Some homes throughout New Jersey do not have a ductwork system. This leaves these homeowners wondering what they can do when the summer heat hits. While summers may have been more tolerable at the time that their home was built, this is certainly not the case now. Summers have gotten increasingly hotter and more humid. Therefore, going without some form of an air conditioning system is out of the question.
Homeowners wonder what options they have in order to make their home more comfortable during the summer. In this article, we will explore some air conditioning options for homes that do not have a ductwork system. We will cover window AC units, the option to add ductwork, and ductless air conditioning systems.
Homeowners who do not have a central air conditioning system, generally, are quick to use a window AC unit in order to find the comfort that seek. However, once they install these types of units throughout their home, they realize that they still feel uncomfortable.
A window unit does not provide the relief that they need. Additionally, they come to find out that their energy costs quickly escalate since these units are extremely inefficient. They use a lot of power for the poor job that they do.
Also, these units are noisy. We have heard many homeowners complain about the noise levels in their homes because of these units. They claim that it is impossible to read a book or watch a movie. A conversation seems like a screaming match. Furthermore, they lose the use of their window and its natural lighting. Indoor air quality decreases since these units do not have the ability to properly filter air. Also, they create a lot of moisture in them which is an ideal environment for mold growth. This can lead to respiratory issues and other health problems. Overall, these units are more of a hassle to deal with than they are beneficial.
Ductless AC systems are another option for homes without ductwork. They are gaining popularity throughout the United States and they are already widely used throughout Europe. Many homeowners use them in homes that have a ductwork system. They use ductless systems as a supplementary air conditioner since they are so energy efficient. For this and other reasons, ductless cooling units are a great option for homes that do not have a ductwork system.
The ductless system’s appeal for homes without ductwork…
is that the installation of ducts is quite a complicated process. Many homeowners would prefer avoiding a complicated process and they use ductless as a smart alternative instead. The installation of ducts is highly expensive and it is a long, drawn-out process. After speaking with homeowners who have made this choice, they claim that they would have opted to go with a ductless system instead.
Experts will agree that the installation of ducts is a major construction project. It requires the alteration of the walls and ceilings throughout the home. It is a time consuming process. For this reason, those that live in the home have to, essentially, live in a construction zone for the duration of the project. This affects the everyday activities of the home. Also, many older homes cannot handle the electrical demands of a new air conditioner. Therefore, there is an extra expense of upgrading the circuit breaker box. Adding ducts to homes has a poor return on investment. Also, for any homeowner, no one wants to go through the process of rebuilding their home.
For individuals who do not have a ductwork system…
it is obvious why ductless systems are so appealing. They do not require a system of ducts. Their quick and easy installation makes this quite an attractive option. For most ductless installations, the process takes about a day. Typically, by the end of the day, homeowners can enjoy their new system.
Basically, the heating and cooling contractor places a small 3 inch hole in the wall. This hole serves the function to run the electrical wiring from the outdoor system to the indoor unit. The installation of these units does not require a major alteration of the house and it is not a major interruption to the home’s occupants. In addition, these units offer a high level of benefits. They include:
- Quiet Operation: These units are so quiet that you won’t know when it is running.
- Highly Energy Efficient: Units have high SEER ratings with cooling zones. This is a great way to cut down on cooling costs.
- Improved Indoor Air Quality: Ductless systems have state-of-the-art filtration systems which actually help you improve your indoor air quality.
- Enhanced Comfort: Ductless AC units allow for an enhanced level of comfort. They provide the comfort that you need in order to get through the hot and humid weather.
Ductless Air Conditioner Reviews
When you have an interest in buying any home appliance…
it is obvious that there are some products that are better than others. The same goes for ductless systems. Therefore, there are some factors that you should consider when you are in the market for a ductless air conditioner. For this reason, it is important to take the necessary time to find the best one that meets your cooling needs.
Some of the factors that you should take into consideration before making such an investment include:
- BTU’s
- Installation type
- How many cooling zones your home has
Single zones homes only require one indoor handler. The indoor handler connects to one outdoor unit. Relatively large homes require multi-zone systems. The setup for this type of installation is where there are many indoor air handlers that are all connected to one outdoor unit. However, whether your home is small in size or if it is larger than average, the best way to determine how many units your home requires in order to meet its cooling needs is by measuring the actual square footage of your home. From there, you will be able to figure out how many BTUs your home needs in order to properly air condition it.
It is important to understand that ductless systems are quite flexible when it comes to their installation. For single zone systems, you can choose from wall mounted units and ceiling units. They can be recessed or concealed. They also are able to be suspended. Multi-zone setups only use wall mounted units. The best way to find out how to meet your home cooling needs is by consulting with an HVAC contractor in your area.
Mitsubishi vs. Fujitsu
As you conduct your research on ductless air conditioning units, you will quickly find out that there are many manufacturers of these devices. Out of all of them, there are two whose performance, energy efficiency, and reliability are better than the rest.
The first one is the Fujitsu ductless air conditioner and the other is Mitsubishi. Although these two brands are top of the line, Mitsubishi seems to provide a higher level of comfort, better indoor air quality, and they are more energy efficient. Overall, Mitsubishi has surpassed any other brand based on customer reviews and performance.
Mitsubishi ductless systems are highly energy efficient. They design units that have SEER ratings that go up to 20-22. Due to the high SEER ratings, this makes them an energy efficient option that provides a cool and comfortable environment. This translates into a highly comfortable environment with lower cooling costs.
When purchasing any home appliance…
it is important to look at the warranty that the manufacturer offers. Long warranties indicate a long lifespan and a manufacturer that stands by its products. When researching Mitsubishi ductless air conditioners, you will find that they offer long warranty periods. A standard warranty covers the parts for 5 years and the compressor for 7. When registering a ductless systems within 90 days after installation, Mitsubishi offers a 10 year warranty for its parts and the compressor. The warranty period goes up to 12 years if you hire a Mitsubishi Diamond contractor to install it. Therefore, not only do you receive an outstanding product by investing in a Mitsubishi system, you also receive a long warranty period. This is a great indicator of a product that lasts and is reliable.
Explore Mitsubishi Ductless Systems
Ductless Cooling Costs
Of course, when any homeowner wants to add a new AC system into their home, they want to know how much it will cost. The cost of ductless cooling systems can vary due to a number of factors that affect the cost. These factors include:
- The size of the unit
- The model of unit that you install
- Type of installation that you choose
- How many zones your home requires
- The capacity of your electrical circuit breaker
- The configuration of your system
Since there are different installation options, the configuration will impact the cost to install a ductless air conditioning system. Obviously, a more complicated configuration can move your costs from the low end to the high end of the pricing scale.
Single Zone Ductless Systems
If you live in a smaller home or you only need a single zone system, then, as mentioned above, you will only require an indoor air handler and one outdoor compressor. Costs for a single zone setup, generally, range from $3,500 to $5,000.
Single zones systems are found in small homes, offices, garages, sun-rooms, new additions to homes, and other small areas. The installation of a ductless air conditioner usually takes place in homes that do not have a high square footage and homes that do not require a high level of cooling needs. They are also a great option for small homes that do not have ductwork.
Multi-Zone Ductless Systems
All HVAC installation costs vary from one home to another. This is regardless if it is an installation for a heat pump, furnace, or central air conditioner. When it comes to ductless systems, a larger home may require three or more units. Once again, this depends on the configuration of your system, the layout of the house, and the cooling requirements of the household members.
A multi-zone setup can range from $7,000 to $10,000. A home with about 4 cooling zones costs $14,000 to $17,000. If this seems steep, don’t forget that you can always add more zones or units to your home when it fits into your budget.
Conclusion
The cost for a ductless air conditioning system may present…
some sort of sticker shock at first. However, the energy efficiency of these units allow for lower energy costs, making them a smart investment. They have a good return on investment because they pay for themselves quickly.
Skylands Energy specializes in residential and commercial HVAC systems. Our NATE certified contractors can install, repair, and maintain all makes and models of heating and cooling equipment.
If you have a home that does not have a ductwork system in place or if you want to improve the comfort and energy efficiency of your current system, be sure to give us a call.
We have been in the HVAC industry for well over 30 years and so we understand what it takes to find the right system for your home. We will use our knowledge of energy efficiency, reliability, comfort, and indoor air quality to find a system that fits within your budget. Be sure to call our office today to schedule a free consultation with one of our NATE certified contractors.
Contact us now at (908) 707-1776 to find out more!
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