Long, humid summers are the norm here in Cape Coral, FL. If you own a home here, you already know that its AC is among the most critical systems. When the time comes for an AC replacement, taking the time to understand your options is a wise choice. Here at Ultimate Homes Cooling and Electrical, we carry a complete line of cooling options that fit the local climate. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right one.
Split System Ducted AC
A split system ducted AC is the most common type of whole-home AC solution in Cape Coral. Its name provides a clue about its structure. A ducted split system AC combines an outdoor condenser unit with an indoor air handler, which connects to ductwork running throughout your home. When you use a split system AC, the air handler pulls warm air in from your home, extracts heat from it, and returns cool air. The outdoor unit expels the collected heat into the surrounding environment.
The Advantages of Split System Ducted ACs
Ducted split system ACs offer efficient, quiet cooling at a low upfront cost. These are the main reasons they are such a common AC choice. Another reason is that most homebuilders began including built-in HVAC ductwork in new homes in the 1960s. As a result, most recently built homes come with a split system ducted AC when new. Most homeowners replace their units with similar models when necessary. It is also worth noting that split system ACs simplify the integration of a heating system. Most can work with a gas-fired or electric furnace that can share space with the AC’s indoor air handler.
The Disadvantages of Split System Ducted ACs
One of the disadvantages of a split system ducted AC is that it doesn’t provide much comfort or flexibility. A standard system cools your whole home to a single temperature, which means you end up paying to cool parts of your home that you may not be using. Additionally, airflow issues inside your home often produce hot and cold spots, which can be uncomfortable. Another notable disadvantage of ducted split systems is that they can suffer from ductwork losses. Air leaks and convective losses can impose an efficiency penalty of up to 30% as your home’s ductwork ages.
Packaged AC Systems
Packaged air conditioning systems are another ducted AC option you’ll find in Cape Coral homes. They are identical to split-system ducted ACs. The only difference is that their air handler and condenser are together in a single outdoor unit. Packaged units connect to the ductwork of your home through an exterior wall. Sometimes, contractors install packaged units in crawlspaces or on rooftops. They connect to your ductwork through a floor or ceiling in those cases.
The Advantages of Packaged ACs
Packaged ACs share all the same advantages offered by split system ducted ACs. But they also enjoy a few unique benefits. One is that they can save space inside your home. With a packaged system, all your AC components are outside. This orientation also makes their installation a bit easier and faster. Additionally, the maintenance and repair of a packaged system is usually simpler since all the system components are in a single cabinet.
The Disadvantages of Packaged ACs
One of the disadvantages of a packaged system is that it is less efficient than a comparable split system. Additionally, with an outdoor installation, a packaged system is twice as vulnerable to the elements as a split system. Here in Cape Coral, this is a bigger deal than elsewhere. Our proximity to saltwater means the outdoor environment is harsh for metal components. Furthermore, we experience lightning often, which poses a significant risk to all electrical equipment.
Ducted Heat Pumps
A ducted heat pump shares the same form factor as a split system ducted AC. It includes a central outdoor unit and an indoor air handler that connects to your ductwork. Heat pumps operate bi-directionally, allowing them to function as both heating and cooling systems. While homes here rarely need heat, you wouldn’t want to be without it on a brisk night. A heat pump offers a perfect way to cover your comfort needs.
The Advantages of Heat Pumps
The most significant advantage offered by a heat pump is its energy efficiency. Most heat pumps have SEER ratings that place them among the most efficient cooling options available. In heating mode, they shine. A heat pump can achieve energy efficiencies as high as 400% in mild temperatures. They work best in climates where it rarely falls below freezing, which is the climate description of Cape Coral.
The Disadvantages of Heat Pumps
Cost is the primary disadvantage of a heat pump compared to a conventional AC. Heat pumps are more expensive because they are more complex. But the extra cost makes sense, considering that they also function as a heating system. The mechanical complexity can also contribute to maintenance and repair costs over their lifetimes.
Ductless Mini-Split ACs
A ductless mini-split AC is the ultimate cooling option for your Cape Coral home. As their name suggests, mini-splits need no ductwork and do not take up much space. A mini-split includes a central outdoor condenser that is narrower and smaller than a standard split system AC. Inside your home, they rely on wall-mounted air handlers in each room. Mini-splits can also use recessed ceiling and low-wall air handlers that mimic sleek radiators.
The Advantages of Ductless Mini-Split ACs
A ductless mini-split AC offers the most important advantage of being installable almost anywhere. They are a perfect cooling option if you own an older home with no ductwork or a home with aging ductwork. Additionally, the lack of reliance on ductwork makes mini-splits more efficient than all the other cooling options mentioned above. Mini-splits also provide zoned cooling by default. Each air handler has its temperature controls, allowing you to turn off air handlers in unused rooms. This feature can help you cut your home’s cooling costs. Many mini-splits even include a specialized dry mode, which provides extra dehumidification capacity.
The Disadvantages of Ductless Mini-Split ACs
A mini-split’s added features, flexibility, and efficiency come at a cost. Mini-splits are more expensive than comparable whole-home cooling options. While you can install a single-zone mini-split at a low price, a system that cools your whole home isn’t inexpensive. Additionally, mini-splits have higher maintenance needs due to their many air handlers. You must wash each air handler’s filter every two weeks. If you don’t, your air handlers could need professional cleaning.
Your Local AC System Installers
Here at Ultimate Homes Cooling and Electrical, we sell and install all the cooling options mentioned above. We specialize in Rheem cooling solutions, ensuring you’ll always receive a quality AC from us. Our trained HVAC technicians service any brand or model. We even offer financing options with approved credit to help you pay for the cooling system you need. For help in selecting the AC for your Cape Coral home, call Ultimate Homes Cooling and Electrical today.
