Central Air Vs Mini Split – Pros and Cons
If you’re shopping for a new air conditioning system, one of the key decisions will be whether to choose between a central air conditioner or a ductless mini split.
Each has its advantages and drawbacks, so which option would best serve your home?
Are you thinking about installing a mini-split? Contact the talented team members at Anderson Air to learn more about the process.
Lower Upfront Costs
Homeowners that already have ductwork often find that installing central air conditioning is less costly; no extra expense will be incurred for installing the ducts – saving both time and money in installation fees.
Ductless mini-splits present their own challenges. Without taking into account ductwork costs, these systems typically cost about 30-35% more upfront than central air systems due to each indoor unit (called an evaporator ) plus installation supplies and labor fees; however, these units tend to be more energy efficient, which lowers electricity bills in the long run and makes investing worthwhile for many homeowners.
No Ductwork
Ductless mini-split air conditioners can provide an ideal alternative to central AC when your existing ductwork is not functioning well or needs to be upgraded while being more energy efficient than their counterparts and saving money on electricity bills over time.
Lacking ductwork, however, makes it more challenging to heat or cool your home evenly. Furthermore, installing ductless systems is more challenging in homes without an attic or crawl space where ducts can be run, while some homeowners have aesthetic concerns regarding wall-mounted indoor units.
More Efficient
Central air cooling is an ideal choice for larger homes, providing efficient air cooling across your entire space using its duct system and filter system. Central air systems also include large filters that help remove contaminants such as dust or pollen from entering your home and reduce dust spread by wind currents.
Ductless mini splits are more efficient than central air conditioning systems due to avoiding energy loss caused by ductwork, providing zone control, and making an ideal solution for homes without existing ducts or difficult areas like ADUs, basements, or finished attics that require heating/cooling solutions.
One downside of ductless mini-split systems is their visible indoor units; you should opt for a ducted system instead. Furthermore, regular maintenance must be performed to prevent vegetation, debris, and dirt buildup on their outdoor unit.
Less Noise
Although more efficient, central air systems may not be as quiet as ductless mini-splits due to noise generated from their ductwork when operating the system. Furthermore, their indoor units tend to be white, creating an eye sore in rooms and potentially deterring potential buyers from investing.
An efficient central air system can be just as cost-effective and offer the same benefits as ductless mini-split systems, including zone control, high SEER ratings, and lower electricity bills; its return on investment is slightly lower due to upfront costs associated with standard systems that many homeowners are unwilling to cover; nonetheless, central air is still an excellent choice for cooling and heating homes alike.
More Versatility
Central air systems offer more coverage and use less energy to operate than their ductless mini-split counterparts, leading to greater energy savings over time. They have higher SEER ratings that decrease operating costs for greater comfort.
Ductless mini-split air conditioning systems tend to have lower initial costs than central AC systems; however, their initial price does not include installation or ductwork costs and they require additional maintenance costs.
Ductless mini-split air conditioning systems offer greater versatility than central AC systems, enabling homeowners to zone their homes, thereby helping reduce energy costs easily. Furthermore, they conserve energy by only cooling rooms that are in use – though they may not be ideal in mild climates due to noise issues with indoor units reaching 19-24 decibels when operating – similar to leaves rustling during operation.