Why Use A Ductless Air Conditioner For An Oil-Heated Home Without Ducts?
Most homes that use oil for heating are equipped with hydronic heating systems. This means that they do not have HVAC ductwork in place. As a result, oil-heat homeowners tend to lean on window air conditioners instead of central ACs for cooling during the summer season. Doing so may sound like a logical step to take in the past. However, this has changed with the advent of ductless air conditioners. We now have a better alternative where it concerns air conditioning for old houses, so consider switching to a ductless AC unit.
This article discusses some of the drawbacks of window air conditioners. It also includes why ductless systems are the superior choice when old houses need air conditioning.
Why Window Air Conditioners are Poor Cooling Solutions
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Here are the pitfalls of using a window air conditioner:
Window Air Conditioners are Bulky
Central air conditioners consist of two separate indoor and outdoor units that work in tandem to provide you with cooling. On the other hand, window air conditioners combine these two units in a single box. They tend to be bulky as engineers are yet to find a way to significantly reduce their size even after it’s been decades since it was first invested. You will always see a substantial part of the window AC protruding outside your house. This ruins the facade, and the reduced curb appeal can also decrease the property’s value.
Cost of Window Air Conditioners
Remember that air conditioners have high energy usage. Therefore, you shouldn’t just look at the price of the equipment when shopping for a new air conditioner. Think about how much its operation cost will be once you use them. Unfortunately, window air conditioners are inefficient and costly to run. They consume a great deal of energy for their size than other cooling units.
Window Air Conditioners are Loud
All components of window air conditioners are crammed in a single box. As a result, you can hear each of them loudly and clearly as they go through each cycle. This can be annoying, especially if your bedroom has a window unit. It may be able to keep you cool, but the loud noises may keep you up all night. The noise may also get worse as time passes. Look for a better cooling alternative if you cannot take it any longer.
Poor Cooling & Window Air Conditioning Units
The cooling capacity of air conditioners is severely limited despite being bulky. You can buy the largest window AC available, but it still wouldn’t be enough to cool a large room. It can only sufficiently cool rooms that are small or medium-sized. Bigger spaces need multiple window air conditioners.
Windows Air Conditioners Have Adverse Effects On The Indoor Air Quality
Window air conditioners can develop gaps around them. As a result, unfiltered outdoor air can get inside your home. This may carry various pollutants that can trigger respiratory issues and allergy attacks. If the window air conditioner is poorly designed, it may fail to filter air properly, and the air passing through the unit may still contain allergens. Moreover, window cooling units create a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and fungi that can worsen your home’s indoor air quality.
The Benefits of Using Ductless Air Conditioners
Here is one of the best cooling alternatives to window air conditioners and why you should consider switching to it:
Ductless Air Conditioners are Energy Efficient
Ductless air conditioners are better at converting electricity to cooling capacity than window air conditioners, as can be seen by their energy efficiency ratings. Ductless units may have a higher initial purchase price. However, you will enjoy lower monthly energy bills that can result in considerable savings over time.
Ductless Air Conditioners are Space Savers
Ductless systems have two separate components: the indoor air handler and the outdoor unit. The indoor unit is slim and compact, so it is easy to put anywhere in a room. You don’t have to worry about the unit taking up a window and obstructing the natural light from streaming into your home. You can also place the indoor air handler up a wall, so it doesn’t interrupt your room arrangement.
Quiet Ductless Cooling Systems
The outdoor unit contains most of the ductless system’s noise-generating components. The exterior wall provides insulation, so you are unlikely to hear the noises. The indoor air handler only produces a low hum that is barely noticeable. This allows you to work or study without distractions during the day and sleep soundly at night.
Ductless Air Conditioning Units Enable Zoning
Ductless multi-zone setups let you divide your home into different HVAC zones. This way, you can set the temperature in each zone per your preference. Your family will experience greater comfort as everyone doesn’t have to endure fixed temperature settings around your house. The room occupants can change the thermostat settings in each room to suit their needs. The air conditioner in unoccupied rooms can also be switched off.
Ductless Air Conditioners Provide Higher Indoor Air Quality
Ductless systems have no ducts that can get dirty and spoil the indoor air. They are also equipped with advanced multi-layer filtration systems that effectively block allergens and pollutants. This gives you a healthier indoor environment.
Why Ductless Air Conditioners are More Affordable than Forced Air AC Systems
A lot of homes using hydronic heating systems weren’t designed with HVAC ducts in mind. Therefore, installing forced-air cooling systems means installing ductwork around the house is also required. This complex process may include tearing down walls and ceilings so the ductwork can pass through. It is an expensive, lengthy, and labor-intensive procedure. On the other hand, ductless air conditioners do not require such massive changes. Connections between the indoor and outdoor units are all that’s needed. Installation is affordable, quick, and non-disruptive.
Conclusion
Window air conditioners are outdated and have many drawbacks. There are better alternatives today, so homeowners should consider a cooling system upgrade that can help enhance their home’s cooling comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency. Ductless air conditioners offer all these along with affordable installation. Contact your local, trusted HVAC technician to assist you in choosing the best ductless air conditioner for your home.
Call R.F. Ohl To Learn More About Ductless Heating & Cooling Systems
If you want to discover what a ductless HVAC system can do for you, call R.F. Ohl. Our professionally-certified technicians will help you determine the type of HVAC system that works best for your needs.
R.F. Ohl is one of the region’s leading full-service HVAC companies. We offer a wide range of HVAC services, from installations and tune-ups to repairs and consultations. We can help you find different approaches and solutions to ensure that our services meet your requirements and budget. Call us today for a free, in-home estimate.
Click here to contact us today or give us a call at (610) 377-1098 if you have any questions.