New Jersey is much more than the famous shore — it’s home to nearly 10 million people, all of whom require reliable whole-home comfort year-round. Staying cool during the hot summer months, when temperatures regularly reach over 80°F, is important for both your home’s comfort and your family’s safety.
Explore the pros and cons of a ductless air conditioner vs. central air to help you make an informed decision when choosing AC installation for your home. At Sam’s Air Control, we’ll help you find the right size and type of air conditioner for your unique needs, with all the technological upgrades you want to make cooling your space more convenient than ever.
What’s the Difference Between Central and Ductless Air Systems?
The biggest difference between central HVAC vs. ductless HVAC systems is how they circulate air in the home. Central air systems use ducts, which are installed in the ceilings, basements, attics, and walls of the house. These ducts act as pathways for air to flow through, delivering it to vents in each room. They feature specialized dampers that block or allow airflow as needed.
Ductless systems are smaller and more localized, with one or more indoor units (usually wall-mounted) and an outdoor unit connected with a thin hose. Each indoor unit blows cooled-down air into a specific zone or room.
Ductless Mini Split vs. Central Air – Key Comparison
When comparing a ductless mini split vs. central air, there are several factors to consider.
Efficiency levels
The efficiency of each system depends on its age and how well it has been maintained. In general, central AC systems are considered less efficient because the ductwork has the potential to leak. Ductless systems, on the other hand, minimize air leaks and offer zoning capabilities to minimize energy use.
Zoning capabilities
Zoning means a home or building is divided into different HVAC sections, each with its own thermostat. This allows for more customized climate control and comfort, as well as energy savings, because you can choose to cool only the rooms in use. Ductless systems are better suited to offering individual cooling in each room when separate indoor units are installed.
Installation costs
If your home already has existing, functional ductwork, installing a new central AC may be less expensive than a new ductless system. Installing the ductwork as well can make the job more complex and costly. Generally, ductless systems are easier and less disruptive to install if the home doesn’t have ductwork.
Required maintenance
Regular duct cleaning is a part of central AC maintenance to ensure proper airflow, good air quality, and a healthier living environment, especially for those with allergies. A central air system is more complex than a ductless system, requiring more frequent and in-depth service.
A ductless AC in good working order typically requires less maintenance, although the air filter needs to be regularly cleaned or replaced. Conversely, central air conditioners tend to be more durable and have longer lifespans than standard ductless ACs.
Aesthetic appeal
If you’re worried about how your air conditioner will impact the visual appeal of your home, central air may be a better choice. The air conditioner, ducts, and vents are usually hidden inside walls and ceilings. However, indoor ductless units can be mounted discreetly on the wall, ceiling, or floor, minimizing their impact on the room’s aesthetics and eliminating the need for ductwork.
Pros and Cons of Central HVAC vs. Ductless Systems
The following are some pros and cons of central HVAC vs. ductless systems.
Central HVAC pros
Some pros of central HVAC systems include:
- Efficient cooling of your entire home or building from one thermostat.
- Maintained comfort with uniform temperature.
- Better air filtration systems and humidity control
- Less physically intrusive because most components are hidden
- Costs less to install if the home already has ductwork
Central HVAC cons
Cons of central HVAC include:
- Requires frequent, comprehensive maintenance
- Potential energy loss (and higher energy bills) due to duct leaks or blockages
- Less zoning control than a ductless system
Ductless HVAC pros
Ductless HVAC has the following pros:
- Less costly to run and maintain
- Generally, more energy efficient
- Better for zoning and temperature optimization in each space
- Easier, less intrusive installation process
- Provides both heating and cooling
- More cost-effective to install if the home doesn’t already have ductwork
Ductless HVAC cons
Some cons of ductless HVAC systems include:
- Less aesthetically pleasing
- Higher initial investment, especially if you need whole-home coverage with multiple indoor units
- Not suitable for larger homes or big spaces
Ultimately, choosing the right air conditioner comes down to what you want out of your home cooling system. Looking for something simple and easy to use? Want a high-tech system to work with your smart home technology? There’s a system for every preference. Speak to the certified HVAC professionals at Sam’s Air Control to learn more.
When To Choose Ductless Air Conditioning
Ductless systems efficiently heat and cool rooms and smaller spaces, making them an excellent choice when different areas of the home require different temperatures. If you’re comfortable with a higher initial cost for long-term energy savings (ductless systems like mini splits are more efficient than central air) and don’t mind visible indoor components mounted to the walls or ceilings, ductless may be right for you.
When Central Air Conditioning Makes Sense
Central air conditioning is better suited for consistently cooling larger homes in areas with frequent hot and humid days. Better humidity control helps mitigate New Jersey’s high summer humidity levels, keeping you more comfortable while protecting your home structure and furniture from moisture damage and mold.
Central HVACs are designed to provide even cooling to houses with high ceilings or multiple floors, offering easy temperature control from a single thermostat. If you’re ready to upgrade your home cooling system and your home has existing ductwork, a central air conditioner is a cost-efficient option to consider.
Contact Sam’s Air Control for All Your HVAC Needs
Installing a high-quality air conditioning system provides New Jersey homeowners with a comfortable environment, improved air quality, and peace of mind. Contact Sam’s Air Control today for reliable HVAC services, including heating and cooling maintenance, repairs, and installations. We also offer services for geothermal, ductless, central, and boiler systems.
