The Two Types of Air Conditioning Systems

Air conditioners are similar to refrigerators in that they control and regulate temperatures. They work by converting specific liquids into gasses and then back again. When this conversion happens, it condenses the air and cools it. A fan then circulates this air throughout your home.

While it is possible to just place a small window unit in any room of your home, most people opt for a whole-house system, of which there are two types – ductless and central.

Central air conditioning uses ducts to deliver the air equally to each room of your home. If you already have forced hot air installed, central air conditioning can use the same ducts, or new ducts can be added just for the purpose of delivering the chilled air. A central air conditioner is usually installed outdoors, although in some cases they may be mounted on your roof or in your attic. Because they are not part of your living areas, they are relatively unobtrusive, with only the vents showing.

Ductless systems, also known as a mini-split system, install right into the walls of your home. They do not use ducts, which makes them less expensive to install in homes that do not already have ductwork, and are more energy efficient because they do not lose energy as the air travels, like the way central air conditioners do. Ductless units are more visible, as you see them on the wall, and to cool your entire home, you may need more than one. However, you can use them to cool specific parts of your home, or even use them in conjunction with central air to create separate zones for areas that are not used as often or for areas that need additional cooling.

Costs

In the case of central air conditioning, your costs are going to be dependent on several factors. The first of which is the unit itself. When selecting a central air unit, you will want to look at its SEER number or its efficiency rating. The higher the number, the less it will cost you to run, but the more it will cost you upfront. The average household will typically use a unit with about 13 SEER, which has an average cost of $3,000 to $4,000 for a 1,800 sq. ft. home. A higher SEER or larger unit will increase the cost.

The cost of installation begins around $2,000 and does not include the costs of the ducts. The ductwork starts around $10 a linear foot, with most homes needing a minimum of 200 feet. This further drives your costs up another $2,000, making the average cost of central air between $5,000 and $9,000 for a 1,800 sq. ft. home, depending on whether you need ducts.

Ductless air conditioners cost around $1,800 for a single unit. If you intend to cool your entire home up to 1800 sq. ft., you may need a unit that can handle up to 4 zones at a cost of about $3,800. Installation is typically about $20 to $40 an hour and takes roughly 2 hours. There is an additional service fee of $50 for a total of $90 to $130 for labor and $1,930 to $3,930 for the entire cost.

Air Filtration

Both types of air conditioners will lower the temperature in your home. Because of the way that central air conditioners recirculate air, however, they can improve the air quality as well. Air filters are required to help the unit do its job properly. Investing in a higher-quality filter can remove allergens from the air. Ductless units do not circulate air in this way and do not remove allergens.

Noise

Ductless air conditioning is less noisy than central air. The condenser unit is smaller and can be located further away from the house to minimize noise. In addition, ducts tend to echo, which can amplify the sounds from central air. Because ductless systems use hoses, there is no echo, so the system is quieter.