Making big decisions for your home is just part of the deal. One of the biggest choices you’ll make involves how you plan on cooling your space. When you factor in the initial cost, your family’s comfort, and the system’s longevity, it’s a choice you really want to get right the first time.
You’re looking at two main contenders in the cooling game for most people: traditional central air conditioning and the increasingly popular ductless mini-split systems. Both can get the job done, but they work in very different ways. What makes them different? How do you find out what’s best for you? We’ve got the answers to your questions!
A Deep Dive Into How Central Air Conditioning Works for Your Whole Home
You probably already know this system. Central AC is the workhorse of American homes. It utilizes a network of ducts, typically hidden in walls, ceilings, or beneath floors, to deliver cool air throughout the space. The system has two main parts. An outdoor unit, called a condenser, houses the compressor. This component works with a chemical refrigerant to remove heat from your home’s air. An indoor unit, the air handler, which is often part of your furnace, blows the newly chilled air through the ductwork and into every room.
You control everything from a single, central thermostat. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it approach to cooling. As the temperature rises, the system activates and cools the entire house to your desired setting. A clean air filter in the air handler is key to keeping the air moving and maintaining good indoor air quality. For a uniform temperature throughout your home, this type of cooling and heating system is a familiar and reliable option.
The Magic of Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Ductless systems, or mini-splits, take a completely different approach. Instead of one large unit cooling the whole house, they use individual units to cool specific rooms or “zones.” A ductless setup also has two main parts: an outdoor compressor/condenser unit and one or more indoor air-handler units. These are connected by a small conduit that holds the power cable and refrigerant lines, requiring only a small hole in the wall. There’s no need for bulky ductwork.
Each indoor air handler is controlled by its own remote, giving you total command over the temperature in that specific room. This means you can keep the bedroom ice-cold for sleeping while the living room stays a bit warmer, all without wasting energy cooling empty spaces. Many of these units are also heat pumps, meaning they can provide both powerful cooling in the summer and effective heat in the winter, making them a year-round solution for your comfort.
The Different Paths Central and Ductless Systems Take to Get Into Your House
Think about the installation process for these two systems. If your home already has ductwork in good condition from an existing furnace, adding a central AC unit is a fairly straightforward job. We connect the outdoor condenser and the indoor coil to your existing setup, and you’re good to go. However, if your home doesn’t have ducts, putting them in is a major project that involves opening up walls and ceilings.
Ductless installation, on the other hand, is much less disruptive. Since there are no ducts, the process is faster and cleaner. We mount the indoor air handler on a wall or ceiling, place the condenser unit outside, and connect them through a three-inch hole. We can often install a complete single-zone system in just one day, giving you immediate relief from the heat and humidity.
Show Me the Money: How Much Will Each System Save (or Cost) Akron and Northeast Ohio Residents?
The final cost depends on your home, but there are some general patterns. The upfront investment and long-term energy usage can be quite different between the two. Thinking about how a new system impacts your energy bill is just as important as the initial price tag.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect:
- Central Air Conditioning: The initial cost can be lower if you already have ductwork. If you need to install ducts from scratch, the price goes up considerably. Over time, energy can be lost as air travels through the ducts, especially if they are old or have leaks. The system’s efficiency is measured by its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), so a higher rating means lower bills.
- Ductless Mini-Splits: The upfront cost per unit can sometimes be higher than a central system. But, their long-term savings on energy are impressive. Since there are no ducts, there’s no energy loss. Plus, you save a ton by only cooling the rooms you are using. Ductless systems typically have a very high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, making them champions of efficiency.
How Each System Impacts Comfort, Humidity, and Indoor Air Quality
Central air is great at maintaining a consistent temperature everywhere, but it can sometimes struggle with hot or cold spots in rooms far from the air handler. Ducts can also collect dust and allergens over time, so regular cleaning and a quality air filter are needed for good indoor air quality.
Ductless systems give you pinpoint control, which is a game-changer for comfort. You can finally end the family fights over the thermostat by setting each room to its own perfect temperature. Because each indoor unit has its own multi-stage air filter and circulates air within a single room, they can significantly improve indoor air quality by not spreading dust from one area to another.
Both systems are excellent at removing humidity from the air, making your home feel much more comfortable on those sticky summer days.
Making the Call
So, how do you choose? It really comes down to your house and your priorities. If you live in a larger home with an open floor plan and existing ductwork in great shape, a new high-efficiency central AC unit might be the simplest path forward. It integrates seamlessly with your existing heating system and provides that whole-home coolness you’re used to.
A ductless system is a fantastic choice for older homes without ducts, new home additions, or for solving problems with specific rooms that are always too hot. If you value personal temperature control and maximum energy efficiency, ductless is hard to beat!
Let’s Find the Right Fit For Your Home and Your Family in Akron and Northeast Ohio
When you need to find the best choice for your home, the team at Apollo Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing can help. We install both high-efficiency central AC systems and versatile ductless mini split units, helping you find the right size and balance for powerful, reliable cooling. Give us a call at 330-800-5171 to talk about your project.
