If you’re in the market for something as crucial to your home as a new HVAC system, you’ll want to weigh all your options before making a final decision. We’ve put together the pros and cons of ductless and central air conditioning units so you can choose the best one to fit your budget, home, and lifestyle.
What are they?
To start, let’s get to know these systems. A ductless mini-split system does not require ductwork and has an outdoor compressor and an indoor air-handling unit linked with a conduit.
A central air conditioning system converts air in one area and distributes it from there through ducts and vents.
Now that you have a basic understanding of each system, let’s get into their pros and cons.
Cost
A big factor people take into account when choosing anything for their home is how much it will cost them. A central air system will cost up to 30 percent less to install than a ductless unit. When it comes to efficiency, this unit will turn on and off more often and requires more frequent maintenance.
While the up-front cost may be a little steeper, a ductless will save you more in the long run with little to no maintenance, and more efficient energy use.
Installation
As the name suggests, a ductless unit does not require your home to have ducts and has a fairly smooth installation process. A central air system will take more work to install as ducts are required to move air throughout the home.
Aesthetics
Looks-wise, the central air conditioning unit may be the winner as they are virtually unseen. A ductless unit, however, won’t be as inconspicuous. They rely on wall units to run and the line connecting the indoor and outdoor components is a potential eyesore to look out for.
If you’re still on the fence about which unit is right for you, contact DG Heating & Air Conditioning at (408) 669-3496 or make an appointment online.