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Air Quality Differences Between Ductless and Ducted ACs

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Air conditioning systems are essential for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures and play a critical role in the air quality of a home or building. Ducted and ductless systems stand out as the most commonly used among the various types of air conditioning systems. Understanding the air quality differences can help you make an informed choice when installing or upgrading your cooling system.


What Are Ducted and Ductless AC Systems?

Ducted AC systems rely on a network of ducts to distribute cooled air throughout a building. Central air conditioning and heat pumps often fall into this category. The air circulates through return and supply ducts, passing through a central air handler or furnace.

Ductless AC systems, or mini-splits, consist of an outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor units. These indoor units directly deliver air to specific rooms or zones without requiring ductwork.


Air Quality Differences

Ducted AC Systems

Ducted systems often include robust filtration options, with high-efficiency or HEPA filters capturing dust, pollen, and other airborne particles to improve indoor air quality. A single system can effectively manage air quality across a home, providing consistent filtration and dehumidification.

However, ducted systems can face challenges. Over time, dust, dirt, and other contaminants may build up in ductwork, potentially recirculating into the air if the ducts are not regularly cleaned. Poorly maintained ducts, especially in humid climates, can harbor mold, degrading air quality and posing health risks.

Additionally, leaks in the ductwork can cause the conditioned air to escape, leading to uneven cooling and potential air quality issues due to unfiltered outdoor air entering the system.

Ductless AC Systems

Since ductless systems do not use ducts, there is no risk of dust, dirt, or mold accumulating in ductwork, which can improve overall air quality. Most ductless units have advanced filtration systems that capture airborne particles and allergens, with some offering multi-stage filtration for enhanced purification. The ability to cool or heat specific zones reduces the risk of cross-contamination of allergens, improving air quality in individual spaces.

Despite these advantages, ductless units require regular cleaning and replacement of filters. Neglecting this can reduce air quality and system efficiency. While ductless systems excel in localized air quality improvement, they may be less effective for large, multi-room areas without multiple indoor units. Improperly drained condensation can lead to mold growth inside the indoor unit, affecting air quality.

Comparing Air Quality Benefits

Ducted systems provide centralized filtration and can include HEPA filters, making them effective for whole-house air quality management. However, they are prone to dust and mold buildup in ducts, which requires regular cleaning. Ductless systems eliminate the risk of duct-related contamination and offer multi-stage filtration options but require diligent maintenance of their filters and may need multiple units for larger spaces.


Air Quality Differences: Which is Better for Air Quality?

The choice between ducted and ductless systems depends on specific needs, lifestyle, and the layout of your home. A well-maintained ducted system is an excellent option for whole-home filtration and air quality management. If minimizing dust and mold risks or controlling air quality in specific areas is a priority, a ductless system may be the better choice.


Creating Comfort and Clean Air for Your Home

Both ducted and ductless AC systems significantly influence air quality, but the key lies in proper installation, regular maintenance, and choosing the right filtration options. Assess your home’s needs, consider each system’s pros and cons, and consult a professional HVAC technician to create a healthier indoor environment.

Whether ducted or ductless, a well-maintained AC system keeps your air clean, fresh, and comfortable.

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JP Reyes

JP has been in the aircon industry for almost as long as he has been alive. As a child JP would help his tatay fix aircon units at their junk shop in Cavite. After graduating UP in the early 2000's, JP then started his own Aircon servicing business and within 5 years had 10 shops in 8 different cities. Fast forward to today and JP brings all his experience and expertise online to give readers trustworthy advice and reviews about Air-conditioning buying, servicing, cleaning and repair in the Philippines.

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