You have plenty of options if you’re looking for a new HVAC system for your Auburndale, Florida home. As you evaluate those options, your choice will likely come down to a ductless mini-split or a ducted central HVAC. Each has relative strengths and weaknesses that you should consider when deciding.
What Is a Ductless Mini-Split?
A ductless mini-split is a type of HVAC that combines a central outdoor unit and one or more indoor air handlers. Some models offer cooling only. Others use heat pump technology to both heat and cool your home. The latter can serve as a replacement for a conventional central ducted HVAC system.
The Pros of Ductless Mini-Splits
Ductless mini-splits offer several notable advantages compared to traditional ducted systems. From flexible installation to energy-saving performance, these systems can be a good choice for many homeowners.
High Energy Efficiency
Ductless mini-splits provide very efficient heating and cooling that almost always exceeds the efficiency of ducted HVACs. There are multiple reasons why. One is that mini-splits avoid ductwork-related energy losses. According to the US Department of Energy, ducted HVAC systems can lose up to 30% of the energy used for heating and cooling through ductwork, especially if the ducts are in unconditioned spaces like attics or crawl spaces. Sometimes, poor ductwork insulation can also contribute to the problem.
Ductless mini-splits also deliver impressive energy efficiency thanks to the way heat pumps operate. Instead of generating heat by burning fuel or using electric resistance, they capture heat from the outdoor air and transfer it indoors. This process uses far less energy, allowing a mini-split to provide three to four times more heating energy than it consumes. The result is a highly efficient alternative to conventional heating systems.
Zoned Operation
Since mini-splits rely on multiple indoor air handlers, they provide zoned operation by default. That means they give you room-by-room temperature control. Each air handler has its own thermostat and temperature settings. That allows everyone in your home to customize their comfort. Plus, you can turn off individual air handlers in rooms and spaces nobody’s occupying. Doing so can help you save money by avoiding the energy waste of heating or cooling unused spaces.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Ductless mini-splits also provide a boost in indoor air quality in most homes. One reason is the washable air filters in each mini-split air handler. They trap dust and dirt continuously as the air handler operates. And since they’re washable, you can easily clean them often to eliminate those contaminants.
Not having ductwork also means a mini-split won’t cross-contaminate your home’s rooms. In other words, the dust, allergens, and dirt from one room can’t travel elsewhere. That can be a helpful trait, especially in homes with pets and residents with allergies. In those cases, you can keep the pets away from the rooms with allergy sufferers, and your HVAC won’t carry the allergens to those rooms.
Quiet Operation
Ductless mini-splits are quiet while operating. Many mini-split air handlers only make about 32 dB of noise while running. That’s about the level of background noise you’d expect inside a library. Some mini-split air handlers also feature special quiet modes that lower fan speeds to near-silent levels.
The Cons of Ductless Mini-Splits
While ductless mini-splits offer many benefits, they’re not the right fit for every home. Here are a few potential drawbacks to consider before making your decision.
Higher Upfront Cost
Ductless mini-split systems often come with a higher upfront cost compared to traditional central HVAC systems. This is especially true when multiple indoor units are needed to cover your home. The added expense is largely due to the need for multiple air handlers and hands-on installation for each zone. While the installation process is less invasive than installing new ductwork, it can still be time-consuming, particularly in multi-zone setups.
Poor Cold-Weather Performance
Since ductless mini-splits rely on heat energy in the outside air to warm your home, they lose efficiency as temperatures drop. When temperatures drop below freezing, mini-splits often use heat strips to keep your home comfortable. Fortunately, it rarely gets anywhere near that cold in Auburndale, so this weakness isn’t a dealbreaker for most people.
What Is a Ducted Central HVAC?
Although you’re probably familiar with them, a ducted central HVAC is a comfort system that sends hot and cold air to each room via ductwork in your home’s walls. Most ducted HVACs combine an air conditioner and furnace, which share an indoor air handler. However, it’s worth noting that ducted heat pumps are also a popular option.
The Pros of Central HVAC
Central ducted HVAC systems are the most common heating and cooling solution across much of the United States. Their widespread popularity is due to several advantages that make them a preferred choice for many homeowners.
Relatively Low Upfront Costs
If your home has preexisting ductwork, installing a ducted system is typically the most cost-effective option. They’re mechanically simpler than ductless mini-splits, and nearly every HVAC manufacturer offers ducted models. Additionally, most HVAC companies can install a forced air system, so competition helps keep installation costs lower.
Excellent Post-Installation Support
Ducted HVAC systems have been serving homes in the US for decades, and almost everyone has used one at some point. This ubiquity means that finding post-installation support for most central HVAC systems is easy. You’ll have plenty of options for maintenance and repairs, which isn’t always the case with mini-splits.
Great Reliability
Ducted HVAC systems are known for their mechanical simplicity and well-established design, which contribute to their reliability. With proper maintenance, the average ducted system lasts around 15 years. In many cases, these systems can operate throughout their entire lifespan without requiring any major repairs.
The Cons of Central HVAC
While central HVAC systems are a popular choice, they do have their drawbacks. Here are some of the key disadvantages to consider.
Dependence on Ductwork
A central HVAC system depends on your home’s ductwork to distribute conditioned air. If the ductwork deteriorates or becomes damaged, it can significantly affect the system’s performance. There are two main concerns with this. First, the average ductwork lasts about 25 years before it may need replacement. Second, replacing ductwork can be costly and disruptive. Many homeowners delay addressing aging ducts, which can lead to considerable energy waste. Additionally, old or damaged ductwork can restrict airflow, reducing both energy efficiency and overall comfort.
Lack of Zoned Operation
Although adding a zoning system to a ducted HVAC is possible, most systems don’t include one by default. As a result, ducted systems lack the operational flexibility that zoning offers. Even if you choose to install a zoning system, most central HVACs can typically support only two or three zones at most.
Your Local HVAC Experts
At Snowbird Heating & Cooling, we have served the residents of Auburndale and the surrounding areas since 1991. We install, repair, and maintain heating and cooling systems, including ductless mini-splits. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced technicians.
