Ductless Vs. Central Air

Well the time has come that you need a new heating and cooling system in your home. 84% of all the homes in American use Air conditioning! Luckily, there are options for you to choose from.  There is the traditional HVAC central air, there is the use of Space heaters and window air conditioning units, and ductless systems. There are many variables as to which would be right for your home and comfort. It is important to compare side by side each option to see what your be the best choice for your family.

Well the time has come that you need a new heating and cooling system in your home. 84% of all the homes in American use Air conditioning! Luckily, there are options for you to choose from.  There is the traditional HVAC central air, there is the use of Space heaters and window air conditioning units, and ductless systems. There are many variables as to which would be right for your home and comfort. It is important to compare side by side each option to see what your be the best choice for your family.

Central Air and Ductless systems both have their pros and cons. When it comes to energy efficiency ductless heating and cooling systems are hands down more cost effective even if the HVAC Air conditioning system is Energy Star. All ductless systems are Energy Star rated and many even surpass the expectations of that label. Ductless systems cost less to install than Central Air especially if you have duct work that needs to be done for the central air. Having central air and HVAC installed can take a very long time and will disrupt your daily routine. Oftentimes, when having HVAC installed you will have to open up large portions of walls and later fix it. When installing a ductless system the system goes directly onto the wall or ceiling and has an approximately 3 in bundle of cords and tubing that will need to go through the wall to its outside unit. Installing a ductless system can take as little as one day!

If your house is larger than 2000 sq. feet it might be better choice to go with central air though. The ductless system is installed in each room because it is meant for small spaces it could get costly. Even though it may cost more to install many separate systems throughout the house, called a mini-split, it will still be the most cost effective if you have no pre-existing duct work. Due to the fact that the system is in each room it makes it easy to zone, if one room is less used than the other then you can keep that system turned off unless you are in that room. Unfortunately that can’t be done with central air.

If you are someone who cares deeply about your carbon footprint then using a ductless system might be a great choice for you. A ductless system has a much smaller carbon footprint due to the fact that it uses much less energy because it is so efficient and it also uses an refrigerant that is known for its Zero Ozone depletion!  If it will bother you to look at your system daily then a ductless system might not be for you as it is mounted on the wall or ceiling. Central air is in your walls and floors and the air comes in through vents that are less noticeable. However, if you are sensitive to noise then a ductless system might be great because it is known for being extremely quiet. These are just some of the pros and cons to each.

With so many things to take into consideration it is important to talk to some professionals about your options. We are happy to answer any of your questions at Oregon Ductless Heroes so give us a call!