How To Choose Between Ductless & Central HVAC

Choosing the right HVAC system for your Southern Indiana home isn’t always straightforward. There’s a lot of pressure to get it right because your decision will affect home comfort, energy efficiency, and utility costs for years to come.

Two popular heating and cooling options are ductless mini-splits and central HVAC systems consisting of a furnace and air conditioner. The following HVAC comparison will help you understand what factors to consider and the benefits of each system so you can make an informed decision.

5 Factors To Consider

When deciding between ductless and central HVAC systems, consider these factors:

• Cost: The cost of HVAC installation varies between ductless and central systems. Central HVAC generally has a higher upfront cost, while ductless mini-splits are usually cheaper and faster to install.
• Home structure: Ductless systems are ideal for homes without existing ductwork or those with unique architectural features that make duct installation challenging. Central HVAC is often better for new construction projects or homes with pre-existing ductwork.
• Energy efficiency: Mini-splits offer superior energy efficiency because they eliminate the energy losses associated with ductwork, which can raise your bills by up to 30%. Of course, central HVAC systems can be efficient, too, especially newer models with high SEER and AFUE ratings.
• Maintenance: Ductless HVAC requires regular filter cleanings and periodic checks, while central HVAC needs annual inspections and occasional duct cleaning to maintain efficiency and air quality.
• Aesthetics and space: Ductless units are slightly more obtrusive than central systems because they require a wall- or ceiling-mounted air handler. Central HVAC units are less visible, with most components hidden away in the basement, attic, or utility room.

5 Benefits of Ductless HVAC

Mini-splits have several advantages, including but not limited to:

• Flexible zoning: Ductless systems allow for independent temperature control in different rooms, providing customized comfort.
• Energy savings: Mini-splits have some of the highest efficiency ratings of any HVAC equipment. Plus, eliminating duct losses leads to lower utility bills.
• Ease of installation: These systems are faster and easier to install than new central HVAC systems where ductwork doesn’t already exist.
• Quiet operation: Ductless units operate with impressively low noise ratings. You’ll hardly hear a thing from your indoor air handler or outdoor condensing unit.
• Improved air quality: Ductless systems come with multi-stage filtration that reduces dust, pollen, and other particulates in your indoor air.

Despite their many benefits, ductless systems also have a few drawbacks. They’re less effective at keeping very large spaces comfortable unless you install multiple units, which increases the cost. Some homeowners also find the indoor units less appealing than an out-of-the-way central HVAC system.

4 Benefits of Central HVAC

Central air conditioners and furnaces are a popular choice for many reasons:

• Uniform cooling and heating: Central systems provide consistent temperature control throughout the entire home.
• Compatibility with whole-house air quality products: Only central HVAC units can pair with whole-house filtration systems, air purifiers, humidifiers, and other indoor air quality solutions.
• Enhanced home value: Homes with central heating and air often have a higher resale value than those without.
• Ease of operation: Centrally heated and cooled homes typically have one thermostat that controls the temperature in the entire house. This makes it easy to regulate home comfort without going from room to room.

Central HVAC systems also have disadvantages. They’re generally more expensive to install and may have higher operating costs than ductless HVAC. Plus, if your home has a room that’s particularly hard to keep comfortable, you may be forced to overheat or cool the entire house to achieve comfort there.

Schedule a Consultation in Southern Indiana

The right HVAC system for you depends on the cost, your home’s structure, and your personal preferences. Reliable Comfort can help you finalize your decision. Our family-operated business has served Southern Indiana since 2001, offering a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our services.

We provide free comparison quotes, financing options, and coupons to make your HVAC upgrade affordable, no matter which option you choose.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find the perfect HVAC solution for your Seymour or Columbus, IN, home.