Central Air Conditioning Or Ductless Mini Split?

The answer will be determined by your speciﬁc situation. We’ll make it simple for you to make your own decision: Central Air Conditioning Or Ductless Mini Split?

A ductless or mini split air conditioning system works similarly to a central air conditioner. They are both made of two units: an outside condenser and an indoor evaporator. The heat is transferred from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit, where it is discharged, as coolant flows between the two units.

With a central air conditioning system, cold air is pumped via your furnace’s air handler into your ductwork, where it is distributed throughout your home. A ductless system uses thin copper pipes to connect the condenser to the wall box, eliminating the need for ducting and vents.

How to Decide Which Air Conditioning is Right for You

You Have an Existing Ductwork
Staying with a central air conditioning system is more cost effective if you have ductwork installed in your home.If you don’t have ductwork, a ductless mini split system will be significantly less expensive to install. There will also be far less construction: instead of costly ducts, a 3-inch hole in the wall will be drilled to put the lines through. Ductless systems are also ideal for homes with new additions that aren’t linked to the rest of the house’s ductwork.
You will see the Air Conditioner
A central air conditioning system is virtually invisible. However, a ductless mini split system necessitates the installation of an evaporator unit in the ceiling or on the wall. The manufacturers built these units to be as attractive as possible, yet you will notice the unit.A central air conditioning system may be a better option for you if you are really concerned about your interior décor.
The Size of Your Home
Consider going ductless, if your house is under 2,000 square feet. The majority of ductless systems aren’t powerful enough to cool a large home. Choose central air conditioning if your home is larger (2,500 square feet or more). The higher power of a central air system will pay off between 2,000 and 2,500 square feet, and you’ll get better efficiency out of a central air system.
Energy Efficiency is Important
The quality of the ductwork in a central air conditioner plays a major part in helping a central system achieve its efficiency potential.The effectiveness of a central system reduces considerably if the ductwork was not planned effectively (more curves and angles) or if it was not sealed properly. Ductless systems have a greater energy efficiency than the finest central systems.

Some ductless systems are referred to as heat pumps rather than air conditioners. It can reverse the refrigerant direction and bring warm air in when it is colder outside (as long as the temperature does not drop below around -30°C).

Heat pumps are quite efficient, so this might be beneficial if you wish to use your furnace less.