The climate where you live plays a role in determining what type of air conditioner is best. Also, each home is unique because it has a specific level of insulation and humidity. Some homes don’t have ducts, which greatly influences the cost of installation for a ducted system. We’ve covered the most important things to know about installation, humidity control, energy efficiency and indoor air quality to help you make the right decision between ductless and ducted air conditioners in Abbeville, LA.
Installation
It’s difficult to say which is cheaper to install because numerous factors affect installation costs. If your home doesn’t have ducts, your installation costs will probably be higher for a ducted system. About 91% of homes in the United States have a duct system, so it’s unlikely you’ll need to have ducts installed. When it comes to price, central air conditioners range from $2,650–$15,000, and ductless mini splits are $1,900–$3,900. Contact us to evaluate your property and prepare an estimate of how much it would cost to install these systems.
Humidity Control
Southern Louisiana has a humid climate, so humidity control is probably a top concern on your mind. Too much humidity in your home is harmful for your health and can damage wooden floors and furniture. It’s important that you keep your home’s humidity between 40% and 50%.
Ducted air conditioners are better at removing humidity from your home than ductless AC systems. This doesn’t mean your home is going to be too humid with a ductless system. You must check the humidity in your home to know if you’ll need a dehumidifier. We recommend checking the humidity even if you choose a ducted AC just to make sure you’re maximizing your indoor comfort and health.
Energy Efficiency
Ductless air conditioners are more energy-efficient because they don’t experience the same energy loss as ducted systems. A ducted system loses up to 30% of cold air from the process of sending it through ducts. When the ducts become damaged, this energy loss increases until they’re repaired. Ductless air conditioners usually have a higher SEER rating than ducted ACs. The SEER rating is an industry measure of energy efficiency in air conditioning appliances.
Indoor Air Quality
Ductless air conditioners provide better indoor air quality than ducted AC systems. Biological contaminants and dust can build up in the ducts and pollute your indoor air. You’ll need to maintain your ducts to protect your indoor air quality. Some models of ductless AC systems have air-purifying features to assist in improving air quality.
When making the choice between ductless and ducted air conditioners, it’s important to consult with a company you trust before making a final decision. We install both types of systems. Contact Desormeaux’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc to schedule an appointment for discussing what type of AC system is best for your home.
Image provided by iStock
