What’s Better And Why, Ducted Air Conditioning Or A Split System?

When it comes to ice cream are you a fan of the hard stuff you have to scoop out of the carton or a fan of soft serve? Chances are many people would say both, and then go on to say there may be a preference just based on the relatively minor differences. That’s sort of how Kotz Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing answers when we’re asked about traditional central air conditioning versus ductless mini split heat pumps for your Waterford, MI home.

Quick Refresher Course

A central system consists of an outside compressor, an inside air handler, and a system of ducts to distribute the cooled air throughout the house. A mini split system has multiple wall-mounted air handlers delivering cooled air to specific rooms or areas of the home. There are no ducts and four or more air handlers, each with its own thermostat, which can be connected to a single outdoor compressor.

The Best System for You

We wish it were always a cut and dried decision to determine what is the best HVAC solution for your Waterford, MI home, but it always depends on multiple factors that have to be taken into account. Let’s take a look at two hypothetical families:

• The Smiths:
  • They live in what many would call a large home. To them, it’s important to have an uncluttered home and an air conditioning system that cools the entire house to the same temperature. Based on those factors, a traditional central system is best because of:
    • Unobtrusive/nearly invisible vents in the floors or ceilings
    • A single thermostat to control the temperature
• The Jones:
  • For this family and they live in a comfortable smaller home. As a rule, they spend most of their time in two or three rooms and keeping those areas comfortable is the top priority. This could make a ductless mini split the perfect choice because:
    • The cooling can be targeted to specific areas or rooms that are used the most.
    • Each split has its own thermostat for custom control.
    • Wall mounted air handlers are actually preferred because furniture can be arranged more easily in the smaller home when there are no floor vents to worry about.

Other Factors to Consider

Even the examples of the Smiths and Jones are likely too simplistic, but you get the idea of what might be best for you. Here are some other factors to consider:

• Ductless mini split systems are generally easier and cheaper to install and are perfect for homes where installing ductwork is difficult and expensive.
• A central HVAC system may add more value to your home.
• Mini splits are more efficient because there is no loss of cooled air in the ductwork.
• A ducted system is more suitable for large homes.

You Have Questions, We Have Answers

If you are still wondering which air conditioning system is best for your Waterford, MI home, now is the time to call Kotz Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing to schedule your no-obligation appointment and estimate. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more great information like this.