Not all air conditioning (AC) systems are the same. AC systems are often classified as either ductless or central, depending on their method of operation.
Both types can create a cooler indoor environment by lowering the temperature of the air. Ductless and central AC systems work in different ways, however.
As a homeowner, you should learn the differences between them before investing in a new AC system.
What Is a Central AC System?
The most common type, a central AC system is a type of indoor cooling system that removes heat from your home’s indoor air at a central location, after which it distributes the newly cooled air through a series of ducts.
Central AC systems typically use a split-system configuration that’s characterized by the use of an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condenser coil.
The evaporator coil extracts heat from your home’s indoor air by absorbing it with refrigerant. After collecting the heat, the refrigerant travels to the condenser coil where it’s released outside your home.
The cooled air is then sent into and through your home’s ducts.
What Is a Ductless AC System?
Also known as a mini-split system, a ductless AC system is an indoor cooling system that uses a similar configuration of an evaporator coil and condenser coil.
The evaporator coil is placed inside your home where it collects heat from the air using refrigerant. The condenser coil, on the other hand, is placed outside your home – just like a central AC system.
The main difference between AC systems and ductless AC systems is that the former uses ducts to distribute the cooled air, whereas the latter does not.
A ductless AC system doesn’t use ducts. Instead, it features a wall-mounted air handler.
You can install the air handler on a wall, at which point it will expel cool air into the surrounding space.
Choosing Between a Central and Ductless AC System
Ductless AC systems lack the cooling power of their central AC counterparts.
If you only need a single room cooled, a ductless AC system may suffice. For house-wide cooling, though, a central AC system is a better choice. It will provide greater cooling power by distributing the cooled air through your entire room rather than a single space.
You might be surprised to learn that ductless AC systems typically cost more than central AC systems. Assuming your home already has air ducts, you’ll likely save money by choosing a central AC system.
If you are experiencing a problem with your air conditioning or heating call us at 512-336-1431 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be glad to come out and take a look at the issue.
1431-183 A/C & Heating proudly serves Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Liberty Hill, and North Austin.
I appreciate you going into detail about central AC systems and how they can cool entire houses efficiently. My aunt has been reconsidering the appliances in her house lately due to her rising electric bills, and has since then opted to find more efficient and high-quality ways to provide heating and cooling for her house to avoid spending more money down the line. Considering how big her house is, a central AC system might be exactly what she needs, so I’ll do her a favor and look for an HVAC contractor that can help her install one.
I appreciate you going into detail about central AC systems and how they can cool entire houses efficiently. My aunt has been reconsidering the appliances in her house lately due to her rising electric bills, and has since then opted to find more efficient and high-quality ways to provide heating and cooling for her house to avoid spending more money down the line. Considering how big her house is, a central AC system might be exactly what she needs, so I’ll do her a favor and look for an HVAC contractor that can help her install one.