Ductless VS. Ducted HVACs: A Beginner’s Guide
The HVAC system does more for our home than just regulating the temperature, as it also helps to control the air quality and keep the room clear of any pollutant that may harm our health. One thing that you have to keep in mind, however, is that there are different types of these units and it’s imperative that you understand how to choose the right one for your home. With that said, here’s our guide to understanding the different types of HVAC units:
Understanding the Differences Between the Ducted & Ductless Units
The first thing you need to understand is that there are two main types of HVAC units: the ductless system and the mini split system. We’ll go into details of how the different units function down below:
The Differences Between the Ductless and the Mini Split HVAC Systems
The main functions of the ductless HVAC systems are similar to the ducted counterparts, as they both have an interior and exterior unit as well as a condenser. The main difference is how the temperature is carried out from the unit to the environment in the room. The ductless system uses a slim cable between the condenser to carry that cold air from one part of the unit throughout the room while getting rid of the heat through the exterior unit. With the ducted system, the air is transported through the ductwork that’s in the building that can help to keep the temperature more balanced with one another.
How to Choose the Right Type of HVAC Unit for Your Home
Now that you understand how the HVAC units differ, the next thing to know is how to choose the right one for you. Here are eight things to keep in mind:
What type do you need?
The first thing you need to think about is whether you should repair, replace, or upgrade the unit you already have. If you have made adjustments to the building by adding new rooms, it may be a better idea that you extend the unit that you already have into the additional section of the building. This is only if the unit is still in the best condition, so if that’s the case with your ducted system, then the natural choice would be to upgrade the unit.
Do you mind seeing the HVAC unit?
If you don’t prefer the look of a large AC system that can take up the beautiful space in your room, the ducted systems are often a better choice. This is because they can be hidden inside the wall and the ceiling, which can help to give a more discreet look.
How big is the building?
The size of the building and rooms are by far the most important thing to consider. It will have a profound effect on the energy efficiency rating and the performance of the HVAC unit. You should consult a professional service provider to make sure that you have the right option for your property.
Do you care about the noise?
As you may have learned in elementary school, solids are a much better conductor of vibration than liquid and gas. Therefore, the ducted system will enhance the noise of the unit, which makes it significantly louder. If you prefer a quieter unit, a ductless system is always a better option.
What is your cooling budget?
It would help if you were concerned about your heating and cooling budget to find the right option for your property. If you have an office space that needs to be kept cold at all times, you will need to adjust your budget accordingly while choosing the unit that has the best energy efficiency rating. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a temporary solution during the summer and winter, a small ductless system may offer the same performance with only a fraction of the cost.
Do you need to control each part of the unit individually?
Some types of properties require the HVAC units to be controlled individually, which leaves us with two solutions. You can choose a centrally-controlled ducted system or having several different ductless units. If you run a tech company and you need to keep the server room cold at all times, it may be more cost efficient to have a ducted option. If you need an AC for your wine cellar in your home, then a smaller ductless unit may be a more practical solution.
Do you need heating?
In some areas, heating is something that you bearly need, which means that you may not even have to look for a unit with a heating option. If this is your case, then it’s in your best interest to go with a unit that exclusively cools your home. If you’re looking for a professional HVAC maintenance service to take care of your HVAC needs, Elite HVACs is your best option. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.
