It can be hard to regulate the indoor temperature depending on where you live. Sometimes the weather calls for cooler areas of your home, whereas other times, you need to crank up the heat.
Although some energy costs have dropped throughout Covid-19, they’ll soon be on the rise again because of climate change. That means more money at the end of the month.
While high energy bills can be frustrating, there are ways to curb the costs. It’s why there’s often a debate around ductless mini-split vs. central air systems.
What’s the difference between each, and which is better for your home? Our guide provides further insight.
What is a Central Air System?
Central air systems are traditional units that you’ll see in most homes today. They’re great for improving indoor air quality and keeping a consistent temperature throughout your home.
Most units consist of a compressor, condenser coils, and evaporator coils. Also, a single thermostat is used to control your home’s temperatures.
But when it gets too high, they start to adjust automatically and begin the cooling process. Each part of the unit works to absorb and remove heat from the air, cool it with refrigerant, and then send the air through your ducts and vents.
Pros and Cons of Central Air
Most people enjoy using central air systems because of their convenience. But there are other pros and cons of using this system in your home:
Pros:
- Compatibility with existing ductwork
- Lower upfront installation costs
- Better air filtration
Cons:
- Higher energy bills
- Ductwork increases maintenance costs
- Lack of temperature control in specific rooms
What is a Ductless Mini-Split?
Unlike central air systems, ductless mini-split systems don’t need air ducts for heating and cooling solutions. Instead, they have one outdoor compressor and multiple indoor units.
Each indoor unit is mounted to the walls or ceilings of various rooms in your home. So instead of changing the temperature of the entire house, you can separately control the temperature in multiple rooms to match your desired comfort.
Pros and Cons of a Ductless Mini-Split
Here are a few pros and cons of installing a ductless mini-split system in your home:
Pros:
- Increased energy efficiency
- Lower energy bills
- Temperature control for each room
- Speedy installation
Cons:
- Decreased filtration
- Aesthetically unpleasing
- Costly installation
- Regular maintenance required
There are multiple pros and cons to installing this system. So you’ll need to weigh each before considering this system. If you need further clarification on your decision, you can always talk to a specialist like Zipf-Air HVAC.
Ductless Mini-Split vs. Central Air: Which is Better?
The ductless mini-split vs. central air system debate is something most homeowners will have to discuss at some point. However, choosing the right system for your home will come down to your needs.
Hopefully, you’ve gained some insight into this issue. Check out our blog for related content if you need more home improvement advice.
