Carefully considering how to spend your hard earned money is something many of us take seriously.
This fact is especially true when buying home upgrades, such as purchasing a new ductless air conditioning system.
Here are some factors to take into account before plunging into such an important purchase:
Cost
Most ductless AC systems will cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 up front depending on the model you choose. If you want a multi-zone system, or one that’s powerful enough to cool a large room, you can expect to pay the higher amount. Don’t forget to figure in the cost of installation.
Zones
You must decide if you want a single-zone or multizone system. Single-zone ductless systems are cheaper as they cool a smaller area. If you have multiple rooms or areas you need to cool, the multi-zone is likely the best option. The good news is that a multizone system allows you to control each zone separately, saving you in energy costs.
BTUs
The power of all air conditioning systems is measured in BTUs. The higher the BTUs, the larger the space your system will be able to cool. Consider your room size and then decide on the amount of BTUs required.
Check out this chart below to help you make your decision.
| Area To Be Cooled (square feet) | Capacity Needed (BTUs per hour) |
| 100 up to 150 | 5,000 |
| 150 up to 250 | 6,000 |
| 250 up to 300 | 7,000 |
| 300 up to 350 | 8,000 |
| 350 up to 400 | 9,000 |
| 400 up to 450 | 10,000 |
| 450 up to 550 | 12,000 |
| 550 up to 700 | 14,000 |
| 700 up to 1,000 | 18,000 |
| 1,000 up to 1,200 | 21,000 |
| 1,200 up to 1,400 | 23,000 |
| 1,400 up to 1,500 | 24,000 |
| 1,500 up to 2,000 | 30,000 |
| 2,000 up to 2,500 | 34,00 |
Chart data courtesy of www.energystar.gov
Voltage
The majority of ductless systems use the standard 110-120 volt outlet. However, larger systems require a higher voltage, meaning that you’ll need to have a certified electrician upgrade your plugs in order to avoid a fire hazard.
Energy Efficiency
We recommend purchasing an Energy Star qualified system. “Every mini-split air conditioner will provide the rating in their specs and the higher the number is, the better the A/C unit will perform in regard to overall energy use,” according to Compact Appliance.
Durability
Research top ductless AC brands and purchase a quality system that will hold up over the years, saving you money in expensive repairs.
Installation
Conduct your research and hire a qualified installation expert such as the personnel at Gagne Heating & AC. In order for your system to work properly, correct installation is key.