here, the air is spread out through the house. Ductless ACs, on the other hand, use thin pipes placed on the wall to deliver air throughout your home. It doesn’t require any floor vents or ducts.

Differences Between Central and Ductless Air Conditioning

Upfront Costs

Having an AC repair company install a central air conditioning unit is cheaper compared to a ductless system. However, if your home doesn’t have existing ductwork or ductwork that needs replacing, installing a central AC system would cost almost twice as much as it costs to install a ductless system with the same capacity.

In effect, adopting a ductless system is ideal for new homes and new additions. They’re also a great option when avoiding replacing old inefficient air ducts. If your home already has existing ductwork, an AC company can seal air registers to prevent air pollutants such as dust and insects from affecting your indoor air quality. They do not need to be replaced or completely removed.

Installation

An AC repair company may take up to a week to install a central AC system. The process, however, may take longer if you do not have any ductwork. Putting in ductwork involves tearing down parts of your wall to install, then making repairs and repainting the walls. Some homes require custom-made ducts, which may take up space in your closet, basement, or attic.

Utility Bills

A central AC system cools the air, which then travels through air ducts to reach every part of your home. It is easy for this air to seep out, making your system work harder to cool or warm your space. Alternatively, a ductless system is more efficient since it doesn’t require ductwork to transit air.

Ductless AC systems have fans known as variable speed air handlers that manage speed based on the desired conditions. An AC with smart features such as these can maintain the desired temperature levels, save energy and prevent varying temperatures in your home throughout the day. Additionally, ductless ACs with more than one indoor unit can use zoning to manage different temperatures in your home. This ensures that empty rooms never receive cooling and conditioning only remains in zones that family members use or are in.

Indoor Air Quality

Dust mites, pest droppings, bacteria, pollen, and dust can accumulate in the ductwork affecting the quality of your indoor air. In the absence of regular cleaning and maintenance, these pollutants can eventually cause health problems.

Ductless air conditioners don’t accumulate these pollutants. Since they have variable speed fans, they can easily get rid of contaminants effectively. Unlike the central AC, ductless systems have longer cooling cycles that lower humidity, better keeping your family comfortable, and reducing the cost of medical bills.

Maintenance

Central ACs tend to incur more funds and time on maintaining the ductwork, sealing leaks, adding insulation, and cleaning the ductwork. Ductless ACs do not require fewer routine maintenance checks. However, central ACs have more extended warranties compared to ductless systems.

However, it is worth noting that you still need to perform routine maintenance irrespective of which AC system you choose. At least once a year, an AC repair company needs to inspect your AC system.

Your Home’s Value

The energy efficiency and flexibility of a ductless system add value to your home. Ductless systems also tend to be quieter compared to a central AC system. Some homeowners, however, do not like the look of the ductless indoor system unit. Depending on the needs of your home, you may need more than one outdoor unit, which may affect the look of landscaping.

Indoor units for ductless ACs have covers that can be installed by an AC repair company to allow them to blend in with your style with the option of having floor models. Additionally, most also come with a remote control that adds to their convenience.

How to Choose the Best Air Conditioner for Your Home

Professional AC repair company experts will ask you the following questions to help you choose the best air conditioning system that suits your needs and home:

  • How big is your home?
  • Does your home have the necessary ducts?
  • Do you want a visible or invisible air conditioner?
  • Are you looking for a quiet option?
  • How important is energy efficiency for you?
  • Is individual zoning control an important requirement for you?

Contact One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas for the Best Air Conditioning System

This guide helps you make the right decision when finding an air conditioner that suits your needs and requirements. It is also important to consult your local Plano, TX, AC repair company when making this important decision. With over four decades in the business, we are experienced in handling and fulfilling our customer’s air conditioning needs. Whether you are deciding on the ductless or central air conditioning or simply looking for an AC repair company, we have you covered. Get in touch with us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas today for more information about air conditioning systems.