Is Central Air Better Than Ductless?

For about as long as you can remember, you’ve had central air conditioning in your home. Whether it’s the noise of the AC each time it kicks on and runs, the leaky ductwork, or something else entirely, you’re beginning to look at your other cooling options.

One of those options that has really captivated your attention is a ductless mini split system. The zoned cooling seems like it might be a good solution for your home (and even your office), but you’re still not sure which to choose. Should you stick with what you already have or make the move to a mini split system? Is it true that central air is really better than going ductless?

To answer that, we’ll review both systems, including the pros and cons for each.

Pros and Cons of Central Air Conditioning

Central air conditioning is a common cooling method for many a homeowner. That’s because it’s advantageous in the following ways:

  • Air conditioning units, as they tend to go outside, don’t detract from the look of your home.
  • The air quality of your home may be bettered with central cooling.
  • The entire home gets cooled when the unit is running optimally.

There are also a lot of downsides associated with using central air conditioning. Here’s an overview:

  • The ductwork can get leaky, necessitating repairs that make owning an air conditioner expensive.
  • If you want the more energy-efficient options, you tend to pay more money.
  • The operation rate of an air conditioner may be 30 percent more than a ductless mini split system, according to Fixr.com.
  • Installing an air conditioner is a timely endeavor that tends to cost quite a lot of money.
  • The units aren’t very quiet, even when in ideal running conditions.

Pros and Cons of Ductless Mini Split Cooling

Now let’s compare central air conditioning to a ductless mini split system. We’ll start with the benefits of mini splits first, of which there are many:

  • Your operation costs may drop by as much as 30 percent, which can be significant for some homeowners.
  • The marketability and resale value of your home may go up with a ductless mini split system compared to a central air conditioner.
  • A ductless system operates much more quietly than your current AC unit.
  • The installation costs are also much less, which puts more money in your pocket.
  • The energy efficiency that comes with ductless systems means you don’t have to pay a premium to do your part for the planet.
  • Installation is a lot faster so you can make a smart switch faster.
  • You get to choose which rooms need cooling, allowing you to save energy and avoid blasting rooms that are already cool.

No cooling solution is perfect. Some consumers have reported these issues with ductless mini split cooling:

  • They’re more noticeable compared to central air conditioning (the units can be hidden).
  • Air quality doesn't always improve as much as central units.

With more advantages than disadvantages to a ductless mini split system than central air conditioning, we can confidently say that no, central air is not better than ductless. If you’re ready to discuss your ductless options today, reach out to our team at PowerSave AC.

Sources:

https://www.fixr.com/comparisons/ductless-vs-central-air-conditioning