Residents of central Pennsylvania have several options to keep their homes cool and comfortable in the summer. Two of those options are air conditioning units and ductless mini-split systems. So what’s the difference between them, and are they better suited for some homes as opposed to others? We’ve got answers for you.
Air Conditioners and Their Benefits
Air conditioners use refrigerant to remove heat from the air through a compressor or condenser then blow it into a room. In a central air conditioning system, chilled air is blown through ductwork and up into floor registers.
Installing a central air conditioning system is more cost-effective than installing a ductless system if the house already has ductwork.
Another big consideration when it comes to choosing a system is the size of the house. Most ductless systems just can’t cool down every area in a large residence because they’re not as powerful as central air conditioning systems.
Ductless Mini-Splits and Their Benefits
Ductless mini-splits are small units usually installed near or on the ceiling. They don’t need ducts like a central air conditioner, and several can be connected to an outdoor condenser.
This type of cooling system is excellent for an added-on room or in a smaller house that never had central air conditioning (putting air conditioning units in every room would probably be impractical). Each mini-split unit also has its own thermostat, so one can be working in an occupied room while another in an unoccupied room is turned off. Because they don’t have ducts that can leak air, they’re more energy-efficient than a central air conditioner.
Installing a ductless mini-split system costs a bit more than installing an equivalent central air conditioning system. On the other hand, installing central AC in a home that never had any is so disruptive that a homeowner may end up paying twice as much as he or she would for a ductless system.
The HVAC professionals at HB McClure are pleased to offer customers central air conditioning units and ductless mini-splits. We also install heating, plumbing, and water purification systems. Call us today to learn more about our services in Harrisburg, Hershey, York, and the surrounding areas.
