Do Ductless AC Units Save Money?
With near 90-degree Columbia summer highs prevailing from June to August, you probably have your air conditioner going full blast every day in multiple rooms.
And while this does create the ideal environment – it affects your wallet.
So, if you’re looking to cut costs without cutting cooling time, are ductless AC units the right choice?
At True Blue Heating & Cooling, we have years of experience dealing with mini-splits, central air, and other cooling systems. There’s no one better to relay the pros and cons of the former money-wise when compared to the latter types.
The Financial Pros of Ductless AC Systems
Below are the top ways mini-split systems help residential and business owners save a pretty penny.
No Ductwork Adding to Installation Costs
Ductless mini-splits don’t comprise metal chutes behind walls, ceilings, and floorboards, requiring less equipment than central heating and cooling.
During installation, an HVAC technician spends just a few hours installing indoor air handlers and an outdoor condenser unit rather than days measuring and fitting air ducts.
That means you save on:
- Duct installation costs
- Labor costs
- Future duct maintenance and repairs
More Energy Efficiency
Opting out of ductwork also encourages lower energy consumption since duct systems lose up to 40% of your controlled climate.
Whether through holes and broken seams that leak air, or long and winding passageways that cause the air to lose momentum and not reach certain rooms, you pay for lost air. Your air conditioner may work harder and longer, further raising energy bills.
While mini-splits mirror the 40% energy efficiency levels of heat pump systems, that’s not the only way you save energy with ductless AC units.
Since you program each air handler to your preferred temperature, set low-traffic rooms to a slightly higher temperature or turn their handlers completely off to prevent overcooling certain spaces and wasting energy.
Fewer Replacements Down the Line
According to the University of Florida, because mini-split air conditioners save up to 40% more energy than central air, they don’t have to work 50% harder to make up for it as the latter does.
With less stress and strain on the unit, parts stay in top shape for longer, leading to fewer breakdowns and a prolonged unit lifespan. You’ll have fewer repair and replacement services to consider.
The #1 Ductless System Con Involving Money
Unfortunately, everything has its drawbacks.
While ducts are an expensive add-on for central cooling, they prove cheaper than mini-splits if you have a large home.
For instance, you can combine eight indoor air handlers with one outdoor condenser unit; however, if you need more than that, you’re not only paying for more handlers but more condensers as well. Moreover, you may need multiple handlers in one room alone if it’s too large for one handler to cool.
Choosing a Unit That’s True to You!
Deciding on these wall mounts depends on your household size, setup, and more.
If you need an expert’s opinion concerning ductless AC units, call True Blue Heating & Cooling at (615) 568-7450 today!