Ductless and mini split air conditioners vs central air conditioners posted by dr hvac on may 25 2017 if you re considering a new ac system or it s simply time to replace it you may be wondering if it s better to get central air conditioning or one of those new ductless systems you ve heard about.
Ductless ac vs central air reddit.
The air conditioning showdown.
Because ductless systems use hoses there is no echo so the system is quieter.
Also it s hidden from view mostly.
Mini split systems can include up to 8 indoor units to heat and cool individual rooms with or without the use of ducts.
Some of the issues with mini splits include.
Department of energy estimates that mini split air conditioners cost about 30 percent more than central systems based on cooling capacity.
I m trying to decide between a ductless mini split system 3k and a full new ac system 15k.
The condenser unit is smaller and can be located further away from the house to minimize noise.
While i ve heard great things about ductless mini split systems from the internet i ve heard nothing but bad things from actual installers including a couple personal acquaintances who are in hvac that i trust.
A lack of air circulation.
A ductless mini split system consists of an outdoor compressor or condenser unit that connects to an indoor unit or multiple indoor units to distribute heat or ac throughout a home.
It s most often used in a situation where a window ac unit or baseboard heating would be considered such as a new addition to a house.
A ductless heat pump or air conditioner typically consists of a wall mounted indoor unit combined with an outside compressor.
The house is arranged with the four rooms that need ac the most are in a line living room and three bedrooms on the shady side of the house so that s the perfect spot for the main unit of a ductless system and the lines could reach all of the rooms.
In addition ducts tend to echo which can amplify the sounds from central air.
A ductless system has been recommended but after doing some research i ve read that a ducted system could be less expensive to install and may ultimately be the best choice.
Clogged backed up condensate lines.
Heat pump technology in ductless systems advanced at a fantastic pace.
For me one plus side to the ducted system is the exchange of fresh air fro outdoors.
Ductless air conditioning is less noisy than central air.
Central air vs ductless mini split we moved into a ranch style 1 story 2 bed 2 bath 1600sq ft house in santa rosa ca.
In fact there are houses that are now being heated and cooled using only ductless systems.