Where it was once a luxury, air conditioning has become a standard convenience for many homeowners. However, choosing which air conditioner is best for you can get confusing. Both ductless split and central air conditioners are excellent options, but they have clear advantages and disadvantages. If you are trying to decide which system might be best for your home or business, take a look below to learn more:
Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioning
Ductless mini split air conditioners are typically wall mounted units that provide temperature control to one room in a home.
Advantages
The main advantage of these systems is that they are highly energy efficient. Because they blow air directly into a room, there is less energy waste. The cooled air does not have to travel through the ducts and risk losing temperature control or escaping altogether. Moreover, these units are easier to install than most ducted systems, and they give homeowners more control over which rooms they want cooled. Because of their small size and directed cooling capabilities, these systems are great for small retail or residential spaces.
Disadvantages
Some of the most widely cited disadvantages of a ductless mini split system are the initial cost, the look of the units and the air quality issue. Having a ductless A/C installed is typically a rather large upfront cost. However, the initial installation process is lower than that of a central air conditioning system. Though your energy savings over the lifespan of the unit help soften the blow, it is still a turnoff for some customers. Others dislike ductless systems because they are not as subtle as central A/C vents. Finally, many customers do not care for ductless mini split systems because they require frequent cleaning and maintenance. If homeowners do not stay on top of this, the air quality will deteriorate.
Central Air Conditioning
Central air conditioning units pull hot air from inside the home, cool it and circulate it through the entire home via ducts.
Advantages
Most modern homes have central heating and A/C, and one of the biggest advantages of this is that every room in the home is kept at the homeowner’s preferred temperature no matter what time of year. Another convenience is that many systems allow homeowners to install a heating and cooling combo that can be used in both warm and cool weather. Finally, air quality tends to be better with central air conditioning because the air is filtered as it travels through the ducts. Most people also tend to agree that this is the more aesthetically pleasing cooling option. The ducts are often hidden in the walls, and the vents are much less noticeable than mini split A/C/ units, so homeowners prefer the look of central systems.
Disadvantages
Central air conditioning is not the option for some people because it costs a little more in energy bills to run the system. Maintenance costs are also something to consider. Most experts recommend having the ducts cleaned at least once every year. The cost of duct installation is another disadvantage of central A/C systems. Putting in the duct work and the circulating units can get expensive.
What it really comes down to for homeowners interested in a new air conditioning system is preference. Both options have have clear advantages and disadvantages. it is just a matter of determining what is most important for your home. If you find that you need help selecting a system, you can contact the experts at SMO Energy to help you make the best choice.