Old air conditioning system is on, but the upstairs is still warm. The thermometer shows 22 degrees Celsius, but the room temperature is too high. You’re thinking about changing the system, and here comes the main question - central or ductless?

If you’re comparing air conditioner installation in Markham, there is no need to base your choice on the brand and price. Everything depends on your house ductwork, interior, and cooling requirements.

What Are the Differences Between Central AC and Ductless AC?

Central AC has an outdoor condenser, indoor coil, and ductwork which delivers conditioned air through vents throughout your house. There is normally just one thermostat controlling the system and that makes it easy to install in homes.

Ductless AC, also known as mini-split, is not using ductwork and connects one outdoor unit to one or more indoor units cooling different rooms or zones. According to ENERGY STAR, ductless systems can be a good choice for older houses without ductwork, additions and rooms with hot and cold spots.

“The main difference … comes from the ductwork.” Manish Chhabra, Product Manager, Ductless Mini Splits, Carrier

When Central AC Makes More Sense

Central AC is generally more suitable if your house already has an efficient ductwork system.

This is because you’re able to enjoy cool air everywhere in your house using one single system since the indoor components will not be visible. You can use your existing ductwork in case your old system requires replacement and you don’t have to worry about installing new ductwork lines.

Central AC may also make more sense in case you require cool air in every room in the house including the bedrooms, hallways, and living rooms using one single thermostat. This is because central AC doesn’t require any wall units which gives the rooms a neat look.

However, you shouldn't assume that just because you have ducts in your house they are efficient enough.

Why Ductless AC Installation is Preferable

Installation of ductless air conditioning units are preferred where you don’t have any ducts, and there are some rooms that never cool enough.

Air Leaders offers ductless systems installation in Markham where there are sunrooms, additions, and rooms with bad air flow. The units also offer individual comfort zones enabling individual temperature zones.

“Mini splits ...are a good choice to augment your current HVAC system.” — Air Leaders

Which System Is Superior – Central Air Conditioning or Ductless?

No single system will work best for all homes.

Pick central AC if you have existing, serviceable ductwork and want to provide your entire house with same cooling using just one system.

Go for ductless when you have no ducts, wish to cool particular zones, or are having trouble cooling certain rooms due to your existing setup.

In addition, there’s a third alternative – you may utilize both systems at once. Your central system may cover the majority of your house, while ductless will cool your addition or troublesome room.

This same basic dichotomy between central and ductless systems is discussed by Carrier in their recent HVAC comparison:

“Both systems cool your home effectively, but the way they do it is quite different.” — Team Air Leaders

How About the Cost of Installation?

Don’t base your comparisons on the quoted price for the equipment.

The cost will vary depending on factors such as the size of your house, the capacity of the system, the duct work present in your house, the electric requirements, the number of ductless zones to be installed, the efficiency of the equipment, whether old equipment is being replaced, and how difficult the installation process is going to be.

Central air conditioners can be easy to replace if the duct work and electrical system are right. Ductless systems can save the expense of installing duct work, but having several indoor zones makes things more expensive.

Choosing Between Systems In Markham?

Start from your home instead of the catalogue.

If your existing ducts are performing well and you need just whole-house comfort cooling then central AC could be the option for you.

If you lack ducts or you’re going to add some construction to your home then ductless could suit your needs.

In case of doubt, you shouldn’t rely on your gut, the proper analysis of your house layout, ducts, airflow, insulation and cooling requirements should be done by the professional technician before choosing any equipment.

The same approach should be followed when comparing air conditioner installation and repair in Richmond Hill or air conditioner installation and repair in GTA.

Installation Makes All the Difference

A top-notch AC unit may fail to work well if the installation process is not done well.

Sizing, refrigerant connections, electrical hookups, air flow, drainage, and startup testing are some important considerations. We, at Air Leaders, only consider our licensed and factory-trained employees for installation processes.

And we don’t think of subcontractors even for a sec. Also, we perform a 17-point system performance evaluation on startup.

This is very important because it is the comfort you want, and not the box.

Air Leaders provides central and ductless AC installation in Markham, Richmond Hill, GTA, and surroundings.

FAQs

1. Is central AC better than ductless AC?

For houses with well-installed ducts and the need for whole-home cooling, central AC is usually better. And if your house is without ducts and zone cooling, ductless AC is usually better.

2. Is ductless AC cheaper than central AC?

It isn’t necessarily. Your costs will depend on your ductwork, equipment, electrical work, and number of zones to be installed. Make comparisons with complete installation quotes.

3. Can ductless AC cool an entire house?

Yes. Ductless multi-zone systems are capable of cooling multiple rooms although central AC might be the simpler option in the presence of effective ductwork in a house.

4. Can I install central AC without any existing ductwork?

Yes, you can but installing ductwork might make the process difficult and expensive. You can avoid ductwork with ductless AC.

5. Which one is better for an old Markham home?

If your home in Markham doesn’t have any usable ductwork, then ductless AC might be the easier option. If it does, then central AC could be the better choice.

Bottom Line

There is no war between central AC and ductless, no debate between which one is better. It’s all about which one is more suitable for your specific house.

Well-installed ducts and whole-house cooling are reasons to go with central AC. Lack of ducts, problem areas, additions and zoning requirements may favor ductless solution.

In order to choose air conditioning installation in Markham, have the house evaluated and compare the complete installation project, not just the price tag.

Call Air Leaders today and get a free quote.