Cleaning Your HVAC System

Posted on: 22 June 2015

Mini-ductless air conditioners offer a great alternative to your space additions that need cooling even though ductwork is non-existent or simply not feasible. These AC units are easier to install than central conditioning, and offer more energy efficiency than central AC units.

The zoning capability of mini-ductless air conditioning allows you to heat or cool different areas separately, because a number of different indoor air handling units can be controlled individually in various rooms.

Unfortunately, ductless AC units are the subjects of all sorts of misinformation that can sometimes mislead buyers about how they work and how to get the best out of them. This article will seek to debunk 3 popular myths about these AC units.

They are only suitable for new construction

Ductless, mini-split systems are a great option for zonal cooling in areas where ductwork is non-existent, and they are therefore more applicable in well-insulated newly built homes and offices, as they can easily be combined with underfloor heating for more efficiency.

However, this doesn't mean that mini-split AC systems are not suited to existing buildings. Homeowners can easily upgrade their AC system using mini-split ductless units because they are easy to install and do not require much space.

Ductless systems collect and circulate bacteria

The truth is that most ductless mini-split systems have excellent self-cleaning functions that thoroughly purify the air in your home. There is no chance of bacteria or spores entering the inside of the unit, as there are large plastic filters that cover the electric filter collectors and heat exchanger.

As air comes into the AC unit, these filtering systems trap any spores or dirt, ensuring that only purified air circulates in the house. The filters can then be removed and washed with soapy water to eliminate any trapped debris. The internal fan in the unit also ensures that the heat exchanger stays dry so that no mold can take hold inside the AC.

The lack of ductwork eliminates energy loss

While it is true that there are no duct losses in a ductless, mini-split AC, there are other thermal losses that occur. A mini-split system does not distribute conditioned air, but rather distributes refrigerant via lines located outside the conditioned space. A legitimate thermal loss thus occurs as this refrigerant is transferred through these lines.

However, these thermal losses are significantly less than those associated with duct losses in a forced central air system, making a mini-split system more efficient.

For more questions about AC maintenance and repair, contact a company like Perry Heating Cooling.