As temperatures start to rise, air conditioning becomes a necessity. Central air is great but not an option for everyone. Two alternatives to consider are ductless air conditioning or wall AC units.
Ductless air conditioning uses a small condenser that is installed outside. One of these condensers can support multiple air handlers. Wall unit air conditioners are similar to window air conditioners except that a hole is cut through the wall and the device is mounted in a sleeve through the opening.
Benefits of Ductless Air Conditioning
- Ductless air conditioning is nearly silent like central air conditioning, but at a fraction of the cost.
- Easier, more flexible installation is possible with ductless air conditioning. The units can be hung from the ceiling, over a door or window, etc.
- Ductless air conditioning is more energy efficient than central air since the latter can lose up to 30% of the cooling in the ductwork.
- If some rooms of your home are used more than others, ductless air conditioning allows you to set up separate zones so you only cool what you need.
- Some ductless air conditioner units are ENERGY STAR® certified. That might make them eligible for energy rebates and incentives in your area.
- Unlike central air, ductless air conditioning can be installed anywhere. Central air usually can’t be installed in homes built on a slab or over a crawlspace because there isn’t sufficient room for the ductwork.
- Long-term costs are lower with ductless air conditioning once you factor in the increased energy efficiency. So, while the upfront costs are higher, the money you’ll save over time will be greater.
Benefits of Wall AC Units
- Unlike window unit air conditioners, wall AC units do not block window light or view.
- Wall unit air conditioners are safer than window unit air conditioners because it’s more difficult for a burglar to pull out a wall unit and crawl through the opening. Additionally, wall AC units tend to be placed higher on walls making it harder to get to.
- Because cold air tends to flow down, wall unit air conditioners are able to counteract the heat in a room, which tends to rise. Window units tend to be lower in the room so it takes longer for them to offset room heat.
- As with regular window unit air conditioners, you only turn them on in the rooms that need it.
Drawbacks of Ductless Air Conditioning
- A technician is required to install ductless air conditioning.
- Ductless air conditioning costs more than window unit air conditioning.
Drawbacks of Wall Unit Air Conditioning
- Wall AC units are just as noisy as window unit air conditioners.
- If this is a new installation, a hole needs to be cut in the wall for the air conditioning unit. For a wide variety of reasons, including safety and possible zoning issues, that requires a professional contractor or installer. Even experienced DIYers skip this project and hire someone to handle it.
- Air conditioners installed in the wall require a sleeve, which is a metal device that holds the air conditioner in place. Without a sleeve, a wall would not be able to support the weight of the air conditioner. The sleeves tend to be either a slide-out chassis or a through-the-wall sleeve.
- Determining the right size and type of air conditioner to be installed in a wall can be tricky.
Tragar is Your Source for Air Conditioning Upgrades
If you’re thinking of upgrading your cooling system or are trying to decide between air conditioning options, talk to the professionals. Tragar Home Services is a Long Island-based and family-owned business that provides exceptional heating and cooling services. Tragar conveniently offers air conditioning repair services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, just call (516) 221-2559 or fill out this form for a service request.
