Sales 1.888.735.5651 Service 1.888.735.5651 The ductless mini-split air conditioner is a compact, energy efficient cooling system that is designed to cool a single room or zone without the use of air ducts. It is a popular option for older homes without ductwork, smaller homes, and add-ons where ductwork is not feasible. The system consists of two components – an outdoor condenser unit and an indoor air handling unit that is usually mounted high on a wall. The two units are connected by thin copper refrigerant tubing and electrical lines that run through a small opening in the wall. The ductless air conditioning system works by using refrigerant to transfer heat between indoors and outdoors. It extracts the heat from inside your home and converts it to cool air, which is then distributed back into your home via the air handling unit. Many ductless systems are reversible – they can provide cooling in the summer and heat during the winter months. The ductless mini-split system does not require ductwork Superior efficency.

No ductwork means you lose less than 5% cooling vs. losing up to 40% for traditional central cooling systems with ductwork. With increased efficiencies of up to 27.2-SEER, you can expect to pay less on utility bills.tax life of ac unitSome ductless air conditioning models have the highest efficiency ratings of any type of air conditioning system. best buy wall ac unitsDuctless air conditioning units are mounted high on a wall, away from the window, providing you with improved security and an unobstructed view, unlike window air conditioning units. how much does a 12 ton ac unit costHeating and cooling double duty. Some ductless models can provide home heating in the winter. The ductless mini-split runs almost silently since the the noisy compressor and condenser is located outside the home.

They can even run quieter than many central air conditioning systems.Some air conditioners seem to go on forever, but they do retire eventually. Window air conditioners are an affordable way to cool your home and are ideal for smaller spaces, such as apartments. Although they do not require a large upfront expense, homeowners still want to make sure they get the most out of the air conditioner they buy. Most window air conditioners have similar service lives, but their longevity depends on use, maintenance and proper storage. Average Lifespan Most window air conditioners have a service life of about 10 years, but this can vary depending on how often the unit is used and whether or not it is properly maintained. Air conditioners that are only used for a couple of months each year typically have a longer service life than those used several months each year. Most manufacturers include a warranty with their window air conditioners which indicates the expected life of the units. Some offer a 5 year warranty on all parts, while others offer longer warranties.

A Dirty Unit Dies Young Regular maintenance of your window air conditioner ensures it runs efficiently and can prolong its service life. Dirty filters prevent proper air flow, which means your air conditioner has to work harder to provide cool air to your home. And if the air flow is blocked, the air that bypasses the filter may bring dirt into the evaporator coil, which reduces its ability to absorb heat. Window air conditioners typically have a filter inside the grill. Some filters are reusable, but others must be replaced. Check your window air conditioner manual to determine the type of filter yours uses. The evaporator and condenser coils can also collect dirt over time, so clean these every year and clean the drain tubes as well. Many window air conditioners have a drain pan where a tube carries condensation from the unit. If this tube is plugged, your air conditioner won’t run as efficiently, and this can shorten its service life. Run a stiff wire through the drain tubes to clear buildup and scale.

Location and Sizing Can Extend Life Window air conditioner life can be prolonged if the window it’s installed in is out of direct sunlight. A north wall or a wall that is shaded is usually ideal because heating of the air conditioner from the sun is minimized in these locations. Before you install, check the heating and cooling capacity for your air conditioner. If it is too small, it won’t be able to handle the cooling load during hot spells. Most air conditioner manufacturers include capacity on the label. The required capacity for the room depends on the size of the room. Window air conditioners range in capacity from 5,500 Btu (British thermal units) per hour to 14,000 Btu per hour. Your unit may be sized by “ton,” which is 12,000 Btu per hour. Typically a window air conditioner needs 20 Btu for every square foot of space. Proper Storage If window air conditioners are not stored properly when not in use, they may become damaged or dirty, and this can limit the service life.

Remove your air conditioner when it’s no longer in use and place it in a dry location. Cover the air conditioner to prevent dust and debris from falling inside and keep it in a location where it will not be kicked or bumped. Do not store a window air conditioner on a high shelf where it might fall. References Natural Resources Canada: Room Air ConditionersSunland Home Inspection: Component Life Expectancy and Component Replacement CostsU.S. Department of Energy: Maintaining Your Air ConditionerThis Old House: How Long Stuff LastsU.S. Department of Energy: Room Air Conditioners Photo Credits Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionHomes with boiler systems as their primary source of heat lack the duct work needed for traditional central air conditioning systems. But, just because you have a boiler system doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the comforts of air conditioning. There’s no need to spend thousands of dollars on costly renovations to install duct work, when you can cool off without tearing apart and remodeling your home.

There are several air conditioning options available for homes with boiler systems. Here we focus on the features of three of them. Unico Air Conditioning Systems Unico offers a high-velocity air conditioning system with tiny vents that can run through narrow spaces, allowing air to penetrate rooms through small ducts. The vents are hidden and run between walls and through attics for minimum disruption to your decor, while the condenser unit sits outside the home. Designed for homes with no duct work, the Unico system can be an ideal solution for homes with boiler systems. The unit itself runs so quietly that you wouldn’t even know it’s there, due to the insulated air handler and vibration pads. The cooling coils lower humidity levels in your home, which reduces the workload on the air conditioning unit and helps you save on your energy bills. SpacePak Air Conditioning Systems SpacePak air conditioning systems use an aspiration system to circulate air into rooms without creating a draft.

These systems are normally installed in an attic and use discreet, hidden piping to keep your home at a consistent, cool temperature even during the hottest of summers. SpacePak systems, ideal for homes with boiler systems, don’t take up any floor space, and also have a condenser unit that sits outside the home. The system operates quietly so that you aren’t disrupted every time the unit starts up. These systems also dehumidify your home so that it will stay cooler without running up your energy bill. Of the three, the Fujitsu Mini Split system is the perfect solution for homeowners who have boiler systems, and requires the minimum amount of disruption to your home. It offers both a heating and cooling system that is perfect for seasonal transitions, although you can use it year round. It’s easy to install and easy to use, making it perfect for the homeowner who doesn’t like complex gadgets. Its small size and flexibility makes it perfect for apartments, home additions, or any area of your home that you want to keep cool or warm.

You can literally fit it anywhere, using the small wall-mounted unit or a completely hidden unit. If you have more than one area that you want to cool, you can connect multiple indoor units to one outdoor condenser, with the ability to have a separate thermostat on each floor of the home. The Fujitsu system runs quietly and also saves you money through its inverter circuits that provide more efficient cooling and Halcyon’s Energy Savings Program. The system knows when you leave the room and adjusts the temperature accordingly to help you save money on your energy bills. Not only is this system energy-efficient, it can also contribute to your family’s good health. Those suffering from allergies can benefit from the Fujitsu system because the deodorizing system reduces odors, absorbs dust and stops the growth of bacteria and mold through static electricity. Learn more about Fujitsu Mini-split Systems and how you can add one to your home here. When you own a home with a boiler system, there is no need to go through expensive home renovations to install duct work just to keep cool in the summer.