If you’re ready to invest in an air conditioner for your home, you have many different options to choose from. Three of the most popular are central air conditioners, heat pumps, and ductless mini-splits. We’re going to go over the benefits and drawbacks of each type of system so you can make a better-informed decision about which one is ideal for your home.
Central Air Conditioners
Central air conditioners are one of the most common cooling systems on the market today. They can utilize the blower components and ductwork contained in your existing heating equipment. This makes for a very minimally invasive installation process. Central air conditioners work by pulling air through your ducting into its indoor air handler unit.
Inside the air handler heat will transfer to the refrigerant, which then gets pumped outside and released into the outdoor air. These units are typically the cheapest option of the three. They’re a great addition when you already have a forced-air heater with existing ductwork and blower components.
Central air conditioners have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years, assuming they receive regular care and upkeep. Typical mid-efficiency models will have a seasonal energy efficiency ratio or SEER2 rating of 14 to 16. High-efficiency models can reach ratings of up to 26. One of the bigger drawbacks of central air conditioning is it’s prone to inefficiency due to air loss in your ducting. This happens when your ductwork develops leaks over time due to expansion and contraction of the metal. Your conditioned air can escape into wall and floor crevices, meaning your AC unit must run more often to get your home to your desired temperature.
Heat Pumps
Another cooling option is the heat pump. This appliance integrates with your existing ductwork and blower components like a central air conditioner. The main difference is a heat pump can provide both air conditioning and heating, making it viable for all-year-round comfort. During the summer season, a heat pump has an efficiency very close to that of a central air conditioner. However, its efficiency can reach between 175 to 300% during the wintertime.
Just like central air conditioners, heat pumps are also susceptible to inefficiency over time due to gaps in your ductwork. Because air-source heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, they have an average lifespan of between 10 and 15 years. Typically, purchasing one of these systems does make you eligible to receive a federal tax credit as well as local rebates from HVAC manufacturers and utility companies.
Ductless Mini-Splits
A ductless mini-split uses heat pump technology to cool your home. The main difference between a mini-split and a heat pump is the mini-split uses multiple indoor air handler units instead of ducting. These indoor air handler units are typically mounted on the wall, near the floor, or in the ceiling. Each unit will pull in air from the room, remove the heat, and redistribute it back into the room.
Because mini-splits use heat pumps, they have a lifespan of around 10 to 15 years. The main advantage of a mini-split over other air conditioning options is its high operating efficiency. Since this system doesn’t use ductwork, there’s nowhere for air to leak out and cause inefficiency. Ductless mini-splits can have a SEER2 rating of 33 or more, making them cheaper to run than other types of air conditioners. They also make you eligible for federal tax credits and local rebates.
Mini-splits give you the capability of setting different temperatures for every room in your home that has a unit. This can increase your comfort and help you to better optimize your energy savings. However, there are a couple of downsides to the mini-split setup. The first is you have visible mini-splits in every room that aren’t as discreet as traditional air vents. The second is every indoor air handler unit will have a filter that needs washing on a monthly basis, which is more maintenance than simply checking one filter for the entire system like with other air conditioners. Because mini-splits have a lot of components, they’re typically costlier than central air conditioners or heat pumps for the average home.
Reliable AC Installation Service
Bluewater Heating & Air offers reliable AC installation service to the Pensacola, FL community. We can also assist with all your air conditioning replacement maintenance and repair needs. Call us today to book your next service consultation with one of our helpful AC technicians.
