When it comes time for you to replace your outdated air conditioner, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the options available to you. After all, there are many! You might find it easier to go with the same cooling system you’ve always had–but what if this isn’t the most efficient way to go about it? In other words, what if it’s cheaper for you to go with another option?
It might very well be time for you to consider going ductless for your cooling (and heating) needs. Ductless HVAC systems are made up of a single outdoor unit, which is connected to up to four indoor air handlers. Each air handler can be controlled independently, making for a highly efficient and powerful option for homeowners looking for year-round comfort.
If not properly installed or serviced, however, you might run into a few repair needs that are unique to ductless systems.
Water Leakage
When we talk about water leakage from a ductless system, we unfortunately are not talking about the outdoor unit. While water leaks from the outdoor unit are still a problem that needs to be addressed, they aren’t as potentially detrimental to your home as a water leak behind one of your indoor air handlers.
You see, each of the air handlers has a group of connections that get routed through a hole in the drywall behind them. These connections, called conduits, are comprised of a power line, condensate line, and refrigerant line.
The condensate line is tasked with removing water moisture created in the cooling process so that moisture doesn’t enter your home. However, old age or some other type of damage can cause the line to leak. And when water starts building up behind the drywall, it weakens that material and eventually results in the air handler splitting away from the wall. This obviously causes property damage and can damage the air handler as well.
Broken Air Handler
This brings us to the next potential problem you might face due to improper installation–a broken air handler. Fortunately, we have a little bit of good news in this regard. When a single air handler gets damaged in any way, there is nothing that stops you from utilizing the other air handlers throughout your living space.
Of course, you still need and want to have the affected air handler repaired, but while you wait, you still get to enjoy cooling (or heating) in other parts of your home.
Refrigerant Leaks
This problem isn’t so much unique to ductless systems–it can happen in conventional central air conditioners and heat pumps–but refrigerant leaks behind a ductless air handler can be way worse than a refrigerant leak in the line leading to the outdoor unit of a central AC.
This is because when refrigerant leaks behind an air handler, the risk is that it can get in your home, where it can cause property damage. This is very rare, and even more unlikely if you have the system installed by trained and experienced professionals.
At Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc., your comfort is our promise! To set up an appointment for ductless installation, give us a call at the number above, email customerservice@daltonphc.com or schedule an appointment online.