Ductless vs Central Air Conditioners: How To Decide

May 12, 2020

What type of air conditioning do you want to install in your home this spring? Warmer weather will quickly be upon us and you’ll need to stay cool. Many homeowners don’t know the finer details that separate ductless units from central air conditioners. If this describes you, then you have come to the right place. Here are a few things you might want to consider before making your final choice: 

Existing Ductwork

Above all else, the primary deciding factor in whether you want to use a ductless system or a central air conditioner is whether you already have ductwork in place. If you do have ductwork and it’s in relatively good condition, a central air conditioning unit is bound to be more cost-effective. If you don’t have ductwork, a ductless system is going to make more sense to install financially. 

A ductless system does not require anything elaborate in order to function properly. Like central air conditioners, a condenser will be installed on the outside of the home and an air handler will be on the inside. The two are connected via a cable that requires a three-inch hole in the wall. This hole is significantly less expensive to cut than it would be to install all new ductwork throughout your home. 

Visual

Do you mind having to look at your air conditioning unit from the inside of your home? This is another reason that many people choose to go with central air conditioning. The vents that blow the cold air into your home blend seamlessly into the room and are rather invisible. On the other hand, a ductless unit requires some type of vent in the ceiling or a small box on the wall. As sleek as these units can sometimes be, you will still have to look at them and work them into the layout of your room. 

Home Size

If you live in a smaller home, a ductless unit is likely to be perfect for you. When you have a larger home, you may need to purchase additional units to cool the extra square footage. This adds onto the initial cost of purchasing a unit and may make central air conditioning less expensive if you already have ductwork in place.

A good rule of thumb is to use ductless systems on homes that are 186 square metres (2,000 square feet) or less. When you surpass this size, it tends to be more efficient for the home to be cooled down using central air conditioning. Central air can also help you save money on your overall cooling costs from month to month. 

Cooling Your Home

Making the decision regarding how to cool your home best can be complicated. There are a lot of different factors that you need to consider. Give us a call and let our professionals guide you through the process. We are experienced at handling brand new systems, repairs, and we offer the best air conditioner repair in Winnipeg

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