If you’re in the market for a new air conditioning system or thinking of participating in an air conditioner rental program, you will be faced with a choice to make: whether it’s better to upgrade your home with a central air conditioning system or one of the newer ductless variants you may have read or heard about. But there’s no need to fret – while the answer will ultimately come down to your personal situation, we’ve compiled this article to explain everything you need to know about each option.
To begin with, it’s important to understand that a ductless air conditioning system is actually very similar to what is known as central air. They are both comprised of two units: a condenser that is located outside the residence and an evaporator/air handler that is installed inside the home. Coolant passes between the two units, carrying indoor heat to the outdoor unit where it’s released.
Conversely, a central air system sends cool air though the air handler into the ductwork, where it’s pushed to the rest of the house. A ductless system uses narrow cabling between the condenser and a box on your wall, with no – as its namesake suggests – ductwork involved and zero vents required on the floor.
Deciding Which One Is Right for You
We get questions all the time from customers wondering what system is better for their needs, and we always help them decide after listening to their criteria. Some of the queries we base our recommendations on include the following.
Is There Existing Ductwork?
This is often the primary factor for most homeowners when deciding on an air conditioning system. If there’s existing ductwork in the home already, it’s usually more cost-effective to stay with a central system; if there isn’t ductwork already in place, it will be far less expensive to install a ductless system from scratch. What’s more, the cleanup factor is greatly reduced, and here’s what we mean by that: All you need is a 3-inch hole in the wall to run the cable through.
Ductless systems are also an ideal solution for homes with new additions that are not connected to the ductwork that runs through the remainder of the house.
How Important Are “Aesthetics”?
From the inside of a home, a central AC unit is invisible; a ductless system, in comparison, requires a ceiling-oriented vent or slim on-wall unit. And while the manufacturers take strides to make these boxes as “stylish” as possible, there are still aesthetics that need to be considered.
The bottom line is that if you’re particular about your décor, a central air system is probably a better choice.
How Big Is Your Home?
It’s a fact that most ductless systems simply don’t boast the horsepower, so to speak, to cool a large home. If your home is in excess of 2,500 square feet, the best bet is a central air system – from 2,000 to 2,500 square feet, a central air system (with its enhanced power) will pay off by possibly providing better efficiency.
On the other hand, if your home is 2,000 square feet or less, ductless should be the consideration.
The “Central” Debate
Put succinctly, the primary differences between the ductless – or, as it’s known in some circles, “mini-split” – system and a central air conditioning unit are price, amount of maintenance and overall look of each approach. Central AC systems are, unbeknownst to many, less expensive and virtually invisible, requiring annual maintenance; ductless units can be more costly and are not the most visually appealing, though they do demand little to no maintenance.
Because they do not require ductwork, ductless systems are the more convenient cooling option for older structures that happen to have thicker walls. The reason for this is that such systems keep the room temperature constant, unlike an air conditioner unit that turns on and off throughout the day. In the winter, the system takes a reverse approach by way of heat absorption from the outside air, which is moved indoors to heat the home as well.
The compact size of ductless systems allows for greater flexibility in terms of temperature zoning while air conditioning is limited to the rooms in which the air handlers are located. These systems tend to run quieter than central air units and are less challenging to install – in fact, some ductless mini-split examples boast the highest efficiency rating of any type of air conditioning solution.
We have found, through many years of experience, that it can be challenging to find professional, qualified installers for ductless systems. On top of that, the unit can run less efficiently due to improper sizing or placement, and there are some homeowners who, as we alluded to earlier, have aesthetic issues with a wall-mounted unit.
Advantages of a Central Air Conditioning System
- Keeps the whole house cool from a central location
- Efficient, cool and comfortable temperatures and lower humidity buildup
- Virtually invisible system adding value to a home
Disadvantages of a Central Air Conditioning System
- If the unit has not been sized properly, cost problems can occur
- Unit requires annual maintenance
- Air ducts need to be cleaned every three to five years
Advantages of a Ductless System
- Small size and flexibility
- Easy to install
- No ductwork needed
- Energy efficient
Disadvantages of a Ductless System
- System cost is high
- Sizing of the system can be tricky
- Some homeowners find aesthetics to be an issue
Considering an air conditioning system for a home upgrade or an addition? Ductless “mini-splits” and central air systems are two different and somewhat distinct ways to keep your home comfortable. When it comes to what’s right for your residence, it’s best that you compare the two technologies for yourself to weigh the pros and cons.
Here’s one more thing we’ll leave you with – some common situations you might consider a ductless system for include the following:
- A home that makes it impossible to install ductwork for a central system
- A newly finished area or a new addition
- A home where cooling and heating zones are being set up to reduce energy costs
Landen Heating and Cooling is the top heating and air service provider in the Zebulon, NC area, and since our inception in 2010, we have been a pioneering force in the HVAC industry. With over a decade of experience, our company has grown and adapted alongside the ever-evolving tech and demands of the sector, so when it comes to your heating and air systems, you can rest assured knowing you’re in good hands with us. Our expertise is reflected in services like installation, maintenance and repair of HVAC systems whether it’s a central air conditioning unit, a ductless mini split, furnace or heat pump. Our comprehensive services are designed to keep your environment comfortable year-round.
Call us today to learn more about our impeccable central and ductless air system solutions in Zebulon.
