A ductless Mini-Split AC system cools your home without the usage of ductwork. This is the key element in how it differs from a traditional AC unit. It is a 2-part unit system, indoor and outdoor. The outdoor unit is where you will find the compressor and the condenser. Often the indoor unit is attached securely to a wall to transport either warm or cool air into your home ductwork-free. An advantage of Mini-Splits may be a quicker installation process because you can skip installing ducts. They are also energy efficient, which can lower the cost of your utility bill. These units also have independent room control, leaving you with the choice of different temperatures in various room spaces. One disadvantage of a Mini-Split unit is that they have a higher upfront cost than central AC units. They also have limited coverage in cooling or heating. So, if your home is not as large as others, the Mini-Split may be a choice in your favor. However, if your home is larger than others you would have to consider investing in having more than one Mini-Split system to regulate temperature, so that may not be the best choice.
Most homes in the United States use traditional central ducted AC systems, which use air circulation through ductwork to cool down your house. The indoor and outdoor units are connected through refrigerant lines. One of its advantages is the cooling capacity. With one system, you can regulate a certain temperature throughout your entire home. Another advantage would be cost-effectiveness for homes that want one generalized temperature throughout the entire house. Traditional AC units are also durable during extreme weather patterns, like the hot summers of Houston, Texas. Some disadvantages are longer installation processes due to the ductwork, less energy efficiency, and the requirement of more space than a Mini-Split AC unit.
Overall, both systems have their pros and cons based on your preference. They both will still require regular maintenance to ensure they continue to run well. They also have a similar life expectancy of 15-20 years, depending on the brand and quality of the installation. Factors such as home size, utility costs, and even the comfort of the residents inside your home determine the HVAC system style you want to commit to. But if general searches or listings are not enough, our technicians at Air Integrity HVAC are ready to give you a professional opinion any time you need.
~Nevaonna Alfred