When it becomes time to upgrade your existing air conditioning system, you have two main options to choose from. The most traditional is the central air conditioning system that pairs up with your existing ductwork. The second option will be a ductless mini-split system. We’ll dive into detail about each of these different systems so that you can choose the appropriate one for your household.
Ducted Central Air Conditioning
A central air conditioning system relies on ductwork to deliver cold air throughout all the rooms of your home. In a lot of instances, homeowners will already have a forced-air heating system where they can simply add a central air conditioning unit that utilizes the same setup.
Ductless Mini-Split System
As its name suggests, a ductless mini-split system doesn’t need ductwork to operate. Instead, this type of system relies on multiple indoor air handler units to deliver cold air to all the rooms of your home. These units directly connect with the outdoor condenser unit via refrigerant and power lines.
Operating Efficiencies
One of the easiest ways to compare the operating efficiencies of different types of air conditioning systems is to look at their SEER2 ratings. The higher the rating, the more efficient the system is. In general, most central air conditioning systems have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating 2 (SEER2) rating of up to 20. Conversely, ductless mini-split systems can have a SEER2 rating all the way up to 28. One of the reasons that ductless systems are more efficient is that they don’t lose any of their cold air through gaps and leaks in ductwork like central air conditioning systems do.
Tax Incentives
Purchasing a new HVAC system for your home can make you eligible to receive a tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The amount of tax credit that you can claim is highly dependent on the type of system that you purchase. In general, ductless mini-split systems qualify you to receive a higher tax credit than traditional central air conditioning systems.
Zone Temperature Control
One notable difference between a ductless mini-split system and a central air conditioning system is the zone temperature control that the mini-split system offers. Because there are multiple indoor air handler units, each unit can be set at its own ideal temperature for that space of your home. This gives you the capability of setting a different temperature in your living room, bedrooms, and even your kitchen. With a traditional central air conditioning system, you would have to install a specialized zoned system in your ducting in order to have the same capability. Doing so to the extent that a ductless mini-split system does is typically not cost-effective for homeowners.
Lifespan
Another factor to consider when selecting a new air conditioning system for your home is its overall lifespan. While there are many factors that will determine the overall lifespan of your particular cooling system, there are some general estimates based on the style system that you choose. Central air conditioning systems have an estimated lifespan of anywhere between 15 and 20 years. Conversely, a ductless mini-split system will have a lifespan of between 10 and 15 years.
Heating Capabilities
One very notable difference between a central air conditioning system and a ductless mini-split system is that the latter can also provide heating for your home. With a ductless mini-split system, you only have to purchase one HVAC system to meet your comfort needs throughout the entire year. When you purchase a central air conditioning system, you still have to buy a separate heating system to heat your home during the winter months.
Which Is Best for You?
When it comes to determining whether a central air conditioning system or a ductless mini-split system is right for your home, one of the biggest things to consider is whether or not you have existing ductwork. You may already have ductwork in your home for an older air conditioning system or forced-air heating system. If so, then it’s typically going to be most cost-effective to opt for a central air conditioning system. However, if your home doesn’t have ductwork, it’s very expensive to have it installed after the fact. In this instance, it’s typically better to go with a ductless mini-split system, as it’s non-invasive to install.
Trustworthy AC Installation Service
Comfort Solutions HVAC offers trustworthy AC installation service to the Easton, PA area. We can also help with all your AC maintenance, replacement, and repair needs. Just give our office a call today to schedule your next cooling service consultation with one of our highly experienced HVAC technicians.
