Central HVAC vs. Ductless: How Does a Ductless AC Unit Work?

August 07, 2024

Keeping your Virginia home cool and comfortable during summer is often a full-time job—especially if you have a large family. Kids are too cold, Mom and Dad are too hot, and Grandma and Grandpa can't find the right temperature.

So, what's a homeowner to do? What if we told you we had the secret to keeping everyone happy—and comfortable—during those dog days of summer?

Let us introduce you to the ductless air conditioner.

What is a ductless AC unit?

Ductless AC, also known as a ductless mini-split system, differs from central air conditioning because it does not rely on ductwork to cool your home. Instead, ductless mini-splits are mounted on the walls or ceilings of only the rooms you wish to cool. They are a super alternative to central air conditioning because they offer zoned temperature control (think individual rooms vs. an entire house) and excellent energy efficiency.

How does a ductless AC unit work?

Unlike central air conditioning, which requires ductwork, ductless AC works with an outdoor unit and an outdoor compressor to cool different rooms or zones in your house. Indoor units are mounted on the ceiling or walls of only the rooms you want to cool. They work in tandem with an outdoor unit, which houses the condenser and compressor. Specifically, this is what happens, step by step.

The indoor unit absorbs the heat from the room's air.
The refrigerant takes the heat and transfers it to the outdoor unit.
The outdoor unit takes the heat and pushes it outside.
The cooled refrigerant is pumped back to the indoor unit.
The indoor unit releases cool air into your room.

What are the benefits of a ductless unit?

Ductless AC may be a good idea if you only utilize certain rooms within your house. Rather than spending money and energy to cool your entire home, you can add ductless AC to only those rooms you use regularly. It allows for total room-by-room temperature control and helps keep energy bills low. In addition, ductless units do not require ductwork or external venting.

Some examples of rooms that might benefit from ductless AC include:

Workout rooms or gyms
Garage apartments
Sunrooms
Home offices
Workshops
Attic bedrooms
Room additions

What are some more pros and cons of a ductless AC system?

If you're considering a ductless AC system, you're probably weighing the pros and cons of investing in one. Here are some things to consider.

Pros of a Ductless AC

Easy installation
Energy efficient
No ductwork needed
Zone control flexibility
Quiet operation
Improved indoor air quality

Cons of a Ductless AC

Higher costs upfront
Not ideal for huge homes
It may be aesthetically unpleasing to some homeowners
Requires regular maintenance

Should I install central air or ductless AC in my Virginia home?

Ductless AC systems are a great option, but only you can know if they fit your needs. If your home is without ductwork and you only use certain rooms, ductless AC in Virginia makes sense. However, if ductwork is already installed and you use all the rooms in your house, central air might be a better choice. It all comes down to preference and how you live in your home.

Compare all the pros and cons we listed earlier and see which side you fall on. If you have questions, including "How much does ductless AC cost?" or "Should I use central HVAC v. ductless AC?" the Total Comfort team can assess your home, discuss cost, and recommend the best option.