Getting AC Added to Your Home (Ducted or Mini Split)

As summer draws near, Lehigh Valley residents are preparing for the scorching days and sweltering heat by getting AC added to their homes. While many opt for ducted air conditioning, a newer option is gaining attention: ductless mini-splits. So, which cooling system is right for you? The AC contractors at Family Heating & Cooling examine the pros and cons of each to help you make the right decision. 

Ducted air conditioning

Ducted air conditioning is actually the traditional way to cool your home. It relies mainly on a system of ducts to spread cool air throughout your living space.

Pros of ducted air conditioning 

• Whole-home cooling: It is ideal for larger homes and ensures even distribution of cool air. 

• Cost-effective: It can be more cost-effective upfront, especially if ductwork is already in place.

• Aesthetic appeal: Only the discreet vents are visible in each room. 

• Customizable zoning: Advanced ducted systems allow for zoning, enabling you to control the temperature in different areas of the house independently.

Cons of ducted air conditioning 

• High costs: Installing ductwork can be disruptive and costly. 

• Energy loss: Existing ducts may have leaks, leading to cooling inefficiencies. 

• Space: Ducted systems require ample space for ductwork, air handlers, and the main unit. 

Mini-splits

Ductless mini-splits are shaking things up in the cooling game (literally!). These clever units mount on walls and cool down specific rooms, offering a bunch of advantages:

Pros of mini-splits 

• Easy set-up: They're much easier to set up (no need for ducts!) and perfect for homes without ductwork. 

• Zone control: You can control each area in your home separately. 

• Energy efficiency: No energy loss associated with ductwork, resulting in higher efficiency and lower energy bills.

• Quiet operation: Plus, they're quieter, which is nice.

Cons of mini-splits 

• Higher initial costs: They cost a bit more upfront (but they're quicker to install).  

• Limited coverage: You might need a few units for larger homes because of their limited coverage

• Visible units: They're visible on the wall, which can detract from the aesthetics of your space. 

Ducted vs. mini-splits: choosing the right air conditioner

Take the factors below into account to make the best decision for keeping your home comfortable during the warmer months ahead.

• Existing ductwork

If your home already has ducts, ducted AC might be a more affordable option for you. If it doesn't, mini-splits are the way to go.

• Size and layout of your home

If you live in a larger house, ducted AC might work more efficiently. However, for multi-story homes or those without ducts, mini-splits offer more flexibility.

• Budget considerations

While ducted AC could be cheaper to install initially (especially if ducts are already in place), mini-splits might help you save money on your energy bills over time.

• Cooling preferences

Mini-splits shine when it comes to controlling specific zones, allowing you to cool only the rooms you're using, while ducted ACs are best for cooling centrally.

Contact the Lehigh Valley AC contractors to stay comfortable during the hotter months

Don't let the summer heat get the best of you! Whether you opt for ducted air conditioning or mini-split systems, partner with a reputable AC contractor for seamless installation and performance. 

Book a no-obligation consultation with the Lehigh Valley AC contractors at Family Heating & Cooling today to discover the perfect AC solution for your home.