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Central Air Conditioning vs. Ductless Mini-Splits

Written on: May 8, 2023

AFC helps you make the right choice for your home

ac installation Winslow, me With Memorial Day weekend coming soon, summer isn’t that far behind. That has many people here in Central Maine planning how they are going to keep their homes cool when it gets hot and muggy outside.

The performance of window air conditioning units makes them a less-than-satisfactory option. They don’t do well in larger spaces. Their energy efficiency is sub-par. They can be very noisy. They create a security risk, especially on the ground floor as they create an easier point of entry for burglars. Installing and removing them are a hassle and can be dangerous above the first floor. They block light while letting in bugs, pollen, dust, and dirt from the outside.

AFC offers you the ideal chance to enhance your home’s air conditioning. Our licensed, highly skilled service technicians can install both central air conditioning and ductless mini-split systems and provide outstanding maintenance and repair services. You can trust our work as it comes with the AFC Comfort Guarantee. Our affordable Comfort Plans help keep your air conditioning or mini-split in peak condition.

Are you trying to decide which option is best for your home? Let’s evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each one so that you can make an informed choice.

Central air pros and cons

Pros
If your home already has ductwork in place, installing central air conditioning is the most cost-effective cooling solution.

Improve the quality of your indoor air by using a ducted cooling system. It filters out particles and allows you to add air cleaners, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers to enhance its performance, providing maximum comfort in any environment.

When it comes to cooling large residences and spaces, central air conditioning is much more effective than mini-splits.

Ductless mini-split systems have less appealing aesthetics compared to central AC. The indoor components of a split system are more visible, and the vents are more noticeable, while the outdoor unit is harder to hide.

Cons
It is important to maintain your ductwork to keep your air conditioning system working properly. To achieve maximum comfort and efficiency, it is suggested that you clean your ductwork every two to three years. Damaged ducts can also lead to decreased A/C performance and higher energy bills.

Compared to ductless mini-splits, your energy costs will likely be higher if your HVAC system is not zoned.

Ductless mini-split pros and cons

Pros
Ductless mini-splits are a convenient option for cooling your home without the need for expensive ductwork. They are especially useful for homeowners with boilers who want to add cooling to their home without spending thousands on installing ductwork.

If you want personalized temperature control and increased energy efficiency, ductless mini-splits are the ideal option for zoned cooling. With customized temperature settings, you can maintain your desired comfort level at all times.

Mini-split air conditioning units are permanently installed and do not need to be installed or removed annually, unlike window units.

Cons
Compared to a ducted HVAC system, ductless mini-splits may not be as effective in providing air filtration and shielding your indoor atmosphere from dust, allergens, odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Ductless mini-splits cnsist of an indoor and outdoor unit. They are connected by a line that houses both the condensate drain and electrical connections. Unfortunately, this line runs along the exterior of your home, which, combined with the outdoor unit, may not look very attractive.

Although ductless mini-splits are highly energy efficient, they can be more expensive to install compared to central air conditioning systems if you already have ductwork in place.

AFC gives you comfort you can count on all summer long with central air conditioning and ductless mini-split installation and service. Get a FREE estimate today!