Are you considering the installation of a new ductless system this summer? When it comes to choosing a new air conditioner of any kind, there are a number of considerations to keep in mind. You want your cooling system to work as efficiently and effectively as possible for the years to come, after all.
This is why you should definitely work with an experienced contractor to find the best option for your specific needs and budget, while keeping in mind that only a professional can guarantee reliable work. Particularly when it comes to ductless heating and cooling.
What Makes the Ductless System Different?
Instead of operating through a system of ducts connected to a singular indoor air handler and condenser unit, a ductless unit has one indoor unit and up to four indoor air handlers that can be wall-mounted in the rooms they’re needed in, saving space and allowing for individualized comfort.
There’s a variety of benefits to going ductless, but they can have unique needs if not properly installed! What are these needs?
Water Leaks behind the Air Handlers
Behind each of the wall-mounted air handlers, there is a conduit that contains a power line, a refrigerant line, and a condensate line. The latter is responsible for removing moisture from the cooling process so that no water enters your living space.
If your system isn’t adequately installed, however, it’s possible for the condensate line to experience a leak. When water, or refrigerant for that matter, starts collecting between the air handler and the wall, the material of that wall starts weakening until eventually, it causes the air handler to rip from the wall, and likely fall off.
This damages the wall, of course, and probably damages the air handler, too!
Broken Air Handlers
There is good news and bad news when it comes to a broken air handler. The bad news is, of course, that you can’t use the broken air handler!
The good news though is that if a single air handler breaks or stops working for some reason–such as a failed motor–then you still have the remaining air handlers throughout your home doing their job. So even though you’ll need to still call for repairs right away and be without cooling in that one room, you won’t be without in your entire living space.
A Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant leaks actually aren’t unique to ductless air conditioners. They can happen in any refrigerant-based air conditioner and may do so as the system ages. The loss of refrigerant will lead to a malfunctioning air conditioner and the leak must be repaired right away to avoid premature system breakdown.
What makes this problem unique with a ductless system is that this refrigerant leak might be occurring behind your drywall, exposing your home to refrigerant liquid or gas. This is definitely something worth avoiding by having your system professionally installed and maintained!
For quality AC service in Modesto, CA and beyond, contact DeHart Plumbing, Heating, and Air Inc. today.
Did You Know: We offer residential air conditioning services in Tracy!