If you are wondering whether you can replace your central AC with a ductless mini-split, the short answer is yes. The longer answer is that, depending on several different factors, this may or may not be a good idea. These factors include the size of your home, how much money you have to spend and your priorities.
In addition, you will probably need multiple mini-splits unless you only have a small area to cool. In Atlanta’s summer heat, you want to make sure that you have the best cooling system for your needs. At Precision Heating & Air, we can install or replace both central AC and ductless mini-splits.
Differences in Central AC and Mini-Splits
To decide whether to replace your central AC with ductless mini-splits, you need to understand the differences between the two types of systems.
How Central AC and Ductless Mini-Splits Work
With central AC, you have a single unit outside your home. Air is carried through a system of ductwork in your home and released through registers cut into your floors or ceilings. A central thermostat placed on an inside wall away from windows controls the temperature for the entire house.
A ductless mini-split has a condenser unit outside. Inside, one or more air handler units will be placed throughout your home. The cool air blows directly from this unit instead of passing through a system of ducts first. When technicians install an air handler unit, they may drill a small hole in the wall to run the wiring, refrigerant lines and condensate drain lines to the outside unit. Depending on the space you need to cool, you may have multiple ductless mini-splits throughout your home.
Cooling Capacity
The cooling capacity of central AC is much greater than that of ductless mini-splits unless you are comparing central AC at the bottom range with ductless mini-splits from the top range. Cooling capacity is measured in units called British Thermal Units (BTUs). For central AC, this range is from about 18,000 to more than 60,000. For ductless mini-splits, this is generally from around 9,000 to around 30,000 or more.
Bigger does not necessarily mean better when it comes to cooling capacity. In fact, if you have a central AC unit that is too big for your space, this can cause issues with humidity control and other problems. However, you should be aware that the area that you cooled with your central AC might require more than one indoor ductless mini-split unit.
Temperature Control Options
Those multiple indoor ductless mini-split units are not necessarily a disadvantage. In fact, they offer an advantage that is one of the big benefits of cooling your home with ductless mini-splits instead of central AC. You can set different temperatures for each indoor unit in your home, cooling in “zones.”
This can be helpful in several different ways. Your home might have some rooms that are always just warmer or cooler than the rest of the house. Ductless mini-splits may help you keep those rooms more comfortable than a central AC would. Ductless mini-splits can also keep everyone more comfortable if people in your household have different temperature preferences and spend a lot of time in different rooms.
Installation Cost
Keep installation costs in mind. If you didn’t already have a central AC unit and the accompanying ductwork, ductless mini-split installation might be comparable to the cost of central AC installation, thanks to the expense of putting in new ductwork. However, since you are looking at a replacement, the comparison you’re making is between a new central AC unit and ductless mini-splits. In this situation, the installation costs for ductless mini-splits will likely be higher.
Energy Efficiency
On the other hand, the costs of running the ductless mini-splits may be lower. Ductless mini-splits tend to be more energy efficient than central AC. As much as 30% of the cool air your central AC generates might be lost as it travels through your duct system. You won’t see an immediate return on the investment in the ductless mini-split installation with your power bills, but over time, the savings will add up.
If having a more environmentally friendly system is important to you, you may want to trade your central AC for ductless mini-splits. Of course, this will still come down to how you use either system. If someone in your house uses the zoned cooling as an excuse to keep their room refrigerator-cold, you might not end up saving money or helping the environment.
Unit Placement and Aesthetics
Besides the registers that blow air into the rooms in your house, central AC is largely invisible. This isn’t the case with ductless mini-splits. If you switch from central AC to ductless mini-splits, you’ll have to figure out where to place the indoor units on your walls. For some people, this isn’t an issue. For others, it can be a deal breaker. If you don’t like the look of them on your walls, one option may be to mount them on the ceiling.
Maintenance
You should schedule routine yearly maintenance for both central AC and ductless mini-splits. However, central AC might require some occasional ductwork maintenance that you don’t have to worry about with ductless mini-splits.
Ductless Mini-Splits as Supplements to Central AC
Another option is adding one or more ductless mini-splits to your home, but keeping your central AC instead of replacing it. There are some situations in which this may be a good solution.
One is if there is an area in your house that you want to keep cooler. You could run the central AC as normal and turn down the temperature for the area covered by the ductless mini-split. This might also be the right option if you’re adding a room onto your home or converting a part of your house that doesn’t have ducts, such as turning an attic or garage into a guest room.
Should You Replace Your Central AC?
As you can see, it is possible to replace your central AC with ductless mini-splits, but your cooling experience will be different in a number of ways. This may or may not improve your overall comfort. You need to consider your budget as well as the other elements mentioned above.
If you’re still unsure about whether to keep your central AC, talk to us at Precision Heating & Air. We are happy to discuss your needs, expectations, priorities and specific situation to help you decide whether you’d be better off with your existing system or something new.
Central AC and Ductless Mini-Split Service in the Atlanta Area
We’re a local, family-owned business with more than 30 years of experience in the metro area. Our NATE-certified technicians participate in ongoing education, and we stay on top of the newest techniques and equipment.
We can provide a variety of HVAC services, including installation, replacement, maintenance and repair of central AC and ductless mini-splits. We guarantee 100% satisfaction with our work. When you need installation or service for your central AC or ductless mini-splits in Atlanta, contact the experts at Precision Heating & Air.
