Ductless Mini Splits vs. Central Air in Ann Arbor, MI: Which Is Better?

Here’s the short answer: it depends. The best choice can depend upon the age of the home, whether you’ve added on to the house, home zoning considerations, and so forth. Fortunately, whether it’s better for you to use a ductless system or central air in Ann Arbor, MI, Trusted Heating & Cooling Solutions provides the quality products and services that you want and deserve. 

In this post, we’ll share issues to consider that would point you one way or the other. If you’re ready to have your home assessed by the experts at Trusted, please reach out: online or by calling 810-355-1669.

Ductless Mini Splits: An Overview

What Ductless Mini-Splits Are and How They Work

As the word “ductless” implies, this type of system doesn’t use ductwork. Instead, an outside compressor is paired with strategically placed indoor units to cool your home. Refrigerant circulates between the indoor and outdoor components, cooling the spaces where the indoor units are located.

Advantages of a Ductless Mini Split in Ann Arbor, MI

Advantages to this zoned approach include how a ductless system:

• provides more targeted air conditioning by strategically chosen zones
• can provide energy efficiencies even greater than central air systems because mini splits run with a relatively small amount of electrical energy
• offers flexibility in where the units are placed, controlling temperatures for individual rooms
• has refrigerant lines that only need a small opening
• can be the smart choice for older homes or when remodeling your house
• provides a quality solution for homes built on a slab

Here’s why this option can work well in so many Ann Arbor homes. Ductless mini-splits can work efficiently in older homes, and in Ann Arbor, the median year of home construction is 1971. Nearly 15 percent of current homes were built before 1940, with another 5 percent built in the 1940s, meaning that time-tested homes pepper the city streets.

Plus, zoning can work well in multi-story homes. In Ann Arbor, this can range from historic homes near the University of Michigan to duplexes and newer home construction in the Tree Town. Another type of home that can benefit from this system is an older or smaller home in Ann Arbor where a homeowner has built an addition.

What to Consider With a Ductless Mini Split

When you choose a ductless AC in Ann Arbor, MI, you:

• will have visible mini units on your walls, floors, and/or ceilings, which may or may not bother you aesthetically; there will also be a visible refrigerant line from your outdoor to indoor units
• will typically pay higher upfront costs because of the need for multiple indoor units; this may not be the case, though, if a central air conditioning installation requires significant ductwork installations or repairs

In addition:

• air filters are often not as effective as the ones in central air conditioning units and/or may take more management
• in some circumstances, a ductless system may require a condensate pump with its associated costs and maintenance 

Advantages and considerations clearly exist for a ductless mini-split, as they do for central air conditioning systems. If you’d like professional insights on the best choice, HVAC installation pros at Trusted are here to help. If this helps with your decision, our team specializes in ductless mini-split repair in Ann Arbor, as well as central air conditioning systems. 

Central Air Conditioning: An Overview

What Central Conditioning Is and How It Works

Again, as the name implies, central air conditioning consists of a central indoor unit that cools and distributes air throughout the home via ductwork. So, central air conditioning systems consist of an outdoor and an indoor component, providing consistent cooling throughout your entire house in Washtenaw County. 

Advantages of Central Air in Ann Arbor, MI

Advantages of central air include:

• The initial cost is typically lower, especially when the ductwork is already in place
• You can manage the climate of your whole home; then, when you have a smart thermostat, you can handle climate management from wherever you are, in or away from your house
• people won’t see your system, which is typically placed in a basement or attic, only seeing small vents
• If you plan to use a whole-house air purifier, humidifier, or dehumidifier, then central air conditioning is the way to go
• This route is typically better for larger homes
• Air filtration is more easily accomplished

What to Consider With Central Air

When you go with a central air design, if:

• You need to add or repair ductwork before installation, which will come with added costs
• Your ductwork leaks or your home isn’t optimally insulated, so you can lose energy, which leads to higher energy bills without the corresponding levels of comfort. 
• You want to cool or not cool by zone; this isn’t the best choice because your thermostat setting is the desired temperature for the entire house
• you want the absolute maximum in energy savings, you should at least reconsider a ductless mini-split system so that you can decide to only cool the desired zones in your Washtenaw County home

Although plenty of homes in Ann Arbor benefit from ductless mini-split systems, many homes with existing ductwork would benefit most from central AC systems. 

Fortunately, our professional Trusted team is also experts in central air conditioning installations and AC repairs. 

Consider an AC Combination

This situation may or may not apply to you, but in case it does, here’s a quick word. Sometimes, homeowners choose a central air conditioning system for whole-house comfort and then add mini-splits in areas like finished basements, garages, and so forth. 

Counting on Trusted for Your AC Installation

No matter which system design works best for you, here are Trusted Core Values that we embrace and that you can count on:

• Good vibes
• Be committed
• Create value
• Be of service
• Go the extra mile
• Have fun!

At Trusted, you benefit from our 100% satisfaction guarantee on every installation, every type of maintenance, and every kind of repair. Plus, when installing a new system, whether central air or ductless AC in Ann Arbor, MI, we don’t guess. We measure, every time. We honor your schedule by arriving on time; your home by taking great care in all we do; and your budget by sharing current opportunities for energy rebates and other savings. 

Reach Out for Your Central AC or Mini Split in Ann Arbor

At Trusted Heating & Cooling Solutions, we go above and beyond to provide flexible, dependable services, going the extra mile to provide you with the AC solution you want and need for your Washtenaw County home. 

In short, we are committed to excellence. To discuss your needs and goals and to get professional recommendations for your HVAC requirements, please contact Trusted online or by calling 810-355-1669 today.