Ductless Mini Splits vs. Central AC: Which Is Best for Your Calgary Home?

An efficient, reliable air conditioning system will keep you cool during Calgary’s hot, dry summer months. If you’re in the market for a new AC unit, two popular options are central air conditioning and ductless mini-split systems. Which is the right choice for you? That will depend on your home, your cooling needs, and your budget.

In this post, we’re going to explore the key differences between central air conditioning and ductless mini-splits so you can make an informed decision when choosing the most suitable cooling system for your Calgary home.

Central Air Conditioning

Central AC is a whole-home cooling system using your home’s network of ducts to distribute conditioned air. These are the same ducts your furnace uses to heat your home during winter. Central conditioners consist of two key components: an indoor unit, containing the evaporator coil and air handler (the indoor unit is typically located in a closet or basement near your furnace filter) and an outdoor compressor unit, containing the compressor and condenser. These units work together to keep the air in your home cool by circulating refrigerant between the two – absorbing heat and humidity from indoor air while distributing cool air. Central AC is usually controlled by a single thermostat, which controls the air temperature throughout every room in your home.

Ductless Mini-Split System

As the name suggests, a ductless mini-split system is a type of air conditioning system that cools your home without the use of ductwork. Mini-splits have two main components: an outdoor compressor and condenser, and an indoor air handling unit which are connected by refrigerant lines and electrical wiring. The indoor unit is mounted on the wall or ceiling and blows conditioned air into the room while taking warm air from inside. Ductless mini-splits can be used for more targeted cooling, allowing occupants to set different temperatures in each room or zone.

So which unit is best for your Calgary home? That depends. Let’s compare a few factors:

Cost

The first question most homeowners ask when considering a new air conditioning system is: “How much will it cost?” Generally, central air conditioning is cheaper to purchase and initially install, assuming your house already has existing ductwork. If your home lacks ductwork, the installation costs for a central air system can be very high, negating the advantage of cheaper initial costs. Ductless mini-splits are more expensive to purchase initially than central air but are ideal for smaller spaces. However, if you want to cool several rooms, you will need a separate unit for each zone, significantly increasing your initial costs. It’s important to remember that regular AC repair and maintenance can help extend the life of your system, regardless of the type, ensuring it operates efficiently for years to come.

Energy Efficiency

Since ductless mini-split systems don’t rely on your home’s ductwork, less cooled air is lost in transit, offering better energy efficiency. This can translate to long-term savings on your monthly energy bills, offsetting some of the higher initial costs.

Installation

Both systems will likely need professional installation, but ductless mini-splits are quicker and easier to install. The indoor unit(s) can be mounted on the walls or suspended from the ceiling and only a small hole is required to run the refrigerant lines and electrical connections between the indoor and outdoor units. Central AC usually involves a more complex and time-consuming setup, particularly if you’re looking at installing ductwork throughout your home.

Aesthetics

The indoor component of your ductless mini-split must be mounted onto a wall or ceiling. A visible unit is less aesthetically pleasing and is unappealing for some people. Central air conditioning, on the other hand, is essentially invisible inside the home.

Home Value

Installing a central air conditioning system can increase the value of your home by up to 10%.  

Air Quality

Central AC units help to filter dust, allergens, and other harmful pollutants, improving your home’s indoor air quality. Ductless mini-split systems are less effective at filtering the air than a central air conditioner.

Cooling Ability

Of course, the main purpose of an air conditioning system is to cool your home, keeping you comfortable during the summer months. Which unit is better at cooling? Again, this depends on what you need. Central air systems can effectively cool your entire home, covering large spaces with the convenience of a single thermostat. However, central AC offers less precise cooling. Ductless mini-split systems have limited coverage. If you want to cool your entire home, you’ll need to purchase more than one unit. But with a ductless mini-split system you can control the precise temperature of each room and space. This is especially beneficial if different family members prefer different temperatures.
As you can see, there are advantages and disadvantages to both central air conditioning and ductless mini-split systems. Both units can be used to effectively cool your home and the right choice for you will depend on your unique needs and personal preferences. For all things air conditioning in Calgary call us at Mr. Mike’s Plumbing & Furnace today!