Central or Ductless AC: Which Is Right For You?
Most homeowners have heard about the debate between central air conditioning and ductless mini-split systems. Central air has long been the reigning champ, but ductless systems quickly become popular in many new homes and remodels.
But when it comes to choosing between them, there’s no single right answer - the right system for a given home will largely depend on the design of the home, the homeowners’ priorities, and of course, the budget. But by understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each type of system, homeowners will be better equipped to make the right decision for them. So keep reading to learn about the different types of air conditioning systems and how they compare.
Central AC - Pros and Cons
Central AC systems are the most common type of air conditioner. Here are a few of their key advantages:
- Size and Power - Central AC units are powerful and highly effective at circulating air throughout even the largest homes.
- Lower Initial Cost - Provided the home already has air ducts, the cost of a new central AC unit is usually relatively low compared to a whole-home ductless system.
- Better Air Filtration - Central air systems are better at filtering pollutants such as dust, dander, and pollen.
- Compatibility with Air Quality Devices - Whole-home dehumidifiers, air purifiers, and other air quality devices can be integrated with central air systems, but typically not ductless systems.
A few disadvantages of central air conditioning systems include:
- Higher Utility Bills - Despite their lower upfront cost, central AC systems are significantly less energy-efficient than ductless systems.
- Less Zone Control - Since central units serve the entire home simultaneously from one thermostat, homeowners will have little control over the temperature in individual rooms.
- Duct Maintenance - Air ducts eventually get dirty, worn, or damaged, so they will require periodic cleaning and maintenance, and may need to be replaced after many years.
Ductless Mini-Split AC - Pros and Cons
Ductless air conditioner systems are most commonly found in individual spaces such as garages, basements, and sunrooms, but they are becoming more common for whole-home use, for various reasons. Here are their main advantages:
- Lower Energy Bills - Ductless systems are highly energy-efficient, partly because the units in individual rooms can be switched off when the room isn’t occupied, and partly because they feature variable-speed compressors and other advanced technology that allows them to operate using relatively little energy.
- Greater Zone Control - Having a ductless AC unit in every room allows individuals to adjust the temperature to their liking without affecting the rest of the home.
- Fast and Easy Installation - Installing a ductless mini-split typically only involves drilling a fairly small hole in the wall to connect the electrical conduits and refrigerant lines from the indoor units to the outdoor compressor unit, making it a much less intensive undertaking than installing ducts to a home that doesn’t already have them.
The major disadvantages of ductless AC systems include:
- Higher Initial Cost - Since a whole-home ductless mini-split involves installing several separate units throughout the home, the upfront cost can be significantly higher than that of a central unit. The lower energy bills may eventually offset the cost, but it can take many years to balance out.
- Aesthetic Concerns - Ductless mini-split systems aren’t quite as inconspicuous as ducted systems since the indoor units are mounted on interior walls, and the conduit lines need to run along the home’s exterior to connect to the outdoor unit.
- Inferior Air Filtration - Ductless systems have intake filters, but they’re typically not nearly as effective as central systems at capturing particulate matter from the air.
- More Frequent Maintenance - Due to the size and limitations of the air filters, they will need to be cleaned or replaced more often than the filters in a typical central air system.
Other Air Conditioning Systems To Consider
Two other air conditioners worth mentioning are portable AC units and window AC units.
Portable air conditioner units are commonly used in garages, basements, and work sheds for a little cooling and humidity control without installing a permanent AC unit. Most portable units aren’t powerful enough to handle anything much larger than a single room, but they can be useful in small spaces. One potential drawback is the flexible exhaust hose that needs to be fed outside through a window or hole in the wall - many find this inconvenient and unsightly.
By contrast, an air conditioner unit can be mounted inside a window frame to act as a semi-permanent AC system. These are also a good option for individual rooms that aren’t connected to the home’s air conditioning system or for very small homes such as cottages or mobile homes. Window AC units are inexpensive but can be somewhat bulky and noisy, posing a slight security risk since they sit inside an open window frame.
Many homeowners find that one of the above systems suits their needs better. In contrast, some may find that a combination of them is ideal (central AC for the main house and ductless or window units for the guest house or insulated garage, for example). In any case, homeowners would do well to contact their preferred HVAC specialist for a detailed assessment of their home’s needs.
About City Plumbing
City Plumbing has handled Philadelphia’s HVAC and plumbing needs for over 20 years. As the proud recipients of numerous awards, including the BBB Torch Award for Ethics and the Angie’s List Super Service Award, they are dedicated to honesty, superior customer service, and unrivaled workmanship in their community. They offer 24/7 emergency service and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so call City Plumbing today for AC installation in Philadelphia, PA!
