Pros of Mini Splits
Ductless
While traditional air conditioning systems operate from a single point of cooling and then use ducts and vents to circulate the cooled air around, mini splits are completely ductless.
Economically and Environmentally Friendly
Mini splits are more energy efficient because you can turn the system off in rooms you’re not using, so energy is not being wasted. The more precise control also cuts down on your overall energy bill, saving you money each month.
Zoning
You get ultimate control over the climate in all the zones in your home with a mini split because each room has its own fan and evaporator unit. Feel free to turn it off in the parts of the house you’re not using while cranking it up in the rooms that tend to run hot.
Flexibility
Ductless systems like mini splits have options to fit your home size and budget, offering maximum flexibility. Choose from single, dual, triple, or quad zoning to fit your home and cooling needs.
Ease of Installation
With no heavy infrastructure or construction needed, mini splits are easy to install, so you can start cooling down today. There’s no breaking through walls or complicated electrical wiring to deal with.
Cons of Mini Splits
Weaker Air Filtration
Because this type of system is designed to control and maintain the temperature room by room, the overall filtration ability is lowered.
Aesthetics
Mini splits definitely aren’t the prettiest option available, particularly because they’re so visible. And if you’re spending a lot of time in a room, it will need its own fan and evaporator, so you don’t have the option to keep it out of sight.
Pros of Central Air
Size and Range
Once you move beyond 4 zones, central AC begins to look like a better option because of its range and power. If your home or property is large or spans multiple floors, central air is going to do a much better job of keeping your space cool.
Better Integration with Indoor Air Quality Products
Because central AC systems are older, more common, and have the capacity to filter air well, more air filtration add-ons and products are designed to fit with them. If you live somewhere with wildfires or other events that decrease air quality, central air might be the safest decision for you.
Cons of Central Air
Temperature and Zone Control
Because central air is one large system, you don’t have as much control over how different rooms feel. If your home is multi-level, you can usually control the temperature by floor, but if you want more localized temperature control, central air might not be the best solution for you.
Higher Utility Bills
Central air’s strength is in its power, but with great power comes great respon– er, utility bills. More economically conscious consumers are shifting away from central air for this very reason.
Ducts
If your home or building is not already equipped with ducts, it’s going to be a fairly invasive and costly process to install them, which usually ends up being a nonstarter for most folks.
Costs Associated with Operation
There is a common misconception that ductless mini-splits can provide the same heating/cooling capabilities for less cost. In most applications this is not true as it is the limitations of the mini-splits that keep costs down. For heating/cooling a comparable amount of space, the cost of the two are similar.
