Comparing Ductless and Central Air Conditioners
Ductless air conditioners consist of one outdoor unit and one indoor unit.
When it's time to replace an old AC system or install a new one, many homeowners wonder whether they should use ductless or central conditioning. Let's discuss the advantages and drawbacks of each option and help homeowners make the right choice.
Ductless air conditioners
Ductless air conditioners consist of one outdoor unit and one indoor unit. As the name says, these units aren't connected by ducts but by refrigerant tubing and electrical wiring.
The indoor unit is typically mounted to a wall and can deliver cold or hot air inside one specific area, which is why ductless AC is often called a single-zone system. But, of course, a ductless air conditioner is suitable for the home by combining one outdoor unit with multiple indoor units. In this case, ductless air conditioners are called multi-zone systems.
There are several advantages of ductless air conditioners:
Easy installation
Energy-efficient
No need for ductwork and vents
Preserve the existing room décor
Homeowners should also consider the drawbacks of ductless air conditioners:
Can be expensive
Hard to install
Central air conditioners
Central air conditioners also consist of an outdoor and an indoor unit. The difference is that these units connect with a system of supply and return ducts. A central air conditioner draws the hot air from inside a home and cycles it back as cooler air through the ducts. This type of conditioning delivers cool air to all zones in a home, hence the name "central."
Here are some advantages of central air conditioners:
Quiet
Maintain optimal temperature year-long
Improved air quality
Cover the entire home
There are also some drawbacks homeowners should keep in mind:
No temperature control for every room individually
Increased energy bills
How to choose the right system
Choosing between a ductless or a central air conditioner can be challenging. One of the questions homeowners should ask themselves when deciding between the two is whether their house has existing ductwork. If the answer is yes, installing a central air conditioner is a much more affordable and practical solution. On the other hand, getting a ductless system is more cost-effective if there's no existing ductwork.
Residents of the home should also consider whether they would mind looking at the indoor unit. Central air conditioning systems are practically invisible, but a ductless indoor unit is quite noticeable. Many manufacturers try to make them stylish, but their appearance can still be a deal-breaker for some homeowners.
Size may also be a consideration. Unfortunately, ductless systems aren't powerful enough to cover ample space.
Consult with professionals
Many homeowners often struggle with selecting the right air conditioning system. Since choosing the right one is essential, it's best to consult experts. People who work with air conditioners have vast knowledge and experience and can assist homeowners in making the right decision.
Evenflow Home and Commercial Services of San Antonio offers impeccable house cleaning services, professional plumbing, electrician services, HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair. Our technicians offer 24-hour emergency electrical and HVAC service for San Antonio, Schertz, Converse, Floresville, Elmendorf, and more. Call us at (210)941-3503.
