The majority of homeowners in the U.S. still use central air conditioners to cool their homes, but ductless systems are rising in popularity in recent years. There are pros and cons of each, and deciding which way you want to go can be difficult. Should you keep your central AC system, or switch over to ductless mini-splits? Our Austin air conditioning professionals have some information that will help you decide which is best for your needs.
With central AC you already have ducts, so doesn’t it make sense to keep it?
Maybe, but not necessarily. Ducts are compatible with your AC system as well as your heat pump or furnace, and when you have them already installed it won’t cost as much up-front when you get a new system. On the flip side, ducts need cleaning due to the fact they can have a build-up of dust, dirt, and other debris. It isn’t uncommon for leaks to form in ducts, which not only impacts your comfort but how much you pay in energy costs.
Is air quality a concern?
Of course you want good indoor air quality, especially if you or someone in your family suffers from asthma, allergies, COPD, or other respiratory issues. We already mentioned how dust and other contaminants can build up in ducts, however air filtration and purification systems can be installed in the duct system to reduce triggers and improve air quality.
That said, when you switch to a ductless system you completely do away with ducts. This eliminates the need for duct cleaning or installing air filtration systems, so you have peace of mind and don’t have to worry about whether the ducts need to be cleaned.
Do you need to cool or heat your entire home?
If you do, a ducted system is probably the best way to go. A central system delivers cooled or heated air into all of the spaces in your home, and because it’s one unit your energy bills usually stay in line (unless there is a leak in the ducts).
On the other hand, why heat or cool empty rooms you don’t use? Maybe one or more of your children have left the nest, and you have bedrooms that aren’t occupied. This is the best reason of all to switch to a ductless system. Cool or heat only the spaces you actually use, enjoy lower energy bills, and be in control of the temperature in each individual room.
If you still have a hard time deciding whether central AC or a ductless system is best for your needs, give the Austin HVAC experts at Schneider Mechanical a call.
