Are you looking to install a new air conditioning system in your home? Are window AC units no longer getting the job done for you? If so, you have a choice to make: should you choose central air conditioning or a ductless mini-split system?
Both have their benefits and their drawbacks, with each being more suitable in certain situations than in others. But which system is right for your situation? This The Villages, Florida air conditioning company is going to help you make the choice.
Cooling Reach
First and foremost, let’s discuss the cooling reach of each system. Simply put, central AC reaches far greater distances than ductless mini-split systems. Whereas central AC can cool an entire home, ductless mini-split systems are limited to around one room each.
Why is this? Because central ACs make use of intricate duct systems, while ductless mini-split systems do not. Note, though, that if you wish, you could cool an entire home with ductless mini-split systems by investing in 4 or 5 or more units.
Installation
When it comes to installation, it’s not even close: ductless mini-split systems are much easier to install than are central ACs. This is true for one simple reason: air ducts. The installation of air ducts complicates the central AC installation process, making it longer, more difficult, and more expensive.
A ductless system can be installed in just a few hours in most cases. A ducted system, on the other hand, can take days to install.
Maintenance
As far as maintenance goes, these systems are fairly similar. Regular maintenance involves changing their air filters and ensuring they’re cleared of any debris.
Where they differ a bit, however, is in their long-term maintenance. The reason for this is, again, the existence of air ducts. Simply put, duct systems become filled with dust and debris over time. As such, in order to keep a central AC running properly, its corresponding ducts need to be cleared every few years.
Ductless mini-split systems have no air ducts, and therefore, they require no duct cleanings.
Aesthetics
Aesthetically speaking, central ACs are generally preferred over ductless mini-splits. Why? Because, unlike ductless mini-splits, they don’t need to be mounted to interior walls. Instead, they sit discreetly on the outsides of their respective homes, usually in the backyard or the side of the home.
The only interior signs you’ll see of central AC are its corresponding vents, and at this point, vents are so commonplace that they tend to just blend in with the rest of the home. Ductless mini-split systems have not quite reached that point yet. They’re big, they’re bulky, and they’re easily seen. That said, if you get creative, you can work to make them blend in with your home’s interior decor.
Cost
On a single-unit basis, ductless mini-split systems are more affordable than central AC. As was noted above, however, whereas ductless mini-split systems can only accommodate single rooms, central ACs can accommodate entire homes. As such, when used for whole-home cooling, central AC is much more affordable.
Do you only need to cool a room or two? Ductless mini-split systems are the more cost-effective option. Looking to cool your entire home? In most cases, central AC will save you substantial amounts of money.
Hire an Air Conditioning Company in The Villages to Install Your AC
Have you made your choice? Looking for a HVAC company in The Villages to install your AC? Look no further than All American Air & Electric.
Our team has installed both central AC and ductless mini-splits in a number of homes throughout The Villages. Regardless of the system you’re looking to install, we can accommodate you.
Contact us today to get started!