When there are so many types of air HVAC systems available on the market, determining the best one for your house can be an arduous task. The benefits and drawbacks can be a challenge to sort through. Thankfully, the experts at Deal’s Heating and Air know how to take the heat. We have experience with all types of AC units and know how to weigh the pros and cons.
Read below as we compare two of the most popular AC units, ducted AC and ductless AC, to determine the best style! Which one will come out on top?
Ducted AC
A ducted AC system is an air conditioning unit that heats a building through vents and ductwork rather than cooling a room directly. This works by sucking in the air from inside the building, pulling it into the AC unit, heating or cooling it depending upon the season, and then pushing it back into the building to maintain the ideal temperature. This method allows for humidity control for areas that suffer from humidity issues.
These systems make it easy to heat multiple areas of a building at once with only a single system, as then ductwork can extend into multiple rooms. For large homes or commercial buildings, this can be an excellent solution. Many of these systems also have the option of “zones,” which means energy is not wasted heating the entire building but the zone where people actually are.
Pros
- Comparatively reduced energy bills compared to central air systems or evaporative coolers for humid locations
- More efficient cooling for large buildings
- Discrete system
- Energy efficiency
- Quiet
- More location options
- Improved air quality, if properly maintained
- Option for “zones” to improve energy efficiency
- Options for standard cooing and “reverse” cycle heating
Cons
- The installation cost is higher
- Complicated installation
- More frequent maintenance needs
- Requires room for ducting
- Requires higher-tech option for “zones”
Ductless AC
A ductless mini split AC unit is so called because it has two units, one indoor and one outdoor, that are “split” either by a wall or window. These systems must be installed into an exterior wall so that the exterior unit has a compressor and condenser that is then connected via piping to the indoor unit. These air conditioners can also be called “ductless” because they do not require a duct system to cool. These systems are built to cool one room, with multiple systems needing to be installed for each room to cool them. This allows for cooling on a “room by room” basis, preventing energy from being wasted by cooling rooms in which no one is inhabiting.
Due to their simple setup, these units are more affordable and less energy-intensive than a larger system. These systems are ideal for those living in small apartments as they don’t need the space for ductwork and can cool such small spaces without using too much energy.
Pros
- Simpler installation
- Perfect for small buildings and individual rooms
- Can cool individual rooms as needed
- Less energy-intensive
- Easy installation & maintenance
- Variability of sizes for numerous use cases
- Improve air quality, if properly maintained
- Options for standard cooing and “reverse” cycle heating
- No ductwork required
- Air filtration
Cons
- Not ideal for big buildings with multiple rooms
- Inefficient for large rooms
- Increased installation call for multiple rooms
- Circulates indoor air only and does not bring in fresh air
So, Who is the Winner?
While the answer may disappoint anyone who was hoping for a simple solution… the winner is whichever one suits your needs! Only you know what you value from an AC unit. Do you prefer energy efficiency? Or are you more worried about being able to sleep in comfort without a noisy machine rumbling in your ears?
The best way to determine the best AC for your family is to consider what you value in your home. Both a ducted AC and a ductless AC offer benefits for those seeking a cooling solution. With the pros and cons listed for each unit, what will you choose?
Don’t Sweat It! Call Deal’s Heating & Air!
But if you’re still struggling for an answer, don’t worry! Our experienced professionals are happy to help you navigate through your choices, as well as inform you of what innovations have been happening on the market. Once you’ve decided on your new AC, we’re happy to help with the arduous installation process! Whether you’re replacing an old unit or installing a new style, we’ll make the process a breeze.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
