If you’re looking for a new AC to keep your Evansville, IN, home cool, you have plenty of options. However, for the most efficient among them, your choice will come down to two main AC types. One is a traditional ducted central AC. The other is a ductless mini-split. Here’s everything you need to know about each and how to choose between them.
What Is a Ducted Central AC?
Ducted central ACs are the dominant cooling solution throughout the US. They combine a large outdoor condenser with a single indoor air handler. The air handler relies on ductwork running throughout your home to pull in warm air and send cold air to each room. Built-in HVAC ductwork first became common in homes beginning in the 1960s. That helped ducted central AC systems rapidly gain market share, a position they never relinquished.
The Advantages of Ducted Central AC
Ducted central AC systems have several advantages that explain their popularity. The first is their relative energy efficiency. Central AC systems use less energy than it would take to run individual window ACs in each room. That’s because the most energy-hungry part of an AC is its compressor. Running a single large compressor uses far less energy than multiple smaller ones.
Additionally, central ducted AC systems offer low up-front costs compared to other cooling solutions. If your home already has one that you’re replacing, the installation of your new AC should be straightforward.
The Disadvantages of Ducted Central AC
One of the disadvantages of a ducted central AC is that most systems only offer one-zone cooling. That means you have one centrally located thermostat that controls the temperatures throughout your home. The result may be uneven cooling as heat loads fluctuate throughout the day. For example, if only part of your home gets the afternoon sun, it will likely be warmer than you’d prefer. If you change your thermostat to correct the problem, the rest of your home becomes too cold.
The ductwork that a ducted central AC relies on also creates some weaknesses. For one, ductwork doesn’t last forever. On average, a home’s ductwork needs significant repair or replacement every 20 years or so. In the meantime, ductwork air leaks will negatively impact efficiency. According to the Department of Energy, a ducted AC can suffer up to a 30% efficiency loss as a result.
What Is a Ductless Mini-Split AC?
As their name suggests, a ductless mini-split AC is an air conditioner that doesn’t rely on ductwork. Instead, they combine a single outdoor compressor with multiple indoor air handlers. They’re a common AC solution in much of the developed world outside the US. And they’re gaining traction here because of the unique advantages they offer.
The Advantages of Ductless Mini-Split ACs
One of the most significant advantages offered by ductless mini-split ACs is that they enable flexible installations. You can install a mini-split to serve a single room, or one that serves up to eight indoor air handlers. Plus, installing a mini-split doesn’t require significant alterations to finished walls. For that reason, they’re a preferred solution in homes that lack built-in ductwork.
Ductless mini-splits also offer extremely energy-efficient operation. In most cases, they’re more efficient than central ACs and don’t suffer from ductwork losses. Also, mini-splits provide zoned cooling. Each air handler has its own thermostat and controls. That also means you can turn off air handlers in unused rooms to save even more on operating costs.
The Disadvantages of Ductless Mini-Split ACs
The biggest disadvantage of ductless mini-splits is their cost. They typically cost up to twice as much as a ducted equivalent. That’s because they have more components, leading to higher manufacturing costs. That additional complexity also means that mini-splits have more maintenance requirements. For example, each air handler has a washable air filter that requires washing every two weeks. Mini-splits also mean living with air handlers on your home’s walls. While the average mini-split air handler is sleek and unobtrusive, it’s far from invisible.
Making the Right Choice
Generally speaking, any home with serviceable ductwork is a good candidate for a ducted central AC. Their ease of installation and cost advantages make that something of a no-brainer. Conversely, a home without ductwork or one with ductwork that needs replacement is a good fit for a mini-split. In those cases, the cost of installing ductwork erases the central AC’s upfront cost advantage. And when you consider all the other benefits of ductless systems, they’re instantly preferable.
No matter what kind of AC your Evansville home needs, however, trust G. R. Freeman Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. to provide it. We’ve served the comfort needs of local homeowners since 1977. We sell and install the latest AC systems from industry leaders like Bosch, Daikin, Fujitsu, and Amana. When you need a new AC installed in Evansville, call G. R. Freeman Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. and we’ll take care of the rest.
