What Is Forced Air vs. Ductless?

Forced-air systems and ductless systems can keep you comfortable by providing heating and cooling to your Clinton Township home, but they do so in different ways. If you find yourself having a difficult time deciding which system works best for your Michigan home, our Great Dane Heating and Air Conditioning professionals are here to assist.

Forced-Air Systems

A forced-air system circulates conditioned air from your furnace and air conditioner. The air travels through your air ducts to provide each area of your home with either heating or cooling.

Furnaces are a great example of a forced-air system. A heat pump that uses ductwork can function as a forced-air system too.

It’s more convenient to add a forced-air system when you already have existing ductwork in your home. However, if you don’t have ductwork but want to add a forced-air system in your home, our professionals can install the ductwork for you.

There are many advantages of having a forced-air system in your home, such as:

• Your air is filtered, which can promote better indoor air quality (IAQ).
• It works with many smart and programmable thermostats so you can control and manage the temperature of your home.
• Newer, more energy-efficient systems use less energy and can help bring down your heating and cooling costs.
• Your home will quickly heat up and cool off according to the temperature you set.
• Operating costs are low.

Ductless Systems

A ductless system, also called a mini split, uses an indoor air handler instead of ductwork to distribute warm or cool air. In addition, these systems use electricity, whereas forced-air systems generally require fuel. You can go ductless with an air conditioner or heat pump.

A ductless mini split heat pump, for example, has an indoor air handler component, outdoor compressor, and conduit to connect both parts. It provides heat to your home by capturing outdoor heat, absorbing it, and relocating it inside of your home. A similar process happens for cooling your home, except the warm air is removed from inside your home and then transferred outdoors. 

Because these ductless mini splits don’t use air ducts, there is no risk of air escaping through leaks or tears, creating an extremely efficient way of heating and cooling your home. In fact, ENERGY STAR^® claims you could notice a reduction in cooling costs by almost one-third ENERGY STAR certified ductless min-split heat pumps use more sophisticated compressors and fans that can adjust speeds to save energy.

An overview of the top benefits a mini split system offers includes:

• No ductwork is required to heat or cool your home.
• You can direct heating and cooling to specific areas of your home.
• It has great energy efficiency.
• Placement of the air handlers is conveniently out of the way on the wall or ceiling.

Choosing the Best Heating and Cooling System for Your Home

With our Great Dane Heating and Air Conditioning experts here by your side, making the decision between a forced-air system and a ductless system can be simple.

Our team of experts will speak with you about your specific needs and evaluate your home so you can make the final, most informed decision. Whether you opt for a forced-air system or ductless system, we can provide the proper installation and help you feel comfortable in your home.

Let Our Heating and Cooling Professionals Help You

For all of your heating and cooling needs here in Clinton Township, Michigan, Great Dane Heating and Air Conditioning is here to help. We can answer your questions on forced-air systems and ductless mini split systems to help you get a system that works great for your home. Speak with our experts today by calling us at 586.790.2604 or request service online.