Central AC vs split AC — the battle may be hard to judge. As a homeowner, it is normal to feel torn between getting a conventional central air conditioner or a ductless mini-split. We know it’s no easy task as HVAC systems are one of our home’s significant investments. But that’s what exactly we are here for!
In this comprehensive article, we will be going into the details of both HVAC systems. We will be giving you a brief overview of their differences and their pros and cons to help you decide which one to get for your home.
What is a central air conditioning system?
In this HVAC battle of central AC vs split AC, let’s start with learning about the former.
Central air conditioners are units of luxurious upbringing. They are highly famous in the HVAC market for their upfront cost. Regardless, their efficacy and performance in cooling your home are without question. The central air conditioning system has little to no operating noise, so you won’t have to worry about that as the outdoor unit lies outside. Central ACs have the exceptional capability to cool different spaces of your home at the same time. It does this through a system of ducts and registers installed in your home.
Choose this if: If you want to cool different areas of your home simultaneously without the hassle of installing a separate unit per room, this is your best bet. Central ACs do the job, and it does it well. You can trust an adequate and constant level of cool air throughout your household with energy efficiency. If you don’t have a current duct system at your home, getting this type of AC would probably be a downside as it adds to the initial cost you need to pay.
What is a ductless mini-split system?
Let’s tackle how the latter works by moving forward to our battle of central AC vs split AC.
A ductless AC or a ductless mini-split system comprises an outdoor and indoor unit. As the name suggests, it does not need or require any ducts or registers to cool your home. The indoor unit is typically mounted on a wall wherein a refrigerant tubing connects it to the outside unit. While their size enables flexibility in temperature zoning, they are only valuable for a specific part of the house. Unlike the central AC, a ductless mini-split system can’t cool all aspects of your home at once. You will need to install individual units in each part or room that you wish to generate cool air.
Choose this if: If you only wish to cool a specific room or part of your home, this could fit your liking. It saves you from the hassle of ductwork and is easier to install. If you aren’t much concerned about the interior aesthetics like some people, it could be a good option since it can help save you money in the long run.
So, who wins?
The battle of central AC vs split AC is yet a tough one to decide. If you are still stuck between the two, giving a call to your trusted professional HVAC technician sure won’t hurt. Discuss with them your home’s needs and further analyze what will be best.
