The quality of the air you breathe – whether at home, work, your dentist, the store – is dependent upon a good heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. We may give our focus to the HVAC’s ability to control the temperature in our home or business, but it does so much more than that. The HVAC system can remove moisture, smoke, odors & airborne bacteria. It provides better quality of indoor air.

When taking on a home renovation or new build, or deciding to upgrade your current system, you first have to decide which type of HVAC system you want to install: ducted or ductless.

There are a few differences between the two. As the name suggests, a ducted system utilizes air ducts inside the walls and ceiling to blow either warm or cool air to vents throughout the home or building. Ductless mini-split heat pumps, also known as “mini splits” and “zoned HVAC”, send refrigerant directly to small air handlers, or blowers, which are units mounted on the wall or ceiling of each room in your residence. They are called mini-splits because ductless systems are made up of two parts: the mounted indoor unit and an outdoor unit.

McElroy’s is experienced in installing, repairing and maintaining both types of systems and can help you decide which is right for you. Here’s a look at some of the differences between the two:

Ducted

• Ducted systems provide better air circulation because air travels throughout the home or building from the central air handling unit or furnace.
• They are better at controlling humidity.
• This may be a more desirable aesthetic option. Ductwork is hidden in walls and ceilings. With a ductless system, there is a visible – albeit small - unit in each room.
• When it comes to furnace repair/service, ducted systems are generally a less expensive and easier maintenance option. But to avoid that emergency service call when Kansas weather unexpectedly jumps seasons and your system isn’t cooperating, be sure to keep your gas furnace and AC systems operating at their best through routine maintenance and by scheduling preventative maintenance with your local HVAC experts, McElroy’s. If an emergency does pop up, McElroy’s offers 24-hour emergency service.

Ductless

• Ductless systems use less space. When there isn’t enough room – or not room you’re willing to sacrifice - for ducts inside walls or ceilings, ductless HVAC systems are a good alternative.
• Who wouldn’t enjoy dusting less often? Because air is not traveling through a duct system, where dust collects, ductless mini-split pumps also mean less dust in your home.
• Independently control the temperature by room. If you have rooms that are always too cold or too hot, installing a ductless system could be a solution. They are great for providing comfortable temperatures in room additions, space conversions (like an attic or garage), or even that upstairs bedroom that always seems 10 degrees warmer than the rest of the house in the summer.
• They are extremely energy-efficient. You can save an estimated 25-30% of your energy compared to a ducted system.

We Recommend

McElroy’s has a full team of certified technicians experienced with a wide variety of systems and brands. They are available to fix or maintain your existing HVAC system, or to install new equipment. While we can provide local service to almost any brand of system, McElroy’s is a Carrier Residential Factory Authorized Dealer.

Carrier is a world leader in high-technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions, with a strong environmental commitment.

Carrier offers a wide selection of high-efficiency ductless air conditioners and ductless heat pumps. From systems designed for open floor plans or multiple rooms, to economical solutions and top-performing commercial systems, Carrier boasts quite a few options.

Contact us for help making an upgrade to your current HVAC system, installing a new system, or scheduling preventative maintenance on your system.