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Having a well-functioning home air conditioning system is a must to keep your home comfortable throughout the hot summer. When purchasing a new AC unit, you have two options to choose from: the traditional central air conditioner and the newer ductless AC system. We’ll dive into more detail below about what these are, so you can determine which one is right for your home.
Central Air Conditioner Operation
A central air conditioner works with three main components: the indoor air handler unit, refrigerant lines, and the outdoor condenser unit. As the indoor air handler pulls air into your ducting from the various rooms of your home, it passes it over its evaporator coil. Inside this coil is a special substance known as a refrigerant that is responsible for transferring heat from one location to another.
This refrigerant pulls heat out of the air as it passes over the evaporator coil, resulting in cold air. This cold air is then blown through the rest of your ducting to all the various rooms of your home. The hot refrigerant is pumped from the compressor to the outdoor condenser unit. At the outdoor condenser unit, low-pressure outside air is forced over the condenser coil. Heat naturally moves to the low-pressure air and is dispersed into the air outside.
Ductless Mini-Split Operation
A ductless mini-split operates fairly similarly to a central air conditioner, except it doesn’t use ducting. Instead of having one indoor air handler unit, mini-split systems have multiple units. Each unit pulls air in from a specific room in your home, removes the heat, and disperses the cold air back into that room. Each indoor air handler unit is connected to the outdoor condenser unit via refrigerant lines.
The Cost To Install
One of the biggest concerns homeowners have about purchasing a new air conditioner is its upfront cost. The most cost-effective choice for your home will vary depending on your existing infrastructure. If you already have a forced-air heating system that relies on ducting, it is typically cheaper to purchase a central air conditioning unit that integrates with that same ducting. If you’re building a new home, it’s easy to install ducting before the drywall and other finishing materials are installed.
However, if your home doesn’t have ductwork, it can be extremely expensive to install. Installing ductwork requires cutting out sections of your walls and flooring to put in the new ducts. Then, all those sections must be repaired by a professional. This process is labor-intensive and can be invasive to your home.
Typically, retrofitting a ductless mini-split is the most cost-effective option for older homes that lack ducting. It can also be a great option for home additions and for controlling the temperature in your garage or outbuilding. This AC system is minimally invasive to install, requiring only a small three-inch hole to be drilled through your exterior wall. This hole allows the refrigerant and power lines easy access to the outdoor condenser unit for optimal functionality.
Energy Efficiency
The energy efficiency rating of an air conditioner indicates how efficiently it operates, with a higher rating indicating greater efficiency. Ideally, you want to purchase an AC unit that fits within your budget and has the highest operating efficiency possible, saving you money on your ongoing energy bills throughout the summer months.
There are standard-efficiency and high-efficiency central air conditioners. Ductless mini-splits also come in a variety of different efficiency ratings. However, it’s worth noting that ductless mini-splits are generally more efficient than traditional central air conditioners. One of the main reasons they are more efficient is that they don’t lose any air through leaks in their ductwork. The EPA suggests that homeowners may be losing around 30% of their treated air through ductwork leaks.
Comfort
When it comes to enhancing your comfort, ductless mini-splits do have an advantage over traditional central air conditioners. Each indoor air handler unit has its own temperature settings. This means you can set your living room to one temperature and your bedroom to a different temperature. This can help you better optimize your comfort in a certain room. It can also help you further enhance your energy savings by shutting off units in unused rooms.
Aesthetics
One aspect of any new installation is its overall aesthetic appeal. Because a central air conditioner relies on ducting, the only part you usually see is the air vents on your walls or floors. Ductless mini-splits have three different installation options: floor-mounted, wall-mounted, and ceiling-mounted.
Both floor-mounted and wall-mounted units are the cheapest, but they are also the most visible. They come in a variety of styles and colors to help enhance their aesthetic appeal. Ceiling-mounted units are the most discreet, but they do require adequate overhead space for installation.
Estimated Lifespan
These two appliances have the same lifespan. Central air conditioners can last between 10 and 20 years when they receive proper care and prompt repair services. Ductless mini-splits also have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years, provided they receive proper care and maintenance.
However, it’s imperative to note that mini-split systems do offer heating. Unlike traditional central air conditioners, which only cool your home during the summer, ductless mini-splits can both heat and cool your home to keep your family comfortable all year round.
Maintenance Requirements
Both central air conditioners and ductless mini-splits require routine maintenance to stay in good working condition. Central air conditioners need professional service in the spring and require regular filter changes every two to three months. Ductless mini-splits need professional service every spring and fall. Additionally, you’ll need to clean the washable filter in each indoor air handler unit about once a month.
Tax Incentives
When making your ultimate decision on which air conditioner to purchase, it can be helpful to understand which ones make you eligible to receive a federal tax incentive under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Units that have ENERGY STAR certification and meet the minimum efficiency ratings outlined under this Act will qualify to receive a tax incentive of up to $3,200 per year.
Central air conditioners and ductless mini-splits must have a SEER2 rating of 16 or higher to be eligible for this tax credit. Homeowners can claim up to 30% of the total cost of their new system, plus installation labor, up to the maximum credit amount. Central air conditioners are eligible for up to $600 per year, and ductless mini-split heat pumps are eligible for up to $2,000 per year. You may even find that ductless mini-splits can make you eligible to receive a credit on your local utility bills, depending on where you live.
Reliable AC Installation Service
MVP Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric provides reliable AC installation services for the Kansas City, KS community. Our helpful technicians can also assist with all your air conditioning maintenance, replacement, and repair needs. Call our friendly office staff today to schedule your next service appointment.
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