Ductless Mini-Split vs Central Air: Which System Is Better for Your Home?

As a homeowner in the Littleton and Denver metro area, deciding between ductless vs. central air units can feel like a challenging decision. While ductless mini-splits are energy efficient and don’t require any ductwork, central ACs are a more traditional approach. For many homeowners, trying to choose between mini-split vs central air can feel daunting.

To make the process easier, you can turn to our HVAC technicians for a free consultation. At Elkhorn Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical, we are known as the Denver area’s trusted HVAC experts. We can help you make an informed choice about your next cooling system. For more information, check out our wide range of cooling options.

Understanding Central Air Conditioning

Before we dive into the central air conditioning pros and cons, let’s first look at how central air systems work. A central AC consists of an indoor air handler and outdoor unit. These units are connected to each other through refrigerant lines that help to transfer heat from inside your home to the outside world. Afterward, the cooled air is distributed through a network of ductwork and vents into your home.

Pros

When comparing ductless vs. central air, there are a few benefits to opting for a central AC.

• Whole-Home Comfort: A single HVAC unit cools your entire home.
• Aesthetics: Because a large part of the unit is outside and the ductwork is hidden, the only part of the system you end up seeing is the vents.
• Familiarity: Traditionally, central ACs have been the main option for home cooling. They are typically installed alongside furnaces so that the same ductwork works with both systems.

Cons

As you make your decision, there are also some downsides to consider. 

• Efficiency Loss: In an average home, around 20% to 30% of conditioned air is lost through leaky or badly insulated ductwork. 
• Lack of Zoning: Because central ACs involve a single unit, you generally can’t set different temperatures for different rooms or zones in your home without installing a specialized zoning system.
• Installation: In order to use a central AC, you’ll also need to install ductwork. Because of this, central ACs aren’t ideal for older, established homes or for new additions to your existing home.

Understanding Ductless Mini-Splits 

To compare mini-split vs. central air systems, we also need to delve into how ductless mini-splits work. While the refrigerant technology is essentially the same, the setup is different. Ductless systems use an outdoor compressor unit that is linked to one or more indoor wall-mounted units. This allows the conditioned air to go directly through a specific room or zone without any need for ductwork.

Pros

To get a better understanding of the ductless mini-split pros and cons, we’ll take a look at some of the major advantages of these units. From energy efficiency to targeted comfort, there are a few advantages to choosing ductless mini splits.

• Energy Efficiency: When it comes to ductless vs central air efficiency, ductless mini-splits come out ahead. Because they don’t have any ductwork, you don’t have to worry about energy loss. As a result, you can spend less on your energy bills.
• Targeted Comfort: Each room or zone receives its own indoor unit, so your family can enjoy individualized temperature control. Rather than waste energy on cooling a room you aren’t in, you can turn the unit off.
• Versatility: From converted attics to home additions to garages, these units are an easy way to cool. They are also ideally suited for older homes that don’t have existing ductwork.
• Simple Installation: An added benefit of ductless mini-splits is how easy they are to install. Because you don’t have any ductwork requirements, you just have to set up the outdoor compressor unit and a wall-mounted unit.

Cons

Although there are many advantages to installing ductless mini-splits, there are several downsides to consider as well.

• Aesthetics: With ductless mini-splits, the indoor air handlers are visible on the top of your walls.  
• Upfront Cost: When comparing ductless vs. central air costs, ductless mini-splits are cheaper in terms of energy costs. However, the installation costs can quickly become higher than a central AC if you have to install multiple indoor units.

Key Factors To Help You Choose

Ductless mini-splits and central ACs are both great systems for your home. When you use each option depends on your home’s structure, budget, aesthetic needs, and energy-efficiency requirements.

Home Structure and Age

If your home already has ductwork, a central AC is going to be easier and more cost-effective. However, you should choose ductless mini-splits if you don’t have ductwork because adding ducts to an existing home can quickly become expensive. When it comes to an HVAC system for home additions, you may also want to opt for ductless mini-splits so that you don’t have to add ductwork or increase the existing capacity of your central AC.

Budget and Energy Goals

Your HVAC decision also rests on your overall budget and energy needs. A high-efficiency ductless system will end up paying for itself through long-term energy savings, but it will cost more upfront.

Temperature Control Needs

You should also consider your family’s comfort preferences. If some family members are always hot and cold, then you may want individualized control and a ductless system.

Lifestyle and Aesthetics

Finally, you should think about your aesthetic and lifestyle needs. Central ACs are more aesthetically pleasing, while ductless mini-splits involve visible indoor units. If you are concerned about the appearance, you may want to go with a central AC.

Get Professional Support Deciding Between Ductless Mini-Splits vs. Central ACs for Your Denver & Littleton Homes

When looking at ductless vs. central air systems, there are many advantages and disadvantages to consider. Ductless mini-splits offer better energy efficiency, feature individualized control, and are a better option for homes that don’t have any existing ductwork. In comparison, central ACs are convenient if you already have ducts installed. Additionally, central ACs are a more traditional choice and allow you to set one temperature for your entire home.

To make an informed decision between a ductless mini-split vs. central air conditioning, it’s essential to get a professional assessment of your home’s heating and cooling needs. At Elkhorn Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical, we have years of experience working with local homeowners. From AC installations to convenient maintenance plans, we can help with all of your HVAC needs.

Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today by calling us at 720-615-0098.