When choosing an AC system for your home, it’s important to take energy efficiency into consideration. It doesn’t sound like a big deal upfront, but it could save you thousands of dollars over the life of your system.
It doesn’t matter what type of AC system you’re installing, some are more energy efficient than others. And when it comes to the most efficient, you’ll want to turn your attention to ductless AC.
Here are three things you need to know:
1. There is No Ductwork
As the name suggests, there is no ductwork associated with a ductless AC system. And for this reason, there’s no concern about losing air as it travels through your home’s ducts.
Get this: in the average home, you lose roughly 25 percent of energy to ductwork. In other words, only 75 percent of the air produced by your system ends up in your home. The rest escapes into your walls.[i]
By removing the ducts from the equation, you’re left with a system that’s designed for 100 percent of the cool air to reach your living space. Conversely, it cools your home more quickly, allowing it to run less. And in the end, that saves you money.
2. Ductless AC Systems are Smart
As you learn more about ductless AC systems, you’ll come to find that they’re powered by an inverter-driven compressor.
This allows your system to slow down and speed up based on your thermostat setting, as opposed to shutting down completely like central AC. It takes a lot of energy to start and stop a compressor, but that’s not a concern with a ductless system.
3. Different Temperatures for Different Zones
You’re likely to have more than one zone in your home, thus allowing you to customize how it’s cooled.
For example, you may have one zone for your master bedroom and one for your downstairs living space.
This allows you to set different temperatures for different zones, which can save you money. Maybe you want to turn down your AC in your bedroom when sleeping, but turn it up in your main living area since you won’t be using it.
So, the answer to the question of whether or not ductless AC is energy efficient is simple: yes!
According to ENERGY STAR, a ductless AC system can cut cooling costs by 30 percent when compared to conventional air conditioners.[ii]
With this in mind, you should strongly consider models that are ENERGY STAR certified. You don’t want to miss out on energy savings that can lower your monthly electric bill.
Now that you better understand the energy efficiency of ductless AC systems, it’s time to decide if it’s the right solution for your home.
If you’re interested in learning more, contact us to schedule an appointment with an experienced installation professional. We can visit your home, answer your questions, and help you better understand the benefits of installing a ductless AC system.