Understanding the Difference
When the summer temps start to hit in the Coachella Valley, it can spell serious trouble if your home is unequipped with proper air conditioning. It’s important to ensure you have an HVAC system that can handle the triple-digit heat. Whether you have a traditional, ducted HVAC unit or a modern, ductless one, having an inefficient or defective system can make a world of difference in your comfort.
If your system isn’t running at its best, it may be time for a change. Upgrading to a modern ductless unit – or even just updating your current ducted system – allows you to have better control over your energy use and your home’s climate. It can be difficult to determine which system meets your needs, and making the wrong decision could cost you time and money – two things under tight control during summer in the desert.
The Coachella Valley HVAC experts at Comfort Heroes can make deciding on a new system easier on you and your wallet; we’ll help assess your energy needs, find the right unit for you, install it, and provide you with support and resources after we finish the job.
Trust the Coachella Valley HVAC experts at Comfort Heroes to keep you cool this summer – call today to upgrade your system!
Traditional (Ducted) Systems – Pros and Cons
Traditional HVAC systems, also known as “ducted” or “central” air conditioning systems, have been the standard in home cooling for decades. These systems consist of an outdoor condenser and an indoor evaporator, connected by a network of ducts that distribute cool air throughout your home.
The pros of traditional HVAC systems include:
- Whole-home, consistent cooling: traditional HVAC systems are ideal for larger homes, as they are designed to provide consistent and uniform cooling across the entire house
- Integrated heating and cooling: most ducted HVAC systems combine heating and cooling in a single system, providing complete climate control in your home
- Aesthetics: because of the ductwork connecting a traditional system, your air is distributed discreetly and without interfering with your home’s aesthetics
There are cons to a ducted HVAC system, such as:
- Duct issues: without regular maintenance, ducts can develop leaks with time – which leads to energy loss and inefficiency
- High start-up/install/maintenance costs: a traditional HVAC system can be expensive to install and regularly maintain, especially if ductwork must be installed as well
- Energy inefficiency: ducted systems can waste energy and raise your utility bills, especially in older units and non-insulated/leaking ducts
Traditional HVAC systems are a great fit for your home if you meet at least one of the following criteria: if your home has existing ductwork in good condition; if you prefer a single system for both heating and cooling your home; or if you have a large home that requires whole-house, consistent cooling. Otherwise, you may want to consider a ductless system for your home.
Modern (Ductless) Systems – Pros and Cons
Modern AC systems, also known as “ductless” or “mini split” air conditioning systems, are a recent invention and an alternative to ducted HVAC systems. These systems offer targeted cooling in your home without the need for extensive ductwork across the house. Consisting of a single outdoor unit and usually multiple indoor units, the wall-mounted indoor units are able to deliver cool air to specific areas, without cooling the entire home in the process.
The pros of ductless HVAC systems include:
- Better energy efficiency: due to not using ducts, modern air conditioning systems are vastly more efficient in terms of energy consumption and cost
- Zone cooling: mini-split systems can perform zoned cooling, allowing you to cool individual rooms and areas independently of each other, allowing for more climate control
- Easier installation process: compared to a traditional system, modern HVAC systems are quicker and less invasive to install, meaning you’ll be cool and comfortable faster
The cons for ductless HVAC systems are:
- Higher start-up cost: the initial cost for setting up a ductless HVAC system in your home can be higher than a traditional unit, especially if multiple indoor units are needed
- Aesthetic impact: although the indoor units of a ductless system are wall-mounted, sleek, and as compact as possible, they can still impact the aesthetic appeal and design of your home
Ductless air conditioning systems may be ideal for you if you meet one of the following criteria: if your home lacks existing ductwork; if you want a minimally invasive installation; if you need flexible or selective cooling; or if you prioritize energy efficiency and reduced utility costs.
Trust the Experts at Comfort Heroes
Navigating your AC upgrade during the middle of summer can be challenging to say the least, but with Comfort Heroes, you don’t have to do it alone. Our team of experts is ready to help you make the best choice for your home. With years of experience in the Coachella Valley comes a special understanding of our needs and challenges, which allows us to provide tailored solutions to keep you comfortable and cool all summer long. Whether you’re changing systems or just updating your current one, Comfort Heroes has the expertise and dedication to ensure a seamless and efficient AC experience in Palm Desert and the Coachella Valley.
Call our Coachella valley AC installers at Comfort Heroes and schedule your AC upgrade today!
