Ductless Mini-Split or Central Air Conditioning?

We’ll Help You Navigate All Your Cool Options

When temps hit 90 in April in the Hudson Valley, you start to think hard about what real summer will bring—and whether your system is up for the job. Now is the time a lot of homeowners decide the time is right to update their cooling systems. These days, people have a lot more—and a lot better—options. Traditional central AC systems are more efficient than ever, and the coolant they rely on is more environmentally friendly, too. At the same time, mini-split systems are opening up new possibilities for condo and apartment dwellers. Kiss those eyesore window units goodbye!

If you haven’t shopped around for a cooling system in a while, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at your choices. And the pros at Depew can help you navigate the cool new cooling landscape to find the best system for your home and your budget. Here’s what you need to know.

How Does Central AC Work?

If you’re a new homeowner shopping for a cooling system for the first time, you may not know how a central AC works beyond the thermostat. A central A/C system uses a system of ductwork and vents connected to an outdoor condenser and a single indoor unit that cools your entire house.

How Does a Mini-split Work?

A mini-split system—also called a ductless system—use one or more indoor units, called air handlers, which can be installed virtually anywhere—the wall, the floor, even from the ceiling. They connect them to an outdoor condenser via pair of slim refrigerant pipes that fit in a three-inch hole to cool your spaces in zones.

Central AC vs. Mini-splits

Both are great—but both have clear advantages and disadvantages.

Central Air Pros

There are plenty of good reasons to opt for a central air conditioning system for your home.

• Works on the same system of ducts and vents as a forced-air heating system.
• Easy temperature management with the same thermostat you use for heat in the winter.
• You can use your smart thermostat to program your cooling system to fit your schedule and comfort.
• One unit, one condenser, and no equipment inside the house.
• Less expensive to install than other whole-home cooling systems, such as mini-splits.

Central Air Cons

Central air has a few drawbacks that can make them less ideal for some homes.

• If you heat your home with a boiler system and radiators, you would have to have a ducted system installed for central air to cool your home.
• Installation can take a couple days, especially if you need to install the ductwork.
• Your whole house is cooled to the same temperature, which can be inefficient if you are not using all your rooms all the time.

Mini-spit advantages

• There’s no need for ductwork. Installation is usually less than a day.
• Low-profile air handlers can be installed almost anywhere—from the wall, the floor, even the ceiling. All that’s needed to connect them to the condenser is a pair of slim refrigerant pipes that fit in a three-inch hole.
• Ideal for condos and apartments.
• You can set up zoned cooling, with different rooms at different temperatures for more efficient energy use.
• Mini-splits can also provide supplemental heat, perfect for spring and fall or deep cold snaps in winter.
• Super high efficiency translates into big savings compared to running a central AC.
• Longer lifespan—up to 20 years.

Downsides of a Minisplit system

• Mini-split systems can be more expensive to install.
• Each unit has its own remote to control temperature.
• Not all smart thermostats are compatible with mini-split systems, and you may need a separate smart AC thermostat if you want to set up a programmable system.
• Units need to be installed on or near exterior walls.

What’s Right For You?

It could be a pretty clear choice—if you already have ductwork, a central AC is most likely the smartest choice. But you might still benefit from mini-split units if you have spaces that your main system doesn’t reach effectively, such as a converted attic or basement space.

That’s where the experts at Depew can step in to help. We can assess your needs, talk through your options and answer all your questions to help you choose the perfect central A/C or ductless mini-split solution for your home. Then, we’ll install it promptly, and correctly.

Contact the team at Depew today for a free quote on new cooling equipment.