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Air Conditioning

Central vs. Ductless AC

Home | Blog | Published on June 8th, 2020

There isn’t just one choice when deciding on an air conditioning system anymore, and we aren’t talking about adding window units to the list. Today you can choose the air conditioning system for your whole home that best suits your needs.

Whether you need installation air conditioning services in Ashland, or you need a replacement system, it is a good idea to take a moment to learn a bit more about your AC options. Today we want to give you some details on both central and ductless air conditioners and what might make one of these systems a perfect match for you. If you’re early in your research, start with these key AC questions to help narrow down your best fit.

Let’s jump in.

How Does Mini Split Installation Work?

  • In-home evaluation: A technician assesses room size, insulation, and layout to determine proper system sizing
  • Indoor unit placement: The air handler is mounted on a wall, ceiling, or floor in the target area
  • Outdoor unit installation: The condenser is placed outside on a stable surface
  • Line set connection: Refrigerant lines, drain line, and electrical wiring are routed through a small wall opening
  • System testing: The unit is charged, tested for leaks, and calibrated for efficient performance

Central Air Conditioners: Pros, Cons & Key Considerations

A central air conditioning system is one that utilizes and outdoor condensor unit and an indoor evaporator unit to cool the air in the your home and distribute it. Central AC systems have been around for a lot while and these are what most people picture when they think of an AC unit.

Today’s central cooling units are made to be highly energy-efficient and effective when it comes to keeping your home comfortable. These systems are great for providing a nice, even temperature throughout the home. If you’re wondering whether it’s still the top choice, see how central AC compares to other home cooling systems today.

Ductless AC Systems: Benefits, Costs & Ideal Use Cases

Ductless air conditioning systems are a little newer to the market but they are already known for being effective and somewhat more efficient than their central AC cousins. A ductless air conditioner works with the use of an outdoor unit and a number of air handlers placed throughout your house.

Ductless systems are able to operate without the use of ductwork. This is because the air handlers take care of the process of cooling and distributing cooled air in the rooms in your home. The benefit of this is that you never have to worry about losing energy and comfort due to duct leaks or dirty ductwork. In fact, many homeowners find ductless systems more efficient depending on their home layout and usage habits

As an added bonus, ductless systems are able to produce both cool and warm air thanks to their ability to reverse their flow of refrigerant.

How to Choose Between Central and Ductless AC

Both the central air conditioner and ductless AC unit are great options to help you keep your home cool, dry, and comfortable. But how do you choose between these two great options? You choose whichever one is going to meet your needs best. For example, if you don’t have room for ductwork, a ductless system would be ideal. On the other hand, if you want even cooling throughout your entire home every day, you may want to consider a central AC. It all depends on your needs.

Still not sure about which system is right for you? We can help. Our business is family-owned and operated and we are manned by a staff with over 30 years of industry experience. You can come to us with any questions you have and be assured of great service each time. We provide great customer service at no risk

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is the main difference between central air conditioning and ductless AC?
Answer: Central air conditioning uses an outdoor unit and indoor coil to cool air that’s distributed through ductwork and vents throughout the home, providing consistent whole home cooling. Ductless AC, also called a mini split system, cools individual rooms using wall mounted indoor units connected to an outdoor unit and does not require ductwork.

Question: When is a ductless AC system a good choice for a home?
Answer: A ductless AC system is a good option for homes without existing ductwork, room additions, garages, or areas that need independent temperature control. It allows for zoned cooling, which means you can control temperatures in specific rooms, potentially improving comfort and reducing energy usage.

Question: What are the advantages of central air conditioning?
Answer: Central air conditioning is ideal for cooling an entire home through a single system and thermostat. It works especially well in homes that already have ductwork installed. It can also integrate with indoor air quality systems, such as whole house filtration or humidity control, for improved comfort.

Question: Are ductless AC systems more energy efficient than central air?
Answer: Ductless AC systems are often more energy efficient because they avoid the energy loss that can occur through ductwork. Their zoned design allows homeowners to cool only the rooms being used. However, overall efficiency depends on proper sizing, installation, and maintenance of the system.

Question: Is central air or ductless AC more expensive to install?
Answer: Installation costs depend on your home’s layout and whether ductwork is already in place. Central air is typically more affordable to install in homes with existing ducts. Ductless systems may cost more upfront per room, but they can be cost effective in homes without ducts or for targeted cooling needs.

Contact Air Supreme Heating and Air Conditioning to schedule your service with a professional technician. We are your HVAC experts in Flatwoods, KY.

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