How big is your house?
If you’re trying to cool a building larger than 2,500 square feet, chances are good that you just need to stick with central air. Ductless systems are generally a bit less powerful than central AC systems and typically can’t efficiently handle the massive amount of air inside of larger houses and buildings the way a powerful central system can.
Of course, there are exceptions to every rule and we can’t get too specific without seeing your house, but as a rule of thumb, ductless systems often work best for homes with 2,000 square feet or fewer. For mid-sized to small houses, ductless units can cool things off very efficiently (often more efficiently than central systems).
Do you already have ductwork in your house?
If your building already has ductwork and you just need to install or replace an air handler and a condenser unit, it will probably make sense to stick with the central air conditioning system. Replacing those components is generally cheaper than installing a whole new ductless system
On the other hand, if you’re looking to cool a small to mid-sized house as we discussed above with no existing ductwork, it’ll almost always be cheaper to install a ductless system. It’s a win-win, because ductless units will usually cool slightly more efficiently than central units in limited spaces they’re rated to cool during hot muggy summers around Wendell, Zebulon, and Knightdale, North Carolina.
Do you mind looking at your AC unit?
Finally, the most superficial factor (but an important one nonetheless): are you alright looking at your AC unit inside your home? With a ductless system, the air handler/evaporator is mounted to the wall of the room you’re trying to cool. It might look a bit like a rectangular fan.
With central systems, ducts do their work in the walls and ceilings, the air handler is usually hidden somewhere like a closet, a basement, or an attic, and the condenser unit is outside. In sum, the whole system is hidden away other than the air vents.
Ultimately, the decision between a ductless and central air conditioning system can be tricky and largely depends on your circumstances. There are many more considerations outside the general ones outlined in this article. But the good news is that we’re always available and can help you decide what’s best for your building and budget. Give us a call or contact us anytime, and we’ll get you scheduled for a consultation!
