Summers in Bethany and the Oklahoma City area are long and hot, and that means that you need a reliable way to keep your house cool. If you’re thinking of installing or replacing AC in your home, you have a couple of choices. Both ductless and central AC offer several advantages and disadvantages. Your priorities are key in determining which one is right for your home. Our HVAC technicians at TS Heat & Air can install either ductless or central AC so that you can stay comfortable all summer long. Let’s check out how each system stacks up in terms of cost, installation, efficiency, and more.
Cost
Determining which system is more cost-effective isn’t always straightforward. If your home already has ductwork in place, for instance, installing a central AC system is often less expensive upfront than installing multiple ductless units. However, if your home lacks existing ducts, the cost of adding them can make central AC significantly more expensive. In contrast, ductless systems avoid the need for ductwork altogether, which makes them a more affordable option for homes without existing ducts or for additions and remodels.
Operating costs are another critical factor to consider when comparing ductless and central AC. Ductless AC can cost less to run than central. In the long run, it can save you money despite higher installation costs. If you are only going to be in your home for another year or two, however, you might not see the benefit of those lower costs. In that case, you may want to check with a real estate agent to find out if there is a significant difference in property value in your neighborhood based on the installation of either system.
Potential Disruption of Installation
Installing ductless AC is much less invasive than putting in a ductwork system. If you don’t already have that ductwork in place, consider not just the expense but the hassle of installing it throughout your home.
This is also something to consider if you have central AC in your home and you’re adding on or converting a room, such as a garage. In this situation, you might want to opt for putting a ductless AC in the new room rather than going to the trouble of extending the ductwork.
Noise and Aesthetics
While you’re thinking about the potential hassle of adding ductwork to your home, it’s also worth considering the noise and aesthetics of central air conditioning versus ductless AC. Ductless AC is generally quieter than central. However, the aesthetics of ductless units don’t work for everyone. These units are usually attached to the wall in one or more rooms, and you may not like the look of them. There is an option to have them placed in the ceiling although this may drive up installation costs. With central AC, by contrast, there are just the vents or registers throughout the home, with the large, main unit outside.
Varied Temperature Controls
One of the more attractive features of ductless AC for many people is the greater control it gives them over different rooms or zones in the house. While central AC operates based on one thermostat, ductless AC allows you to have different temperatures throughout your home. This can be helpful if everyone in your household has varying temperature preferences or if one part of the house tends to be much warmer than the rest.
Efficiency and Environmental Concerns
Ductless AC is more efficient than central AC, largely because of the loss that occurs when air travels along the duct system. This means that if sustainability is your main concern, ductless AC may be the better choice, but as with the costs of each system, this is also not entirely straightforward. For example, if you are installing ductless units, you may also want to consider whether someone in your household is likely to keep their room much cooler than the rest of the house. If you want more control over how much energy is used in your home, central AC could be a better choice in some situations.
Best AC Installation in Bethany
At TS Heat & Air, we offer installation, repair, and maintenance of both ductless and central AC throughout Bethany and the OKC metro area. We’ve been family-owned and operated for more than 40 years. Call TS Heat & Air for AC installation, maintenance, and repair.
