Homeowners without already existing HVAC ductwork in their home often make a choice between ductless air conditioners vs. window air conditioners.
Each of these has unique selling points and, therefore, consumers are often faced with a difficult time choosing between the two. The decision becomes clear as each determines which aspects are favorable for their own circumstances.
Window Air Conditioners Vs. Ductless Air Conditioners: Which Is Best For You?
Contents
Here, we will discuss how window AC units and ductless air conditioner units are different. We will also offer definitions, compare critical features, and review benefits. By knowing this information, consumers can make informed decisions for the best results.
Ductless Air Conditioner Systems Basics
There are two parts to ductless air conditioning systems. These are the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. Refrigerant tubing, along with electrical wiring, is used to connect these two components. The outdoor unit allows the heat, produced by the refrigerant, to be expelled outdoors while the indoor unit cools the interior space.
This configuration provides homeowners with numerous benefits. The positioning of the indoor unit allows greater flexibility without the need to place it in an open window. For instance, it can be placed high on a wall where it will not interfere with interior design or vertical storage.
The indoor unit can be installed in any room, even those without perimeter walls. This makes them ideal even for large structures such as office buildings since they can be installed in inner rooms.
Another attractive benefit is that occupants can continue to enjoy natural light and the view available through windows since they are not installed in open windows. Also, since the noise-making components to ductless systems are outdoors, the indoor unit operates much more quietly.
Basics Of Window Air Conditioner Systems
All the components of window air conditioning systems are contained in a box-like structure. This type of unit expels hot air into the outdoor environment while cooled air blows into the interior of the home. This is the perfect mix for installation in an open window or a perimeter wall. In rooms without windows, a hole is created in a perimeter wall to fit the window air conditioner box. This type of air conditioning system is cheap and simple to install. However, it also has several downsides and limitations that keep it from outperforming ductless AC systems.
Comparison Of Home Window Air Conditioning And Ductless Cooling Systems
Energy Efficiency
It is cheaper to purchase and easier to install window AC units. However, they are very inefficient because they consume greater amounts of energy than ductless systems. In the end, they cost more to use. Utility bills will be considerably higher because of increased energy consumption. Just by spending a bit more on the front end for a ductless system, your reward will be lower cooling bills and substantial savings in the long run.
Indoor Air Quality
The majority of people think that the only place they need to be concerned about when it comes to polluted air is outdoors. Truthfully, indoor air quality is often worse. The accumulation of pet dander, dust, dirt, pollen, mold, and other undesirable elements enter the home and circulate throughout the house. Filtration should help, but that is often not the case.
An excellent aspect of ductless AC is in the multistage filtration that aids in better air quality. On the other hand, window air conditioners are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold. The consequences of this are that these bio-hazards spread throughout your home and reduce indoor air quality. People with respiratory problems should take this into account when searching for their next air conditioning system.
Noise
As mentioned before, ductless air conditioning systems for the home consist of two units; the one on the outside and the one on the inside. The part that is responsible for making noise is located outdoors. This way, the homeowners do not have to hear any noise that the unit makes. This equals a higher level of comfort, including better sleep and quieter nights. The opposite effect happens with window units. Window air conditioners are notorious for generating lots of noise. Occupants of the home are directly next to the noise-making components. Many homeowners who use window AC units complain of the discomfort associated with the noise that these units make. The clicks and vibrations are very distracting.
Carbon Footprint
Talk about global warming is everywhere these days. Experts claim that unless we take positive action, the effects will escalate further as time goes on. Many speculate that human activity alone causes global warming. If that is true, then we can also stop it by changing those negative behaviors. As mentioned above, window air conditioners use a lot of energy. Ductless cooling systems have high SEER ratings, and Mitsubishi ductless systems come with the Energy Star label. Therefore, compared to window air conditioners, efficiently-operating ductless systems have a lower carbon footprint. By installing a ductless system, you can do your part to help the environment and reduce your overall energy costs.
Security
Window air conditioners may not be the best option if your home is in a neighborhood where theft occurs frequently. Criminals can simply remove these units from the window and easily enter the home. Of course, steel bars could be installed over the air conditioner, but that is expensive. Instead of doing that, why not spend on a ductless system in the first place? Mini-split ductless systems do not leave the home vulnerable to entry by uninvited individuals with nefarious motives. Just a 3-inch tiny hole in the wall is necessary to insert the wires and tubes that connect the indoor and outdoor unit.
Coverage
To cool the home with window air conditioners, a separate unit is necessary for each room. The number of rooms in the house determines the number of window units that you will need to purchase. Contrast that with the fact that you can use a single outdoor ductless unit to cool several rooms using a separate indoor unit per room or zone. You can set the desired temperature for each zone or room via the indoor unit.
Check Out One Of Our Ductless Installation Projects
For Your HVAC Needs, Call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning
It is important to choose your home cooling system wisely since they represent a significant investment. The choice you make will follow you for a long time, possibly a decade or longer. To find the best option for your home, you should weigh the comfort features and overall value of a variety of systems first. You should take serious consideration of ductless air conditioning. In terms of energy efficiency, noise reduction, air quality, flexibility, and carbon footprint, the advantages are considerable.
Call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning, a leading HVAC service provider in the area. We offer HVAC installation, repairs, and tune-ups with fast delivery of service, accuracy, and reliability.
Our HVAC service company has years of experience in the industry and offers practical solutions for your home air conditioning at affordable prices. Call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning for a free estimate when you need affordable, considerate, friendly service delivered in a timely fashion.
Click here to contact us now or call us at (800) 253-9001 to find out more!