When it comes to HVAC, most people don’t care what kind of system they have as long as they have a system that works. It is only when a fault arises that they start to wonder whether or not it might be better to stay with the same system or go for an upgrade. In case you’ve ever come across ductless mini-split systems, there is a high chance that you’ve also heard great things about them. But are the rumors true? In short, when it comes to mini split vs central air, which one is best for you?

We provide detailed answers to these questions and more below.

Mini split vs Central Air: How they Each Work

To understand which is the better alternative for you between these two HVACs, it is important to understand what each of them are in the first place.

Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Ductless Mini-Split Systems are able to deliver what is known as “zone-based heating”. What this means is that with a mini split, you can split your house into different zones, with each individual zone having its own separate temperature that can be easily adjusted without affecting the others.

The ability to do this gives you a kind of control that you wouldn’t normally have with other units. This customization is one of the reasons why ductless mini-split systems are becoming more and more popular with each passing day.

How Ductless Mini-Split Systems Work

Mini-splits are usually divided into two components – the indoor units or “heads”, and the outdoor compressor unit. You can have up to eight heads in your house, all of which are connected to a single outdoor unit.

The number of heads determine the number of zones you can have in the house.

Indoor units are usually sleek and very aesthetic in their appearance, and they come with programmable remote controls so that they can be easily customized even when hung on a high plane.

Central Heating Systems

Central heating systems, unlike mini splits, are uniform throughout. With a central heating system one unit is enough for the whole house. It is, however, impossible to split your home into zones so that temperature is different for various parts of the house.

How Central Heating Operations Work

Central heating systems are actually quite simple in their operations. In this system, cold air is fed into furnaces and hot air is expelled.

More specifically, a burner produces a flame that warms a heat exchanger (metal pipes capable of retaining heat). Afterwards, air that is blown over the heat exchanger is pumped outwards using the ductwork to the air vents.

The waste is then expelled through the chimney after which return air ducts bring back cold air to the furnace. This air is then reheated, and the process continues on repeat as long as the system is on.

Mini split vs Central Air: Examining the Pros & Cons

Mini-split Pros

From knowing how they work and what they do, it is clear to see that mini-split systems offer a significant advantage that central heating doesn’t – ability to partition your house and program different temperatures for different areas.

Furthermore, mini-split systems have no ducts and as such, they are very energy efficient. They also offer more flexibility in terms of installation and design options.

Mini-split Cons

The most prominent con of a mini-split system is that it is more expensive than traditional air conditioning systems. It also requires a great deal of expertise to install.

Central Heating Pros

Central heating removes the need for splitting a home into zones. This can come in handy for those who don’t want to worry about having separate indoor units. They are also typically less expensive than mini-split systems and have a long lifespan.

Central Heating Cons

The lack of zoning in central heating can be an advantage for some and a disadvantage for others. It all depends on whether or not you require a great deal of flexibility in your home temperature.

Additionally, they do have a potential for heat leak if the ducts are poorly sealed. This can lead to significant loss of energy.

Mini Split vs Central Air: Getting the Best Mini-Splits for Your Home

The best mini splits can provide you with all of the benefits above along with a long lifespan and little to no maintenance worry over the years. To enjoy all of these benefits, though, it is imperative that you go with an Installer that knows what they’re doing.

Not only will the installation cost become more bearable if you choose the right installer, but you will also be able to rest assured that you will be getting value for your money for a long time to come.

At AlwaysOnHVAC, we possess both the experience and expertise required for a smooth installation without complications. We offer a number of mini-split brands such as Mitsubishi, Daikin, and Gree, to give you as much freedom and flexibility in choosing the perfect system for you.

Contact us today to get a quote and get started immediately.