Spring and summer months in the Kansas City Metro are hot and humid, making it ever more important to have comfortable and cool living spaces to retreat to after long days in the sun. However, the options for air conditioning systems can feel overwhelming to homeowners who do not know much about HVAC. If you need a reliable air conditioning solution but want to avoid ductwork renovations or additions, there are a variety of options when it comes to ductless air conditioning systems. Here, we want to discuss the benefits of a ductless air conditioning system as well as the different types available.

What Is a Ductless Air Conditioning System?

Simply put, a ductless air condition system is an affordable solution for homes, or parts of homes, that don’t have ductwork. While central air conditioning systems are the most common way to cool homes in the country, installation is complicated and expensive for homes that were not built with the proper ductwork. For this reason, homeowners can turn to ductless air conditioning systems as a reliable alternative that will keep homes cool and comfortable all summer long.

A homeowner may also want to consider a ductless air conditioning system if they are adding a room to their home, such as a finished basement. This will avoid the need for additional ductwork, as well as the cost associated with the project.

What Are the Different Types of Ductless Air Conditioning Systems?

Homeowners have two main options for ductless air conditioning systems. The first is mini-splits, which are also called ductless heat pumps. Mini-split units are innovative pieces of technology that release cool and warm air. The air conditioning systems are easy to install, and each room or zone has its own thermostat, allowing separates spaces to be cooled individually. These units have outdoor components that attach to the indoor units. The indoor unit pushes cooled air through one or more machine heads into the rooms of the home while the outdoor components act as condensers.

In addition to mini-split units, portable air conditioners are also options for those looking for ductless units. Portable air conditioners, such as window air conditioners or space heaters, allow homeowners to move the units from room to room. A portable unit is a less expensive option to cooling a room; however, it may not be able to push cool air evenly throughout the room, especially if it is a larger space.

What Are the Benefits of a Ductless Air Conditioning System?

With all the different options for air conditioning units, homeowners should be sure to carefully consider which solution is best for their homes. There are numerous benefits to using a ductless air conditioning system.

1.     Cools Individual Rooms

Mini-split air conditioning units can target individual rooms or areas of a home. This is beneficial if a homeowner needs to cool a specific area of a home, such as an addition. Mini-splits are easy and affordable solutions to avoiding costly ductwork. Any smaller space, mini home, or home additions can be adequately cooled all summer long with a ductless air conditioning system. Additionally, each head of a ductless heat pump has a remote control, allowing homeowners to adjust temperatures for each room.

2.     Makes Installation Simple

Duct air conditioning systems can be expensive and complicated to install. Ductwork installation requires careful planning by HVAC experts to ensure the system is the proper size for the home and can distribute warm and cool air appropriately. On the other hand, mini-split units are easy to install and are a much more cost-effective option.

3.     Provides an Energy-Efficient Solution

Most homeowners will see a spike in their energy bills once they turn the air conditioning on for the season. Luckily, ductless air conditioner units are energy efficient and do not use excess electricity. In fact, cooling costs tend to be 30 percent less for homes with mini-splits. This allows homeowners to save money each month on their utility bills while still having comfortable temperatures in the home throughout the warm months.

4.     Tends Not to Be Loud

Air conditioners are often loud and intrusive, especially outdoor units. For a calmer option, homeowners can turn to ductless air conditioning units. In addition to being quieter than many air conditioning options, ductless units can be placed anywhere in a room. While portable units often generate white noise, many homeowners report that mini-split units are so quiet that they forget they are running.

5.     Can Come with Air Purification Systems

Ductless systems often include air purification benefits. Both mini-splits and many portable air conditioners come with this feature. The systems clean the air and eliminate pollen, dust, and dander, which often exacerbate the symptoms of asthma and allergies. The enhanced air quality is beneficial to the health of the individuals living in the home, but it also boosts the overall health of the house, allowing the home’s structure, features, and furniture to remain in excellent condition.

If you are deciding what air conditioning solution is best for your home, the HVAC technicians at Cates Heating and Cooling are here to help you. At Cates, our heating and cooling specialists have offered guidance to many homeowners in the Overland Park area when it comes to cooling their homes during the summer months. Give us a call today at 913-888-4470 for Kansas residents and 816-944-1844 for Missouri residents.