When it comes to sweltering temperatures, most of us here in Florida are used to the heat. The Sunshine State even gets warm in winter, with temperatures, this past February reaching record highs in Central Florida!

What some locals may not know is that there are plenty of cutting-edge options for keeping cool indoors. One of them is a non-invasive way to customize your household’s comfort: a ductless air conditioner.

If you’re weighing your options for a new AC installation, this type of system is well worth considering. Let’s take a quick look at how they work and the pros and cons.

How Ductless Air Conditioners Work

If you’ve always used a central air system, the most common type of air conditioner in the US, you might not know what to expect from a ductless system.

As the name suggests, ductless air conditioners don’t need air ducts to transport warm and cool air around the house. Instead, ductless ACs are small units that provide warm or cool air directly to a single room or zone. You’ll also hear this type of AC called a “mini-split” because the air conditioning system is split between multiple areas.

As with a central air system, you’ll still have both an indoor unit that provides air and an outdoor compressor. You can have multiple indoor units that link back to the same outdoor compressor.

When it comes to the mini-split units inside your home, you’ll have a few options to choose from. You can opt for floor-mounted, ceiling-recessed, or ceiling-register units, depending on your needs and the room in which you’re placing the unit.

Pros of Ductless Air Conditioners

There are a few key advantages to these types of air conditioners:

No Ductwork

The most obvious benefit is that there’s no need to add complex ductwork to your home. This can make installation much easier and faster than the installation of a central air system.

Multi-Zone Temperature Control

If you choose to install multiple mini-split systems in your home, you’ll be able to control the temperature of each one individually. This can be ideal for households with different temperature preferences.

Energy Efficiency

Central air conditioners aren’t always as energy efficient as we’d hope. Ductwork can degrade over time, allowing gaps and tears that make it easy for air to escape. 

Mini-split systems don’t have this weakness, making them more energy efficient in the long run. For eco-minded property owners hoping to reduce their home’s carbon footprint, ductless air conditioners are hard to beat.

Money Savings

Mini-splits may cost more than other air conditioning systems upfront. However, depending on how many units you’d like to install, they can save you money in the long run. Thanks to their enhanced energy efficiency, you can save a substantial amount on your monthly bills.

In addition, if you decide to install just one or two mini-splits within your home, the cost can be cheaper than that of a whole-home central air system.

Improved Air Quality

Traditional duct systems need regular cleanings to remove airborne allergens and contaminants. If you fall behind on these cleanings, your AC will spread these particles throughout your home. Ductless systems, on the other hand, tend to be better at pulling these contaminants from the air without redistributing them.

Peace and Quiet

Where other residential AC systems can be loud as they cycle air through the home, ductless ACs tend to be much quieter. Some ultra-quiet units run below 20-25 decibels, which is quieter than the average whisper.

Ductless Heating

Some homeowners are surprised to learn that installing a ductless AC can mean upgrading their home heating as well. Depending on the configuration you choose, it’s easy to add a heating component to your mini-split. This can reduce the strain on an existing heater or boiler.

Cons of Ductless Air Conditioners

While ductless air conditioners have many benefits, there are a few potential downsides you may want to keep in mind. 

Cost

As we mentioned above, the upfront cost of a ductless air conditioner will vary based on how many mini-split units you place in your home. If you’re hoping to install a ductless system within a large home, the initial cost will usually be more expensive than that of a central air system. Even if you only need a mini-split in a single room, the installation will often be more expensive than that of a window unit.

Maintenance

Ductless systems require more hands-on maintenance. You’ll need to clean the air filters on a regular basis to get rid of any dust and debris. If you have pets or someone in your household smokes, you must do it more often. Ignoring this maintenance can require AC unit repairs that shorten the lifespan of your system.

Design

When compared with central air systems, mini-splits aren’t easy to overlook. They tend to come in white, though you can sometimes find them in neutral beige tones, and you can’t cover them up.

Enhance Your Comfort With a Ductless AC

Whether you’re upgrading your home’s AC or trying to solve your family’s fights over the thermostat, a ductless air conditioner may be the right choice for your home. With their fast and easy installations, energy efficiency, and quiet operation, there’s a lot to love about these tiny units. Consider your AC unit budget as you decide what type of system is best for your household’s needs.

As you weigh your options, don’t forget that our expert team is here to help. Florida Cooling Solutions can help you decide what type of cost-effective installation is right for your needs, and we also guarantee seamless and effective replacements for homeowners in Cape Coral, North Fort Myers, Fort Myers, Sanibel, and St. James City. To learn more, request a free quote today.