Central AC vs. Ductless AC: Which One Do You Need?

The Benefits of Ductless AC Systems Over Central AC Units

More households in the United States are beginning to install ductless air conditioner units. It is one of the fastest growing segments of the HVAC industry and for good reason. If you talk to any HVAC contractor in Santa Rosa, then you will hear all about the benefits these systems have to offer. However, many people are still beholden to the classic central system. If you are considering a new AC installation, then it helps to weigh the pros and cons of each system to determine which one is ideal for you. 



Energy Efficiency

When it comes to determining which system is more energy efficient, you need to look at the seasonal energy efficiency ratio. The easiest way to think about this rating is like miles per gallon. You want as high of a number as possible. Most central ACs range between 14 and 23 while ductless ACs come between 16 and 30. There are other ratings to consider, such as the energy efficiency rating and heating season performance factor. However, with all these, ductless ACs will always come with a higher number, so that is typically the most energy efficiency system. 

Even Room Temperatures

Ideally, the temperature will be the same from one room to the next in a home. With a central AC system, the temperatures can vary, so one person may be comfortable in his or her bedroom while someone else is freezing. When you install a ductless system, each room receives separate air handlers. This allows each person to adjust the temperature of the room they are in. Not only is this convenient, but it helps with having a more energy efficient system because people are not needlessly running the AC.

Durability

Most conventional central AC systems will last between 12 and 15 years. With a ductless system, you can expect the system to last over 20 years. However, regardless of the system you have, it will last longer no matter what if you regularly maintain it. 

Return on Investment

Even if you do not plan on selling your home any time soon, you always want to think about resale value when considering a new installation of any kind. Ductless systems are steadily becoming the way of the future due to their energy efficiency, reliability and low noise. Therefore, when the time comes to actually sell your abode, you can make the ductless AC system as a selling point. Since it will last for over 20 years, the new buyers can be confident it will continue to provide benefits long after they move in.

As you can see, ductless AC systems come with numerous benefits. Schedule a consultation with an HVAC contractor in Santa Rosa from Next Level HVAC to see how soon you can have a ductless system in your house. You can also subscribe to our blog, find us on LinkedIn and like us on Facebook to learn more about the HVAC industry. You can trust our quality, and we are fully bonded, insured and licensed. We have A+ accreditation from the BBB and are Diamond Quality Certified.