Central Air Conditioning vs. Ductless Mini Split Cooling

Central or Ductless Air Conditioning: Which Is the Right Choice for Your Home?

Whether homeowners are finally getting around to replacing that clunky old air conditioner or starting from scratch and scheduling an air conditioning installation in a newly built or renovated home, shopping for a new AC system can be a chore. After all, there are so many options to choose from.

Homeowners can choose the best AC system for their home and situation. This article will explain the advantages of the two main types of air conditioning systems, central AC and ductless mini splits, as well as a few less common options.

Central Air Conditioning

A central AC system, as the name suggests, cools the home using one main air handler unit, generally installed at a central location in the house. The cool air is then distributed evenly throughout the house via a network of air ducts. A large outdoor condenser unit, installed on the roof or beside the house, disperses the heat energy extracted from the indoor air.

Central AC units tend to cost less to install than ductless systems, especially in homes with existing ductwork. They are also less visible inside the home, as the only parts seen inside rooms are the air vents. Additionally, they easily integrate with indoor air quality products such as humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and UV air sanitizers to improve the air quality and health of those in the home.

Ductless Mini Split AC Systems

A ductless mini-split air conditioner requires no air ducts, making them great for homes without the space for ductwork. Instead, mini-split systems use several indoor air handler units throughout the home that provide cool air directly to each room or zone of the house. These units are typically installed high up on a wall, more or less out of the way, but this makes them more visible. 

Perhaps the biggest advantage ductless AC systems have over central air systems is their energy efficiency. This is because of their lack of ducts and because each indoor unit can be set to different temperatures, allowing energy to be saved in rooms that aren’t being used. Mini-splits offer unparalleled temperature control in individual rooms, allowing for individualized comfort.

Other Air Conditioners 

Other types of air conditioners on the market include window AC units and portable AC units. However, these units are not meant to cool a whole home. Instead, they are meant for cooling a room. While these are affordable options, they lose the benefit of affordability when many units must be purchased to cool an entire home. 

Window air conditioners are self-contained units that sit inside a window frame. They do not allow the window to be opened, and some of the natural light is blocked from the window. Portable air conditioners are similar to window units but don’t sit inside a window and can be more easily moved from room to room. However, they tend to be noisy and can make a room feel more cluttered since they sit on the floor. 

These types of air conditioners, though inexpensive, aren’t effective at cooling larger spaces and certainly not entire homes. They are generally best used for workshops, garages, or other smaller spaces not attached to a home’s air conditioning system. But depending on the space, a ductless mini-split may be preferable for a more discreet, permanent option for these types of spaces. 

About Laney’s Inc.

Laney’s Inc. has been serving the Fargo area since 1960. They provide competitive pricing, honest advice, and friendly experts. Call them for air conditioner installation and replacement in Fargo, ND. 

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