The summer heat has returned to Upstate New York, and now’s the time when many Utica area homeowners start to reassess their home cooling systems. Should you keep your whole home cool using a traditional ducted air conditioning system, or is a ductless mini-split AC system the better option for you?
Here’s a look at the key differences between traditional AC and mini-splits — and how each system can benefit your home.
Keep Your Whole Home Cool with Traditional AC
A traditional air conditioning system uses a central air conditioning unit along with ductwork to one temperature, and your entire house will be cooled to this temperature.
Though older central air conditioning units can be notoriously inefficient, causing your utility bills to skyrocket, today’s central air conditioning units are extremely energy efficient, allowing you to keep your home cool for less.
Customize Your Home Cooling with Mini-Splits
Mini-split systems, also known as ductless heat pump systems, are a little different in that they do not require ductwork. Instead, one or more mini-split units are installed inside the home and provide focused cooling to particular rooms or areas. You might install one mini-split unit in a hard-to-condition bedroom, or you might install multiple units throughout the home for a whole-home air conditioning solution.
Mini-splits are some of the most energy efficient HVAC units available, as they eliminate the need for ductwork and only condition the areas of the home that need it. This means you can lower your air conditioning bills even further with one or more mini-splits in your home. Moreover, you can use your indoor mini-split units to heat your home in the winter.
Comparing Traditional AC & Mini-Splits
As you can see, there are clear benefits to having either type of home cooling system. The table below will help you understand the key differences and benefits associated with each type of system:
| Traditional AC | Mini-Split | |
| What It Does | Cools only | Cools & heats |
| Areas Conditioned | Cools the entire house | Cools a specific room or area |
| Ductwork | Requires ductwork | Eliminates the need for ductwork |
| Energy Efficiency | Can be an extremely energy efficient option with the right unit | The most energy efficient cooling option available |
Which System Is Best for Your Home?
Ultimately, your particular home, needs, and goals will determine which type of cooling system is best for your home. You may even find that having both traditional AC and mini-splits is the best option. The HVAC experts at Fred F. Collis & Sons can help you determine which cooling system is best for you during a consultation.
If your home has existing ductwork, it’s time to replace your central AC unit, and you tend to use most parts of your home throughout the day, installing a new, energy efficient central AC unit might be the best option for you. If you already have an efficient central AC system but notice that a certain room or area in your home is frequently too hot, you may want to install a mini-split to complement your existing AC system. And if your home does not have ductwork but you want energy efficient cooling throughout, you may benefit from a whole home ductless cooling system.
