The rise of ductless AC systems has many people wondering whether they need a central air conditioning setup or if they should explore the alternative ductless system. Both designs have their merits, making it important to understand how they might fit your situation.

Efficiency

One of the biggest arguments in favor of ductless AC is that the system tends to be more efficient. SEER is your go-to efficiency number, and in this case, higher numbers are better. Central air offers a SEER of 14 to 22, although higher-efficiency options are available but are more expensive. Conversely, a typical ductless AC offers a SEER of 20 to 30.

The main advantage ductless designs have is that they don’t lose conditioned air as they move through air ducts. Refrigerant lines run straight to air handlers in each room.

Aesthetics and Integration

One of the big arguments for central air is that the design is more aesthetically pleasing and integrates well with traditional HVAC setups. Running ducts to a register in each room allows you to be strategic about visual placement. Many registers for central air come out of floors or low points on walls. Conversely, air handlers in rooms tend to be visible at high spots on walls or in the corners of ceilings.

Central air also integrates well with most types of furnaces. The furnace and the AC can easily use the same duct system.

Expandability vs. Simplicity

A nice aspect of ductless AC is that it’s highly expandable. One unit can operate air handlers for many rooms, and you can expand the AC to more rooms by simply connecting a new air handler. Expanding central air requires figuring out how to run ducts through your house, which could create challenges when structural supports get in the way.

Conversely, some folks see air handler designs as fairly complex. A central AC places everything in one spot, usually in a basement or service closet. Ductless AC units require lines running to all targeted rooms and air handlers in each one.

Zoning

Ductless AC easily offers the more straightforward approach to AC zoning. You place an air handler in a room, and the onboard controls effectively serve as a cooling zone for that space.

Zoning for central air is possible, but it entails more work. Dampers, fans, and sensors all help control the environment in specific rooms while only using one unit. This isn’t too complex when you’re building a new house, but it leads to lots of work if you want to retrofit a place that doesn’t currently have zoned HVAC.

If your household needs to address individual requirements quickly, a ductless design is an excellent option. Suppose you have a family member with breathing issues that are mitigated by air conditioning. Installing a ductless system is a good way to retrofit their bedroom and perhaps the living room to accommodate their needs.

Electrical Requirements

Both ductless AC and central air operate on the same principles of thermodynamics and refrigeration. Consequently, they have similar electrical requirements, with both systems usually employing a single 220-volt circuit for power. The higher efficiency of ductless AC tends to lead to lower electricity consumption, however.

Size

A big selling point for central AC is its ability to cool large areas at once. A five-ton central air conditioning unit can cool a house with more than 3,000 square feet of space and normal ceiling heights. Conversely, the biggest units for ductless systems usually cool about 1,500 square feet. You can use multiple ductless units to compensate for a large house, but the expense will become a factor.

Air Quality

Indoor air quality involves some trade-offs between the two types of AC systems. The lack of air ducts means that ductless systems don’t collect much dust. However, central air units all offer solid dehumidification. It is also easy to outfit a central AC with supplemental air quality systems, such as purifiers, HEPA filtration, and UV light treatment.

Chancey Heating & Cooling is happy to work on both ductless and central air conditioning systems. We handle AC installations, repairs, and maintenance. Qualified customers can also take advantage of financing for installation projects upon credit approval.

Families trust us because our company has served Douglas, GA and nearby areas proudly since 1959. Check Yelp, Facebook, and Google for the numerous reviews our satisfied customers have left.

If you’re trying to decide between ductless mini-split and central AC in a home in or near Douglas, contact Chancey Heating & Cooling today.