When it is time to purchase an air conditioning system, central AC is the only way to go, right? Not necessarily! Even though central AC units may be what you usually find at your friends’ and neighbors’ homes, there are, in fact, some alternatives to central air conditioning that you might consider for your new air conditioning installation this summer.
Ductless Mini Split Systems
Ductless mini split systems are a useful alternative for many homes in which ductwork installation is difficult. In this case, a ductless system can distribute air with the use of an outdoor condenser unit (similar to those used in central air conditioning systems) as well as indoor air handlers installed in different areas of the house. Each air handler has its own thermostat so you can vary the temperature in different areas or rooms of the home.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are similar to central air conditioning systems, but, like ductless mini split systems, they can provide both heating and cooling. Heat pumps pull heat from the air in your home and move it outside in order to provide cool air. During the heating season, this process reverses and the heat pump pulls heat from the outside air to pump it indoors. Because they rely on the air outdoors to provide heating and cooling, heat pumps usually work best in mild climates and may not be right for every home.
Geothermal Air Conditioning Systems
A geothermal system works much like a heat pump, but the heat pulled from your home during the cooling season is released into the earth rather than into the air. In heating mode, the system absorbs heat from the ground and moves it into your home. To accomplish this, a system of coils and a refrigerant line are buried in your yard. While the cost of installation is generally higher than with other air conditioning options, a geothermal system is a great investment because it requires less maintenance, has a longer lifespan, and is better for the environment than other central air conditioning options.
To discuss your air conditioning options with an AC expert, call Sunset Air today!
