Is Going Ductless Worth It?

Monday, June 8th, 2020

woman-with-remote-turning-on-ductless-air-handler-in-her-living-roomOur short answer to this is going to be “yes,” of course, but we don’t expect you to take that at face value. Also, ductless systems aren’t the right choice for every home, but they’re a great home comfort addition for many!

In case you aren’t already aware of what a ductless system is, as the name implies it does not rely on ductwork. It’s also a heat pump system, meaning that not only can it be used to effectively cool your home, but by the flip of a switch it will efficiently heat your home in the winter as well.

How Do Ductless Systems Work?

To truly determine if a ductless system is right for you and your home, it’s important to understand their setup. A ductless system uses one outdoor condenser unit, connected via a conduit to up to four individual air handlers installed throughout the home. This conduit contains refrigerant, a condensate line, and power lines.

Ductless systems operate similarly to air conditioners, transferring heat form one area to another. A reversing valve is the component responsible for allowing this process to occur. In the summer, heat is absorbed from indoors and moved outside, while during the winter heat is absorbed from outdoors and moved inside.

What are the benefits of this? Well, there are many! Read on…

Versatility

As we mentioned above, ductless systems are able to both heat and cool the home, allowing for year-round comfort. Just by the flip of a switch, your ductless system can switch from “cooling mode” to “heating mode” and vice-versa.

Convenience

Installing a network of ducts can be a difficult and expensive process, depending on the layout of your home. Some households may not even have space for ductwork, so a ductless system can be a great alternative. They also save space, since the indoor air handlers can be mounted up high on the walls in the rooms they’re being used in. Plus you don’t have to worry about having room for more than one system.

Cost

Why worry about servicing and eventually replacing two separate comfort systems? When you choose to go ductless, you won’t have to worry about repairing or maintaining an air conditioner and a heating system.

Efficiency

Since ductless systems don’t utilize a network of ducts, they avoid the energy losses associated with air leaks from those ducts. A tear or breach in a forced-air cooling system’s ducts can account for over 30% of energy waste. A ductless system, however, can save you considerable money on your energy bills.

The Importance of Professional Installation

Ductless systems are unique, and therefore require an experienced and careful team to install them. Without proper installation, your ductless system can suffer from various issues, such as broken air handlers, leaking refrigerant behind your drywall, or water leaks behind the air handlers. Prevent property damage and costly headaches by contacting our professionals for your ductless services!

Contact us for your Joliet, IL ductless services. Comfort First Heating and Cooling, Inc., where we put your comfort first!

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