Ductless AC: Everything You Need to Know

When the summer heat rolls in, you want a reliable air conditioner that lasts. But what if you have an apartment, a smaller space that needs AC, or never had ducts in your home to begin with? The answer could be installing ductless AC in Colorado Springs. 

Call the Colorado Springs air conditioning pros at Big Cat Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling to find out if ductless AC is a good choice for you and how to take the next steps. We also put together a guide to everything you need to know about ductless AC.

Call Now (719) 784-7224 Call Now (719) 784-7224

What is Ductless AC?

Ductless air conditioning does not rely on any ductwork to keep your home cool. Central air conditioning requires expensive ductwork above your ceilings, below your floors, and inside your walls. If you live in an older home or building, it may not come equipped with ducts, making central AC challenging and expensive to install. 

How Does a Ductless AC System Work?

When Big Cat Plumbing, Heating & Cooling installs a ductless mini-split AC, they typically mount the outdoor unit on the ground or attach it to the building’s side. You may also find it on the roof of an apartment building.

Your home also has units mounted in individual rooms. Mini split systems use a 3-inch hold to attach to the wall-mounted indoor unit instead of ducts. Depending on your needs, we can install up to four indoor units in different rooms in your home per outdoor unit. 

What Are the Pros of Ductless Mini-Split Systems?

There are plenty of benefits to making the switch to ductless AC, including:

Energy-Efficiency

Ductless air conditioners in Colorado Springs, also known as mini-split systems, are known for their efficiency. They work similarly to a heat pump or a refrigerator. As a result, they consume less electricity than many HVAC systems and are considered more efficient than window units. You should notice that energy efficiency is reflected in lower energy bills.

Sustainability

The heat pump technology of ductless air conditioners uses less electricity than traditional HVAC systems. Their quick installation, lack of ductwork, and fewer mechanical parts mean you’re consuming fewer resources than  you would with central air conditioning. 

Easy Installation in Older Homes

If you live in an old home, you may not have ductwork or an appropriate setup for central air conditioning. You can install ductless ACs faster and with fewer modifications to your home, preserving more of its architectural details.

Improves Indoor Air Quality

Do you struggle with asthma or other respiratory conditions? Ductless units work to improve your indoor air quality. Central air conditioners have the potential to worsen your home’s air quality by trapping debris, pollutants, and allergens in your ductwork and redistributing them throughout your home.

Fits Into Smaller Spaces

If you have a small space, ductless mini-split air conditioners are incredibly compact and simple to install. They provide the supplemental heating and cooling you need, which costs less than installing traditional ducts. In some cases, central air conditioning may not reach certain areas of your home; making your home ductless is also a great choice. 

Offers More Peace and Quiet

Central air conditioners can get noisy, especially as they age. However, ductless mini split systems are unobtrusive and take up little space while making less noise. Their compressor is also located outside, making your home a quiet refuge. 

What are the Cons of Ductless AC?

There are a few downsides to consider before making the investment in ductless AC.

• They’re not always large enough to cool a large home
• There is a higher upfront cost
• They need more indoor zones when cooling

When Should You Choose Ductless AC?

If you’re not sure if you should install ductless air conditioning in Colorado Springs, there are some questions to ask yourself. 

• Do I already have ductwork installed, and is my air conditioner running well? You’re probably better off sticking to central air conditioning than paying to convert to a ductless system.
• Am I adding to my home? If you’re adding a room, loft, or workshop to your home, a mini-split system is cost-effective and efficient. You won’t need to run ductwork for your project, but you will still keep your space cool and comfortable. Adding on a space could also put too much strain on your HVAC to keep it cool and require an upgrade. 
• Am I renovating my space? Homeowners undergoing a renovation may not want to invest in additional ductwork or ruin the architectural detailing of their older home. Ductless AC is a better choice for less disruption and expense.
• Does someone in the household suffer from allergies and respiratory issues? Central air conditioners can aggravate indoor air quality. Instead, choose ductless systems to ease the burden of dust and allergens. Mini split systems come straight through the outdoors and are then filtered before hitting your home. The air isn’t constantly recycled, like central air conditioning. 

What About Ductless AC Maintenance?

Just like any other air conditioner or home system, you will need ductless air conditioning in Colorado Springs. When you skimp on service, it depletes your system’s energy efficiency and can lead to premature replacement. Here are a few ways to keep your system in good working order, or call the team at Big Cat for all of your ductless AC maintenance needs.

1) Clean Your Filters

Although ductless air conditioners are cleaner than central AC, they still have filters that need to be changed. If you haven’t replaced your filters in a while, they’re probably covered in dust, debris, pollutants, and dirt. 

2) Clear Your Pipes

After cleaning your ductless AC filters, check the air pipes for any blockages or debris that could impact their performance. If you can reach them, you can wipe them out or use a vacuum hose to clean them out. 

3) Make More Space

Make sure your ductless air conditioner has about 4 feet of room in all directions to reduce pollutants and dirt in your system. You should also move furniture or anything blocking the unit away from your air conditioner to keep it running more efficiently and at a lower price.

Call Big Cat Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for Your Ductless AC Needs

Are you ready to make the switch to ductless air conditioning in Colorado Springs? The team at Big Cat Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling is here to help. We install, replace, repair and maintain all types of ductless AC mini splits and heat pumps to keep your home feeling incredible. Give us a call today!

Call Now (719) 784-7224 Call Now (719) 784-7224