Mini-Split vs Central Air: Pros, Cons, and Costs

When it comes to keeping your home cool, there are a number of different cooling system options available to you, with two at the top of the list being mini-split systems and central air conditioning systems. Each comes with its own set of benefits, depending on your budget,  existing ductwork, and layout of your home.

Whether you’re cooling just a individual rooms or entire house or need an easier way to cool a whole house than using a centralized system, you’ll want to learn about the advantages, disadvantages and , and installation costs of each system can help you make the right decision.

What Are Mini-Split Systems?

Mini-split systems—also known as ductless mini-split systems—consist of two main components:

A single outdoor unit (also known as a condenser unit)

Single or multiple indoor units mounted on an interior wall

The condenser and the indoor unit are connected by refrigerant lines that are run through a small hole in the wall. This makes them ductless systems, ideal for older homes or new additions that don’t have ducted systems.

Many householders love mini split systems due to their energy efficiency, small size, and the ability to cool specific areas in your home.

Breaks down types of mini-splits and sizing, costs and installation considerations from Home depot. https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/mini-split-buying-guide/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90b799b3f3

What Is a Central Air Conditioning System?

A central air conditioning system cools your whole house thought a single central unit and distributed to and from rooms by one or more fans and ductwork. This AC unit blows cool air out of small slots in each room. It’s a popular choice for a larger homes or ones with existing extensive ductwork.

Although the even cooling of the whole house that comes with an all-central system is not a benefit of ductless, since ductless operate with a lack of zone control, they are less energy efficient than a ductless system that has lower energy cost from the duct system.

Installation Costs and Energy Efficiency

Pros and Cons of Mini-Split Systems

Pros of Mini Split:

• Easy installation with minimal wall damage
• No need for existing ductwork
• Reduce energy usage and improve indoor air quality
• Features zone control to better control different temperatures in different rooms
• Perfect for new homes, older homes, or anywhere where you run down a duct in a living room, bedroom or crawl space

Cons of Mini Split:

• Higher upfront cost compared to a window units or portable air conditioners
• Wall units may not appeal every homeowners taste
• A single mini split air conditioner may not be enough for larger spaces or the entire house without a multi-zone system

When to Choose Each System

• You don’t have existing ductwork
• You want to cool individual rooms
• You care about lower energy bills and indoor air quality

Choose a central air unit if:

• Your home already has a working ducted system
• You want consistent cool air throughout
• You’re replacing a traditional central air conditioning system

Technology and Performance

Modern mini-split AC units often feature inverter technology for better temperature control and energy-efficient operation. You can control them with a remote control or integrate them into your smart home setup.

They’re also quieter than traditional AC units, and thanks to fewer parts, they require less regular maintenance in the long run.

Still deciding between mini-split and central air? Contact our HVAC experts for a free consultation

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