Central Air vs. Mini-Split Systems: Which Is Right For Your Home?

Central Air vs. Mini-Split Systems: Which Is Right For Your Home?

Trying to decide between a central air conditioner and a mini-split system for your Palm Coast home? While both systems are capable of providing reliable heating and cooling, the right choice for you will depend on your home’s layout and your family’s comfort preferences. Sea Breeze Heating & Air Conditioning is a family-owned and operated company that provides high-quality HVAC services to homeowners and businesses throughout Palm Coast, Florida. Below, our local HVAC company breaks down the functional differences between central air conditioners and mini-split systems, outlining their unique pros and cons.

Ready to install a new home heating and cooling system? Contact us today to schedule installation services!

Mini-Split Systems & Central Air Conditioners: What’s The Difference?

The primary difference between mini-split systems and central air conditioners comes down to the way they circulate air throughout the home. For example, central air conditioners use a network of ducts to evenly distribute cooled air to every room in a house. This makes central air conditioning ideal for homeowners seeking whole-home cooling solutions, especially if you have a larger home or existing ductwork. Mini-split systems, on the other hand, are completely ductless. Rather than pushing air through ductwork, these systems cool spaces directly using individual air handles mounted in specific rooms or zones throughout the home. Additionally, each mini-split unit has its own thermostat, allowing precise temperature control from room to room.

Basically, central air conditioning provides whole-home comfort via ductwork, while mini-splits offer zoned heating and cooling in specific areas of the home. At Sea Breeze Heating & Air Conditioning, our HVAC technicians have experience installing both mini-splits and central air conditioners. Once you’ve decided on a system, call our team for professional HVAC installation services!

The Pros & Cons Of Mini-Split Systems

Pros Of Mini-Splits

Mini-splits offer a number of unique benefits that make them a popular choice among homeowners. Some of the advantages of these systems include:

These zoned systems are especially beneficial for home additions, garage conversions, or in homes without any existing ductwork.

Cons Of Mini-Splits

Despite their energy efficiency and flexibility, mini-splits aren’t the ideal fit for every home. For example, they tend to have a higher upfront installation cost, especially if multiple units are required to cool an entire house. Additionally, the indoor air handlers of mini-splits hang on walls and are visible to everyone, which some homeowners might not like.

The Pros & Cons Of Central Air Conditioning

Pros Of Central Air

Central air conditioners provide whole-home cooling and heating from a single system. As one of the most common methods of cooling homes, central air conditioners offer several advantages, including:

Cons Of Central Air 

As mentioned above, central air conditioners rely on ductwork to move cooled air throughout a home. Unfortunately, this also makes these systems susceptible to a drop in energy efficiency if ducts are poorly insulated or leaking air. What’s more, since central air conditioners are just one system that affects the entire home, they’re less flexible than mini-splits and the zoned temperature control they offer.

Determining Which System Is Right For You

When it comes to staying cool in Florida’s humid subtropical climate, choosing the right air conditioning system for your home is essential. Determining whether a mini-split system or a central air conditioner is right for you will depend on several factors. For example, if you have a large home with existing ductwork, a central air conditioner may be the best option for you. However, if you’re looking for an energy-efficient system offering precise temperature control across several zones, a mini-split could be the better option. Still unsure? The experienced technicians with our trusted HVAC company can evaluate your home’s needs and help determine which system is right for you!

Call Sea Breeze Heating & Air Conditioning For Professional HVAC Installation!

Whether you end up deciding to install a mini-split system or a new central air conditioner, the team at Sea Breeze Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help! We offer professional AC installation services to homeowners and businesses throughout Palm Coast and the surrounding areas. Additionally, we offer flexible financing options to ensure you can get the best system for you! Contact us today to learn more or schedule installation services!

Click To Call