Maryland has some of the most beautiful historic homes on the east coast, however, maintaining these homes comes with unique challenges. One of the biggest challenges is cooling your home and installing a ductless AC system can elevate this problem.
Many historic homes are heated with traditional boiler and radiator systems. However, you cannot add a cooling system onto a traditional boiler-based systems. Many older homes don’t have ductwork either and lack the space between stud cavities and floor joists to retrofit a traditional duct system.
There are alternative methods to installing HVAC systems in an older home. Ductless mini-split systems are the most popular way to introduce air conditioning to older homes. This system is ideal for homes that can’t accommodate conventional systems and ductwork.
How do you Install Central Air Without Ductwork?
Ductless mini-split air conditioning systems are great alternatives to traditional duct-based systems. These units don’t require ductwork at all, they are compact, and take less time to install. A ductless cooling system consists of a slim cable that runs from a single condenser that sits on the outside of your home to a wall-mounted AC unit in just the rooms you want to cool.
Can a mini-split cool a whole house?
Ductless systems can cool an entire house. Thanks to their zoning capabilities, multiple mini-split cooling units can connect to an outdoor condenser. This gives you the ability to place an indoor unit in every room. You can control mini-split cooling systems individually, giving you the ability to leave specific units on or off.
What are the Advantages of a Ductless Mini-split System?
Mini-split AC units offer many advantages to homeowners. They are some of the quietest air conditioners on the market, offer high SEER ratings, and they are extremely efficient. Due to the lack of ducts, they don’t leak as much cold air when in operation and can distribute cold air more evenly and efficiently than traditional units. Ductless units also use less energy making them extremely efficient.
Mini-splits offer flexibility in regards to location. On average, you can install up to six indoor air handling units to their own thermostat. The versatility of these systems allows you to add them as needed. You can add a unit to your basement or home addition without having to revamp your entire homes cooling system.
What are the Cons of a Mini-split AC System?
Mini split-system air conditioners have some drawbacks. One of the major concerns homeowners have is the appearance of wall-mounted air conditioners. Having an air conditioner hanging off a wall can be unsightly and distract from the looks of a home. However, mini-split units come in different styles. Along with wall units, there are also ceiling and floor-mount options. Ceiling mounted mini split systems, or ceiling cassettes, sit between the ceiling joists providing a clean flush-mount appearance. Floor-mounted HVAC systems give you the ability to partially recess the system low on the wall.
It is important to install the proper size mini-split unit in an optimal location. If an indoor unit is oversized or incorrectly located, it can short-cycle (short bursts of on/off). Short cycling wastes energy and does not provide adequate temperature control. A qualified HVAC technician should guide the buying and installation process.
Quick Facts About Ductless AC Units
- Cost: The cost of a ductless AC system will vary depending on how many indoor units your home requires, the costs of installation, and several other factors.
- Installation: You’ll need a pro to install the indoor and outdoor units.
- Maintenance: Mini-split systems need to be regularly maintained and scheduling annual system inspections is recommended. In addition to yearly tune-ups, you should replace the filter on each indoor unit monthly.
- Warranties: Manufacturer warranties range from 5 to 12 years. When properly maintained, ductless units tend to last about 20 years.
- Rebates: Some utilities offer rebates for installing ductless mini-split systems. To see eligible rebates in Maryland, go to gov/rebate-finder.
Ductless AC Installation in Maryland
A lack of duct work does not limit your homes cooling capabilities. Ductless AC systems are great solutions for older or historical homes without ductwork. They’re easier to install, require fewer materials, are energy efficient, and have zoning capabilities. Best of all, your home gets modern upgrades while keeping its original structure.
To install a ductless cooling system in your home contact Constellation Home. Our licensed technicians ensure the job is done right the first time. Call us today at 888- 243-4663 for an estimate or request an estimate online.
