Why Use A Ductless Air Conditioner For An Oil-Heated Home Without Ducts?
Most homes heated by fuel oil use hydronic heating systems, which do not use HVAC ductwork. During the summer months, homeowners who use oil for heating tend to rely on window air conditioning units for cooling instead of central air systems. While this may have been a reasonable solution in the past, the introduction of ductless air conditioners has changed the landscape. With a superior alternative available, those seeking air conditioning for old houses should consider transitioning from window AC to ductless air conditioning.
This article explores the drawbacks of window air conditioning units and explains why ductless mini-split systems are an outstanding choice for cooling older homes.
Reasons Why Window Air Conditioners are Not Effective for Cooling
Contents
- Reasons Why Window Air Conditioners are Not Effective for Cooling
- The Advantages of Using Ductless Air Conditioners
- 1. Ductless Air Conditioning Systems are Energy Efficient
- 2. Ductless Cooling Systems Occupy Less Space
- 3. Ductless AC Units Make Less Noise
- 4. Ductless AC Systems Allow Zoning
- 5. Ductless Cooling Systems Provide Better Indoor Air Quality
- Why Ductless Air Conditioners Offer Greater Affordability Compared to Forced Air AC Systems
- Conclusion
- Call Point Bay Fuel For All Your HVAC Needs
Here are some of the disadvantages associated with the utilization of a window AC system.
1. Window Air Conditioner Units are Bulky
Central air systems consist of separate indoor and outdoor units that work together to generate cooling. In contrast, window air conditioners integrate both components into a solitary unit, resulting in a bulky appearance. Despite decades of innovation, engineers have yet to significantly shrink their size. Window air conditioners invariably protrude considerably outside the house, adversely affecting its appearance. This is unattractive and can lower the property’s value by reducing its curb appeal.
2. Window Cooling Systems are Expensive
Remember that air conditioners use a significant amount of energy. As a result, simply concentrating on the initial cost of each air conditioning model while searching for a new one is insufficient. You must also factor in the operational expenses. Unfortunately, window air conditioners are not energy-efficient and, as a result, are expensive to run. They consume more energy per unit size compared to other cooling alternatives.
3. Window Air Conditioners are Loud
If you use a window air conditioner in your bedroom, you may find the noise from each component in the single box bothersome as they go through each cycle. The loud clicks and bangs can keep you up all night, even if the room is cool, causing sleep disturbances. The noise tends to intensify over time. If you can’t tolerate the noise any longer, it is best to seek a more effective cooling solution.
4. Window AC Systems Don’t Cool Well
Even though window air conditioners are bulky, their cooling capacity is significantly restricted. Even if you were to purchase the largest available on the market, it would still be inadequate for cooling a large room. Window air conditioners are best suited for small to medium-sized areas; anything bigger would require multiple units.
5. Windows Cooling Units Negatively Affect Indoor Air Quality
Window air conditioning units tend to develop gaps around their perimeter, permitting unfiltered outdoor air to enter indoor spaces. This unfiltered air may contain various pollutants that have the potential to trigger allergy attacks and respiratory problems. In addition, poorly designed window air conditioners may not adequately filter the air passing through them, resulting in air that still contains significant amounts of allergens. Window air conditioners also create an ideal environment for mold and bacteria to thrive, worsening indoor air quality.
The Advantages of Using Ductless Air Conditioners
Now, let us take a closer look at the advantages of using ductless air conditioners and why you should consider them.
1. Ductless Air Conditioning Systems are Energy Efficient
When comparing the energy efficiency ratings of window cooling units and ductless air conditioners, it becomes evident that the latter is significantly more effective at converting electricity into cooling capacity. Despite potentially having a higher initial purchase price, opting for a ductless air conditioner can lead to reduced monthly energy bills and significant long-term savings for the household.
2. Ductless Cooling Systems Occupy Less Space
Ductless systems consist of an indoor air handler and an outdoor unit. The sleek and slender indoor unit allows flexible placement in any room. Unlike traditional systems, it does not need to occupy a window, obstructing natural light. It can be mounted high on a wall without interfering with the interior layout.
3. Ductless AC Units Make Less Noise
Most noise-producing parts are situated in the outdoor unit but are unlikely to be audible due to the exterior wall’s insulation. The indoor air handler emits only a soft, barely perceptible hum, allowing for a peaceful sleep at night and uninterrupted work during the day.
4. Ductless AC Systems Allow Zoning
Ductless systems offer the flexibility to create separate HVAC zones within a house and establish different temperatures for each one. As a result, all family members can enjoy enhanced comfort without being subjected to a uniform temperature across the entire home. Occupants of individual rooms can modify the thermostat to their liking and shut off the air conditioning in unoccupied zones.
5. Ductless Cooling Systems Provide Better Indoor Air Quality
The indoor air remains free from contamination due to the absence of any unclean ducts. The use of advanced multi-layer filtration systems helps effectively obstruct pollutants and allergens, resulting in a more wholesome indoor environment.
Why Ductless Air Conditioners Offer Greater Affordability Compared to Forced Air AC Systems
Many households employing hydronic heating systems were not originally planned with HVAC ductwork. So, introducing a forced-air cooling system would entail the intricate installation of ductwork throughout the entire house. This may involve dismantling walls and ceilings to accommodate the ducts. It is an extensive and laborious undertaking that could be pretty costly. On the other hand, ductless air conditioning units can be fitted without significant home modifications. They merely require minimal links between the outdoor and indoor units. Installation is swift, cost-effective, and minimally disruptive.
Conclusion
Considering the drawbacks of outdated technology, homeowners should upgrade their cooling systems to improve energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and cooling comfort. Fortunately, there are better alternatives available now. Ductless air conditioners offer all the benefits while keeping installation costs affordable. To choose a suitable ductless AC, seek the assistance of an HVAC professional.
Call Point Bay Fuel For All Your HVAC Needs
For top-quality HVAC services in Ocean and Monmouth Counties, New Jersey, don’t hesitate to contact Point Bay Fuel. We employ the best professionally certified technicians, and they can perform excellent heating and cooling replacements, installations, repairs, and maintenance. Each of our reliable techs has years of experience and extensive knowledge to service your HVAC system correctly.
Point Bay Fuel guarantees the most affordable HVAC service prices in the locality. Our tune-up services can increase your energy efficiency and enhance your comfort while lowering your home heating and cooling bills. When you need to replace or repair your HVAC system, we can recommend the best one for your home within your budget. Your satisfaction is our priority, so we back all of our work with a guarantee. Give Point Bay Fuel a call today to schedule a service appointment. We offer free, in-home estimates.
Contact us now by calling (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists! Click the link to view our service area.