Should You Install a Central AC or Ductless Cooling System?

Man pondering options between a ductless AC unit and a central air conditioning system, with both types of air conditioners displayed.

How to Choose Between a Central or Ductless AC System

Homeowners looking to schedule an air conditioning installation or replacement to keep their homes cool and comfortable all summer may be wondering which type of system to install. There are numerous choices when selecting an air conditioner for their house, including a central air conditioning system or a ductless one. This post will explain the differences between common types of air conditioners and the benefits they offer. 

Central AC Systems

Hand adjusting a ceiling air vent in a home, illustrating central air conditioning system maintenance and functionality.A central air conditioning system is the most common. These AC systems evenly distribute cooled air through homes via air ducts. Some of the benefits these central air conditioner systems provide are:

  • Consistent cooling throughout the entire house as cooled air is carried throughout the home by ductwork. 
  • More affordable to install than a ductless system, especially if the home already has air ducts.
  • It can easily integrate with indoor air quality systems like air cleaners and air purifiers.

Ductless Mini Split AC Systems

Ductless mini-split air conditioning unit mounted on a wall above a modern sofa in a stylish living room, illustrating energy-efficient cooling solutions for homes without ductwork.Unlike central AC systems, ductless mini splits don’t require ductwork. Instead, they have indoor units mounted on walls that distribute cooled air to a specific room or zone of a home. Ductless air conditioning systems offer many benefits to households, including:

  • Ideal for older homes without ductwork or houses without the space to install ducts.
  • They give homeowners more control over the comfort of their houses, allowing them to set different temperature settings in various parts of the home.
  • They are more energy-efficient because they can save energy in unused rooms and don’t experience energy losses associated with ductwork. 

Other Types of AC Units

While central air conditioning systems and ductless mini-split systems are best for adding air conditioning to a house, other types of air conditioners exist. Some other options are:

  • Window AC units: These are placed in a window to cool that specific room. Window air conditioners are affordable but cannot cool an entire house, and the benefit of affordability is lost when many units are purchased to cool an entire house. They also prevent the window from being able to be opened.
  • Portable air conditioners: These can be moved between rooms in a home that need to be cooled. Like window units, portable AC units cannot cool a whole house and lose the benefit of affordability if many are purchased to cool an entire home. They also sit on the floor, which can make a room look more cluttered. 

About Lincoln Heating & Air

Lincoln Heating & Air is a family-owned and operated company serving the Sparks area. They provide flat-rate pricing and a beneficial Presidential Maintenance Program and Presidential Installation Program. Call them for air conditioner installation and replacement in Sparks, NV.