5 Ductless Myths in Charleston, SC Debunked

Ductless mini-splits continue to be popular among homeowners due to their energy efficiency and effective zoning capabilities. Despite these advantages, some homeowners are still reluctant to consider these HVAC systems due to many persistent myths and misinformation. Here, we debunk some five common myths about ductless AC systems, giving you accurate information that you can use to make informed decisions in Charleston, SC.

Myth 1: Ductless Mini-Splits Unevenly Cool Your Home

Ductless mini-split systems differ from traditional HVAC systems in design and operation. Traditional HVAC systems use an extensive duct network system to transport cooled air to different areas in your rooms, evenly cooling the home. On the other hand, mini-split systems do not have duct systems, which makes some incorrectly conclude that they can’t correctly cool your homes.

Mini-splits can include one or more indoor units positioned in different zones of a house and independently controlled. This separation of units lets you divide your home into different temperature control zones, allowing you to independently calibrate temperatures in each zone. With these systems, you can adjust each air handler for natural temperature variations in their respective locations, allowing you to cool your home evenly.

Myth 2: Ductless Mini-splits Require Extensive Maintenance

Ductless air conditioners employ more advanced technology than traditional HVAC systems, helping them achieve higher energy efficiency. Some people mistake this technology to mean that mini-split maintenance is complex and expensive. But they are not high-maintenance systems.

They require maintenance similar to traditional air conditioners. Their air filter requires regular inspection and cleaning and yearly preventive maintenance to keep them in good shape.

In some instances, ductless HVAC systems can be cheaper to maintain than traditional systems. For example, traditional systems require air filter changes every 60-90 days, but a mini-split allows you to wash the air filters every few weeks and change them about once per year or more often if necessary.

Myth 3: Ductless Mini-split Systems Do Not Clean Air Effectively

Traditional HVAC systems have filters that clean the air as it passes through the duct networks, which some people believe guarantees a higher indoor air quality than ductless systems. However, even though mini-splits do not have extensive duct networks, many modern models come with advanced air filter systems that efficiently arrest airborne particles such as dust and pollen. Mini-splits can be so efficient that those with experience using them argue that they give better results than traditional ones.

Ductless air conditioner filters require regular cleaning to remove trapped dirt particles, which homeowners can easily do. First, use a vacuum cleaner to remove loose dirt particles, and then wash with mild detergent to remove any stubborn grime before rinsing thoroughly with clean water. Then, let them dry before reinstalling, following the manufacturer’s directions.

Myth 4: You Can Only Use Ductless Air Conditioners in New Homes

Although ductless air conditioners are more common in newer buildings, it is untrue to imagine that you can’t install them in your older ones. Owners of older homes who wish to upgrade their cooling systems to more energy-efficient models can easily implement ductless AC systems, especially if they need a system with zoning capabilities for rooms that require unique temperature control.

These systems’ compact sizes and lack of extensive ductwork make them easy to install in any building, regardless of age. They can also be an excellent addition to your home if you have rooms that do not receive cooled air from an existing traditional air conditioner.

Myth 5: Installing Ductless Mini-Splits Is Difficult and Expensive

Some people believe installing ductless air conditioners requires complex constructions, making them difficult and expensive. However, this is untrue, as these systems are straightforward to install. Their wall-mounted heads can be installed easily, while sleeves to the outside condenser are simple since they do not require complex ductwork fabrication.

After clearing your doubts regarding ductless HVAC systems, we hope your perception of them completely changes, and you will consider them when choosing a cooling system for your home in Charleston this summer. If you have decided to allow ductless mini-splits to transform your home comfort, contact us at M & B Heating and Air for professional air conditioning services.

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