For homeowners who are new to the market, it can be rather difficult to grasp how to differentiate between the various types of systems. For example, what are the differences between central and ductless air conditioning? Sure, ductless air conditioning doesn’t use ducts, but is that the only difference? And how does a ductless system cool a home if it doesn’t use ducts to transport air? Read on to find out the answers to all of these questions, and more besides.
Central Air Conditioning
Let’s start with the more common system type: central air conditioning. Most central air conditioning systems are split systems, meaning they have both an inside and outside unit. During operation, the inside unit evaporates refrigerant to siphon heat from the indoor air. The refrigerant gas circulates to the outdoor unit, where it is condensed into a liquid. This releases the heat outside. Meanwhile, the air handler circulates the now-cooled air back through the house.
Ductless Air Conditioning
Ductless air conditioners operate exactly the same way as central air conditioners, with the exception that they do not use ducts. Instead, ductless systems have separate air handlers installed in each room. These air handlers provide air conditioning directly to the rooms that they are installed in. Up to four separate indoor air handlers can be connected to a single outdoor unit.
Why, then, would you ever choose a ductless air conditioning system over a centralized one? Well, for one thing, they consume less energy. A ductless system never has to worry about losing any of its output to leaks in the ducts before it reaches its destination. For another, they are more versatile. If you don’t want or need to cool the entire house, with a ductless system you don’t have to.
If you’d like to know more, call Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning. We provide air conditioning services throughout Chicago, IL.