Ever found yourself mopping your brow in summer, wondering which air conditioning system's gonna be your savior from the scorching heat?
Or maybe you're just looking to upgrade your current system to something more efficient.
Either way, you're in the right spot. We're going to dig into the nitty-gritty of ductless and ducted air conditioning systems.
By the end of this, you'll have all the knowledge you need to make the best choice for your home. Buckle up and let's dive in!
Ducted Air Conditioning
What Is Ducted Air Conditioning?
Ducted air conditioning, also known as central air conditioning, is a system designed to cool or heat the entire home through a network of ducts.
Ducted air conditioners work by pulling air from inside the home, cooling or heating it, and then pushing it back through vents installed in each room.
The major components of this system typically comprise an indoor unit (like a furnace or air handler), an outdoor unit (like an air conditioner or heat pump), and the ductwork that distributes conditioned air throughout the house.
This type of system is widely popular for its ability to provide temperature control to multiple rooms at once, maintaining a consistent climate throughout your living space.
Types Of Ducted Air Conditioning Systems
Split Systems
Split ducted air conditioners are a type of central air conditioning system where the components are divided into two main parts: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.
The indoor unit contains the evaporator coil, which cools the air drawn in from your home. This cooled air is then distributed through the ductwork by the handler.
Meanwhile, the outdoor unit houses the compressor and the condenser, essential components for releasing the heat extracted from the air outside.
This division allows for a quieter operation inside the home, as the noisier parts of most central air conditioners are located outdoors.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are a type of ducted air conditioner that can both cool and heat your home.
They take advantage of the heat transfer process, moving heat from one location to another, instead of generating it.
In the summer, the heat pump extracts warmth from the indoor air and expels it outside, effectively cooling your home.
During colder months, it reverses the process, extracting heat from the outdoor air—even when it's cold outside—and transferring it indoors to heat the house.
The heated or cooled air is then circulated through the ductwork and distributed to each room, providing year-round comfort.
This dual functionality makes heat pumps a versatile choice for many homeowners.
Packaged Systems
Packaged systems are another type of ducted air conditioning that consolidates all major components — the compressor, condenser, and evaporator — into a single unit typically installed outdoors.
Unlike split systems, which require an indoor and outdoor unit, packaged systems streamline the whole setup, making them an ideal choice for homes with limited indoor space.
These systems pull air from the home into the unit where it is conditioned, then it's sent back into the home through the ductwork.
Packaged systems, while being compact and space-saving, are known for their power and capability to effectively cool larger homes with ease.
The Pros & Cons Of Ducted Systems
Pros
Whole-home coverage: Ducted systems can control the temperature throughout the entire home, ensuring a consistent climate in every room.
Energy efficient: Despite their larger size, ducted systems can be more energy-efficient when cooling or heating multiple rooms simultaneously compared to multiple ductless units.
Less visible: Since most of the components are located in the basement, attic, or outside the home, ducted systems are less intrusive to your home's aesthetics.
Increased property value: Homes equipped with a ducted air conditioning system often have higher property values due to the system's perceived higher quality and uniform coverage.
Long lifespan: Ducted systems are robust and durable and will typically last longer than a standard ductless air conditioner.
Flexible control: With zoning capabilities, ducted systems can allow for different temperature settings in different areas of the home.
Quieter operation: By having the noisier components like the compressor and condenser located outside, ducted systems often operate more quietly inside the home.
Cons
Installation complexity: Installing a ducted system can be a complex process, often requiring professional help. This makes the upfront costs higher compared to ductless systems.
Requires ductwork: Homes without existing ductwork might face significant construction costs and disruption during installation.
Potential for energy loss: If not properly insulated and maintained, ductwork can lead to energy losses, reducing the system's overall efficiency.
Less flexibility in temperature control: While ducted systems can offer zoned temperature control, they can't match the individual room control offered by ductless units.
Potential for uneven cooling: In some cases, ducted systems may lead to uneven cooling or heating, based on the distance of a room from the central unit.
Regular maintenance: Ducted systems require regular cleaning and maintenance of the ductwork to keep them running efficiently. This can be more costly and time-consuming compared to maintaining ductless systems.
Not as environmentally friendly: Due to potential energy loss through ductwork, ducted systems can have a higher carbon footprint than ductless units.
Ductless Air Conditioning
What Is Ductless Air Conditioning?
Ductless air conditioning, also known as a mini-split system, is a type of air conditioning system that doesn't rely on a network of ducts to distribute cooled air throughout your home.
Instead, it consists of an outdoor compressor and condenser and one or more indoor air handling units.
These indoor units are installed in the rooms that require cooling, and the cooled air is directed straight into those spaces from the units.
This approach negates the need for ductwork, making installation simpler and less invasive compared to ducted systems.
Another key difference is that each indoor unit can be controlled independently, providing flexibility to set different temperatures in different rooms, a feature often appreciated in homes with varying cooling needs.
Types Of Ductless Air Conditioning Systems
Window Units
Window units are a type of ductless air conditioning system that is compact and self-contained.
Designed to be installed directly in a window or a hole in an exterior wall, these units effectively cool the room in which they're placed.
They function by drawing in warm air from the room, cooling it via a refrigeration cycle, and then blowing the cooled air directly back into the room.
The warm air and moisture that is removed from the room is expelled outdoors through the back of the unit.
While not as powerful as some other types of air conditioning systems, window units are an affordable and popular choice for cooling individual rooms or smaller spaces.
Wall-Mounted Mini-Splits
Wall-mounted mini-splits are another ductless air conditioning system variant that combines efficiency with convenience.
These units consist of an indoor air handler mounted on the wall and an outdoor condenser unit.
The indoor unit is connected to the outdoor unit through a small conduit that houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, and a condensation drain line. This setup bypasses the need for extensive ductwork.
Wall-mounted mini-splits offer individual room control, allowing you to adjust the temperature in each room separately according to your comfort preferences.
Known for their quiet operation, sleek design, and energy efficiency, these systems are a go-to option for homeowners seeking targeted cooling or heating solutions without major installation work.
Portable Air Conditioners
Portable air conditioners are versatile, self-contained units that are perfect for cooling individual rooms or spaces with unique cooling requirements.
Unlike window units or wall-mounted mini-splits, these air conditioners are not fixed in one location, allowing for mobility and easy relocation as needed.
They function by pulling in warm air from the room, cooling it down through refrigeration, and then releasing the cool air back into the room.
The warm air and moisture extracted from the room are vented out through a window via an exhaust hose.
Portable air conditioners are popular due to their ease of use, installation flexibility, and the advantage of being able to target cooling where it's most needed.
However, they tend to be less energy-efficient compared to ducted or other ductless options.
The Pros & Cons Of Ductless Systems
Pros
Individual room control: Ductless systems allow for precise temperature control in each room, providing a customized and comfortable atmosphere based on individual preferences.
Easy installation: Unlike ducted systems, ductless units are easier and quicker to install, causing minimal disruption to your living space.
Energy efficient: Ductless systems don't suffer from potential energy losses associated with ductwork, making them more energy efficient.
Ideal for homes without ductwork: Ductless systems are a perfect choice for homes without existing ductwork, additions, or rooms that require additional cooling.
Quiet operation: Ductless units are known for their quiet operation, adding to the overall comfort of your home.
Space saving: With compact designs, ductless units take up less space, making them ideal for smaller homes or apartments.
Flexible placement options: Ductless systems provide flexibility in placement. They can be mounted on the wall, or ceiling, or even stand freely on the floor.
Reduced carbon footprint: Ductless systems are an environmentally friendly choice by being more energy efficient and eliminating the need for ductwork.
Cons
Higher cost per unit: While the overall installation cost might be lower for ductless systems, the cost per unit can be higher, especially when cooling or heating multiple rooms.
Aesthetics: Some homeowners might find the indoor units of a ductless system to interfere with the interior decor.
Not ideal for large homes: Ductless systems might not be the best choice for larger homes, where a single ducted system could provide more uniform and efficient cooling or heating.
Frequency of replacement: Ductless units often have a shorter lifespan compared to ducted units. This means they may need to be replaced more frequently, increasing the long-term cost.
Limited heating capacity: In colder climates, the heating capacity of a ductless system may not be as great as a ducted system, making them less efficient in extreme cold.
No zoning: While ductless systems allow individual room control, they don't offer the zoning capabilities of ducted systems, which can regulate the temperature in different zones of a house using a single system.
Which One Should I Choose?
Ultimately, the best air conditioning system for your home is one that suits your specific needs and preferences.
Effectively balancing factors such as size, layout, aesthetics, budget, and climate is key.
For example, if you're living in a small apartment or older home with no existing ductwork, a ductless system like a window unit or wall-mounted mini-split could be an excellent, cost-effective solution.
On the other hand, if you have a larger property and want to maintain a consistent temperature throughout, a ducted system may offer more efficient and uniform cooling.
And for those in particularly hot climates, a high-capacity system—whether ducted or ductless—would likely be the best choice.
In the end, it's worth consulting with an HVAC professional who can assess your space and provide the best advice for your situation.
Conclusion
The choice between ducted and ductless air conditioning systems is largely dependent on your home's specific needs.
Ductless systems are known for their easy installation, energy efficiency, and individual room control. They are particularly suited for smaller homes, apartments, or older properties without existing ductwork.
Ducted systems, on the other hand, are ideal for larger properties with a need for more uniform cooling or heating across multiple rooms or zones.
If you're unsure which system is right for you and live in Pensacola, Florida, don't hesitate to reach out to our experienced team at Air & Energy of NWFL.
We can provide you with personalized advice on AC installation to ensure you get the most comfortable and efficient system for your home. Contact us today!
This article was written by:
Co-founder and Home Comfort Specialist