Installing Ducted Air Conditioning

 

Ducted air conditioning is a great way to cool your home without wasting energy and money. They also have a great feature called zoning, which allows you to set different temperatures in each room.

Installing a ducted system is not as simple as it sounds and there are several factors that can impact the cost. These factors include your houses design, the number of rooms you want to cool and the distance between your outdoor unit and indoor unit.

Installation

Installing Ducted Air Conditioning systems use a system of air ducts to distribute cool, comfortable air throughout your home. They are a common HVAC solution for older homes and are often used to expand a home's space.

 

If you want to add a room, convert an attic or garage into a living space, extend your basement, or simply boost the temperature in a single room, a ductless air conditioning or heat pump system may be ideal for you.

Unlike traditional ducted AC systems, a ductless system doesn't require extensive ductwork. Instead, it connects multiple indoor units to an outdoor compressor/condenser unit that also provides power to the indoor evaporator coils.

Cost

Ductless air conditioning is a more efficient and cost-effective solution for some homeowners. It can save them money on their energy bills and can help them reduce their carbon footprint.

The price of installing duct air conditioning will depend on a number of factors, including the type of system, its efficiency, and how many zones you need it to cool. It will also include labor costs.

Multi-zone systems cost more to install than single-zone models because the technician must take into account multiple areas of your home. They also require a separate outdoor unit that can cost a lot of money to buy.

It is very important to choose a contractor with expertise in ductless installation. You can find a qualified professional in your area on HomeGuide, Google, or the Better Business Bureau. Ask for at least three quotes and compare them carefully.

A ductless system is easier to install than a conventional central air conditioning system, and you don't have to worry about ductwork being damaged. You can do it yourself or hire a professional. A reputable technician will be able to guide you through the installation process and make sure it's done correctly.

Energy efficiency

Ducted air conditioning is one of the most efficient ways to cool your home. It also allows you to control temperature in individual rooms.

In a duct system, cooled air is pumped through a furnace’s air handler and into the ductwork that distributes the cool air throughout your home. This system is most efficient when the ductwork was designed properly, is well-sealed and is free of leaks and holes.

Energy Star reports that homes lose between 20 and 30% of the air forced through ductwork from holes, leaks and poorly connected ducts. These faults cause energy loss and result in higher utility bills.

A ductless system, commonly called a mini-split AC system, has the same air conditioner components as a central system, but without the ductwork. It uses slim copper tubing to pump refrigerant from an outdoor unit to an indoor evaporator/air handler that sits in the room you want to cool.

Maintenance

Ducted air conditioning systems are efficient and cost effective cooling options, but they need regular maintenance to operate properly. Like any system, they should be serviced by a professional every year to ensure continued efficiency, longevity and peak performance.

A maintenance visit by a professional involves a complete safety inspection and performance check. They’ll clean and change filters where needed, inspect refrigerant lines and take a look at the electrical components.

One of the most important things a professional will do is clean the condenser coils. This prevents vegetation from blocking airflow, which can reduce the condenser’s ability to dispel heat.

It’s also a good idea to keep furniture and art pieces away from the unit. The space surrounding it should be at least four feet to provide adequate airflow.