In the article below, which is written by Dr HVAC, you can find the differences between ductless/mini split AC and central AC
If you’re considering buying a new AC system or participating in an Air Conditioner Rental program, you may be wondering if it’s better to upgrade your home in Mississauga with central air conditioning or one of those new ductless systems you’ve heard about.
The answer, of course, will depend on your personal situation. But don’t worry! If you’re considering replacing your air conditioner, we’ve listed the main factors to consider below, and once you’ve read them you should be able to figure it out pretty easily.
If you hesitate that you need AC repair service or need a new AC system, call us 24/7!
So What is a Ductless System Anyways?
In case you don’t know, a ductless or mini split air conditioning system is a lot like a central air conditioner system. They both consist of two units: a condenser that sits outside the home, and an evaporator/air handler that sits inside the home. Coolant passes between the two units, carrying the heat from indoors to the outdoor unit where it is released.
With a central air system, however, the cool air is sent through the air handler on your furnace into the your ductwork, where it is carried into the rest of the house. A ductless system uses slim cable between the condenser and a box on your wall, and no ductwork is involved and vents are not needed on the floor.
How to Decide Which One is Right for You
Here are some of the questions we ask our customers to help them decide which type is the best match for their home and needs.
- Do You Have Existing Ductwork?
This is the main decision maker for most people. If you have ductwork in your home already, it will be more cost effective to stay with a central system.
If you have no ductwork, it will cost much less to install a ductless system “from scratch”. There will also be much less construction mess: all you need is a 3-inch hole in the wall to run the cable through. Ductless systems are also great for homes with new additions that aren’t connected to the ductwork that runs through the rest of the house.
- Will You Mind Looking at Your Air Conditioner?
When you’re indoors, a central AC is invisible. A ductless system, however, requires a vent in the ceiling or slim unit on the wall. While the manufacturers go to a lot of trouble to make the boxes as stylish as possible, there is still something to see.
If you’re very particular about your décor, a central system may be a better choice for you. But these homeowners found some pretty inventive ways of disguising them.
- What Size is Your Home?
Most ductless systems just plain don’t have enough power to cool a large home. If you home is larger (2,500 square feet and up) go with central. From 2,000 – 2,500 square feet, the greater power of a central air system will pay off, and you’ll probably get better efficiency out of a central air system.
If your home is 2,000 square feet or less, consider ductless.
- Are You Sensitive to Noise?
As a general rule, ductless systems are quieter.
If noise levels matter to you, be sure to ask your technician for the noise level (in decibels) for any systems you’re considering. Some ductless systems are louder and some central systems are pretty quiet.
- What is Your Cooling Budget Like?
A good ductless air conditioning system will start around a couple of thousand dollars for a single indoor unit (installed), but can go higher if you need multiple indoor units or wish to buy the highest energy efficiency model available. In general, central air systems are more expensive for comparable models, although some top of the line ductless systems will be more expensive than a low-efficiency central AC.
Unfortunately we can’t print exact prices right here because there’s such a huge range it would be meaningless. Also, sometimes we have a special or rebate happening that will reduce the price.
The good news is that we offer some excellent financing options, so you can get the system you need for about $40 per month (sometimes a lot less) no matter what you’re getting.
- How Important is Energy Efficiency to You?
Now this is a bit of a loaded question, because with central air the quality of the ductwork and the installation job play a huge role in helping a central system reach its efficiency potential.
For example, if the ductwork wasn’t designed well (more twists and turns than needed) or if it isn’t sealed properly and air is leaking, the efficiency of a central system drops. In terms of installation quality, the technician has to do things like ensure the right level of refrigerant, a level surface for the outdoor unit, the system matches the air handler, etc.
All that being said, the best ductless systems have a higher potential energy efficiency (up to 27 SEER) than the best central systems (21 SEER).
- Do You Need Individual Zoning Control?
If you have some areas of your home that get way hotter than others, or different family members who like different temperatures, a zoning system is the answer.
You can get zone control in both central or ductless, but it’s cheaper with ductless. This is because to get zoning control with a central air system, you need upgraded ductwork with internal dampers.
- Do You Need Supplemental Heating as Well?
Some ductless systems aren’t just an air conditioner, they are what’s called a ‘heat pump’. That means when it gets cold outside it can reverse direction and bring warm air in (as long as it doesn’t drop below about -7° C).
This can be helpful if you want to use your furnace less, as heat pumps are incredibly efficient.
You need consultation or more information about central air conditioners? Contact us!
