To Mini-Split or Not to Mini-Split: Which HVAC System Fits Better?
If a Home Needs Air Conditioning Installation, Homeowners Have a Choice To Make
As summer rapidly approaches, homeowners need to be thinking about the state of their air conditioning. Because of technological advances, people can cool their homes in multiple ways. The two main options for whole-home air conditioning are central and ductless AC. Both systems have advantages and disadvantages, which means that homeowners need to consider what fits their home best. This article will explore the pros and cons of each type of system and what alternative options are available.
The Benefits of the Central AC Unit
People often think of a central air conditioning system when considering whole-house cooling. This is the large unit that is usually outside the home and is connected to a system of air ducts inside the walls and attic space of the home that distributes the temperature-controlled air. The advantages of this system include:
- Central AC does the best job of keeping large spaces cool
- Central AC replacement/new installation is much easier if ducts are already in place
- The technology has been around for quite a while, so finding knowledgeable and experienced technicians to do repairs and maintenance may be easier
If a home has been built with air ducts and a central AC and heating unit in mind, then repair or new installation will likely be less expensive than installing a new ductless system.
The Benefits of a Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner
The latest progress in whole-home air conditioning is the ductless mini-split with a heat pump. A heat pump is a highly efficient form of air conditioning that removes heat from one place and transports it to another through a condensation and evaporation cycle. It pulls warm air into the home in cold weather and pulls it out of the home in warm weather.
The mini-splits are individually controlled units(called heads) attached to the heat pump via copper tubing. The advantages of having this system include:
- Efficiency: Heat pumps are much more efficient than traditional air conditioning. Because they use less energy, they are cheaper to run, keeping a home’s energy bill low.
- Indoor Air Quality: Because there are no ducts, mini-splits can be a better choice for maintaining good indoor air quality.
- Lower Price Point: The heat pumps are less expensive than traditional central AC units, and the installation is less complex, making it less expensive for a new installation.
- Retrofitting: A mini-split system is the perfect answer for older homes without ducts. Installing ductwork in an older home is sometimes impossible or prohibitively expensive, but ductless provides a great solution.
- Temperature Zones: Because each head can be individually controlled, different temperatures can be set in different house parts. This proves to be an advantage for personal comfort and energy efficiency or monetary savings.
Other Options for Air Conditioning
If a homeowner wants to cool a more concentrated space, they may not need a large system for a whole home. If they are only looking for a solution for one or two rooms, a window AC unit or a portable air conditioner might be the answer. These two options are great for cooling small spaces or use in a room needing extra help, such as an upstairs, attic, or garage space. A window air conditioner is ideal for a man cave or a she-shed, and a portable AC unit can work well in temporary spaces such as tents and trailers.
About Discount Mechanical Heating & Plumbing
Family-owned and operated in Anchorage, AK, Discount Mechanical Heating & Plumbing offers 24/7 emergency service and flat-rate pricing. Call today for prompt AC service at any time of the day or night.