3 Things You Should Know Before Going Ductless
Posted on: 24 August 2018
There are plenty of good reasons why a ductless air conditioning system is on your mind. You may be in the middle of remodeling your home and want a different cooling solution, for instance. If you're moving into a new home that lacks the space needed for traditional ductwork or want to maintain the time-honored look and feel of an older home, ductless A/C systems offer a great solution for staying cool without too much hassle.
As with any type of air conditioning system, there are a few things you should know before diving into your A/C installation.
1. Size Still Matters
Buying a ductless A/C system doesn't mean you should downgrade your unit's cooling capacity. While ductless systems take up less physical space than traditional split A/C units, you'll still need to keep their output in mind as you design your system.
Fortunately, this is where a Manual J load calculation comes into play. Manual J provides an accurate picture of your home's cooling needs, taking into account a variety of factors, including average temperatures, home size, and even your home's orientation relative to the sun.
2. Variety is the Spice of Ductless Life
Ductless A/C systems come in a variety of styles, so you're not limited to just one type of unit. Different home configurations benefit from different unit designs, so here are a few common choices to consider:
- Wall-mounted units - Commonly seen in homes in need of ductless cooling, these units are the simplest and least expensive to install.
- Cassette units - These ceiling-recessed units are capable of dispersing air in all four directions for effective heating and cooling.
- Floor-mounted units - These units are maintenance-friendly thanks to their location and overall design. Being at floor height makes them easy to maintain and repair.
3. Leaks Can Be a Common Problem
Leaks, whether they stem from condensation drainage or refrigerant loss, are a common problem that almost every air conditioner experiences at some point. However, leaks pose a bigger issue for ductless A/C systems due to their form factor.
Tasked with feeding refrigerant to multiple air handlers spread out throughout your home, a ductless A/C system uses more refrigerant lines than the traditional split A/C system. That makes tracking down and repairing leaks more difficult for technicians.
Condensate leaks can also have more serious consequences for ductless A/C system owners. A condensate leak caused by faulty drainage can result in severe water damage to your walls, especially if the problem goes on unaddressed.
For more information about ductless air conditioning, talk to contractors like Jahnke Heating & Air.
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