Whether you’re trying to stay cozy in the winter or cool off in the summer, choosing the right heating and cooling system is key to keeping your home comfortable all year long. But how do you decide between all of the climate control options available? What will work best in your house and with your budget?
This guide will walk you through two of the most common HVAC choices—mini-splits and central heating and cooling—so you can answer these questions and find the best solution for your home.
What Is a Mini-Split?
A mini-split, also known as a ductless system, consists of two main parts: an indoor air-handling unit and an outdoor condenser. Unlike central systems, it doesn’t produce warm or cool air that is distributed through ductwork. Instead, it simply moves heat and energy around, blowing air directly into the room where it’s installed.
What Is Central Heating and Cooling?
Central heating and cooling systems are a more traditional setup that distributes conditioned air throughout your home using a network of ducts. These systems typically include either a furnace and an air conditioner or a single heat pump that handles both heating and cooling.
5 Questions to Know Which System Is Right for You
These questions can help you determine what you need most out of your heating and cooling system, making it easier to decide between a mini-split system and central heating and cooling.
How Big Is Your Space?
If you’re heating a small apartment or specific rooms in your home, mini-splits are a great choice because the heating and cooling can more easily be controlled for that area. If you’re hoping to maintain a consistent temperature throughout a larger space or in lots of rooms, a central system is the more practical choice because it can distribute the air more efficiently.
What’s Your Budget?
The cost of a new HVAC system depends on a lot of factors. If you already have ductwork, a central air system may be cheaper than a mini-split; if not, the cost of adding ductwork could make central air the more expensive choice. Long-term maintenance for mini-splits can also be less expensive. Contact us for a bid and more details about how much each system would cost in your home.
Do You Prioritize Energy Efficiency?
If cutting energy bills and taking care of the environment is a top priority, mini-splits win. They can easily heat or cool only certain parts of your home, helping you use energy in only the spaces you need. Some central systems have zoning options that create this same effect, but they are generally still less efficient because air gets lost as it moves through the ductwork.
Do You Need Air Quality Control?
For families with allergies or sensitivities, central heating and cooling systems equipped with HEPA filters or air purifiers can be an important way to maintain good indoor air quality. Mini-splits don’t usually have these advanced options, although they do offer basic filtration.
Do You Already Have Ductwork?
If your home already has high-quality ductwork, a central air system should work seamlessly. However, if your ductwork is leaky or worn out, consider repairing it before installing your central air system or opting for a mini-split system to avoid inefficiencies. A mini-split can also be a great option if you have an older home that doesn’t have ductwork and installing it isn’t feasible.
Choose Emperor for Premium Heating & Cooling
No matter what heating and cooling system you choose, you need an HVAC team that can help you maximize your investment. At Emperor Cooling & Heating, we handle installs, repairs, ongoing maintenance, and anything else you need to take care of your system. Our techs are friendly and honest, and you can also expect the highest quality when you choose us.
For questions about which system is right for you or concerns about your heating and cooling system, just give us a call. We’re ready to help.