Our friends, neighbors and family members can be excellent resources for home maintenance advice. From where to find the best AC repair Midlothian has to offer to the best fertilizer for your lawn, word of mouth has value. Unfortunately, well-intentioned advice can also fall short on factual information. If you’re considering a big decision for your home, such as the best kind of A/C system to suit your needs, it’s always wise to do diligent research. Read on to learn about ductless A/C systems and get a fact check on common myths. Need emergency repairs for your HVAC, Midlothian homeowner? The team at Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating is ready to help. Give us a ring at (972) 388-3310 or contact us online to book services today.

What is a Ductless A/C System?

As the name suggests, a ductless HVAC system does not require air ducts to deliver air conditioned air to your home. Ductless units are available as single or multi-zone systems, and homeowners can opt for a unit that offers heating and cooling or just cooling. Ductless systems are great options for newer construction or old homes that don’t have existing ductwork. They offer great versatility, with the option to truly customize your setup according to your needs. That means if you’re adding a room or addition to your home, you can install climate control without the hassle of installing ductwork. A basic ductless system includes an indoor unit with an evaporator coil and blower fan, and an outdoor unit consisting of a compressor, condenser coil and fan. The indoor and outdoor units are typically connected through the wall with copper refrigerant tubing and wires.

How Does a Ductless A/C System Work?

The basic operations of a ductless system are exactly the same as a unit with air ducts. The difference comes in how air is delivered to the home. A typical central air conditioning unit may have one centralized indoor air handler that sends heated or cooled air into different rooms or sections of the home via an air duct system. A ductless system delivers air directly to a room or living area. In large homes, multiple ductless units may need to be installed, while smaller, open spaces can be heated or cooled effectively with just one ductless unit.

Types of Ductless A/C Systems

There are two types of ductless A/C systems, single-zone and multi-zone. Let’s explore the difference:

Single-Zone Ductless A/C

In this configuration, a single indoor unit is connected to the outdoor unit via a small pipe. This setup requires minimal disruption to your home upon installation. A single-zone unit can effectively cool one area or zone of your living space, and it can even keep multiple rooms comfortable, depending on the layout of your home.

Multi-Zone Ductless A/C

Multiple indoor units can be attached to a single outdoor compressor unit. Individual indoor units can be controlled separately via a wireless remote control. This option offers flexible configuration options for different areas in your home, which means no more family feuds about the temperature.

4 Ductless A/C Myths

There are multiple myths — both good and bad — surrounding ductless A/C systems. Here are just a few of the most common ones you can stop believing today:

1. They Provide Uneven Heating or Cooling

Ductless systems can be installed to cool multiple rooms. How effectively or evenly it will do so depends entirely on the knowledge and skills of the person or team installing the system. Hiring an expert for the job means they’ll consider the design and layout of your home and create a plan to ensure you get the most out of your ductless system — and that includes even heating and cooling.

2. They Only Work for New Construction Homes

This one simply isn’t true. Again, it all comes down to the quality of installation and whether the system is used and maintained properly. Ductless systems can be effective in both older buildings and new spaces.

3. They Lead to Poor Indoor Air Quality

Both ductless units and duct-based HVAC systems use air filters to trap and hold airborne pollutants, preventing them from circulating throughout your home. Some experts argue that air ducts can collect contaminants like dust, pollen and dirt over time, potentially leading to the presence of mold, insect and rodent infestations and unpleasant odors — all issues homeowners can avoid with a ductless setup. Consider this myth busted.

4. There is No Energy Loss

As air travels through air ducts in a conventional, duct-based system, it’s bound to lose some of its energy. That means your air might lose some of its cool before it reaches your living space, especially if it needs to travel far — and the same goes for heated air. While homeowners may experience lower rates of energy loss with a ductless unit, no system is perfect, and some amount of energy loss is still bound to occur.

The Benefits of Ductless A/C

There are a few key scenarios where a ductless A/C system can really shine. Homeowners may want to consider a ductless A/C setup if:
  • They need a quick installation
  • Greater climate control flexibility is required in separate areas
  • Low-maintenance is a priority
  • Space is limited

Get Expert AC Repair Midlothian, TX

If you’re on the hunt for expert A/C repairs, maintenance or installation, you can trust the pros at Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating. Our technicians are ready to help with expert advice and upfront, transparent pricing. If you’re looking to replace your old HVAC unit, or you need to add heating and cooling solutions to your home, our team can evaluate your home, needs and budget and create an optimal plan of action. Dial One Johnson is proud to offer flexible financing options to help cover the cost of new installation and major repairs, and homeowners can enroll in our comprehensive maintenance plan for ongoing care. Give a ring at (972) 388-3310 or contact us online today to get started.