Ductless HVAC might be the new(er) kid on the block, but how does it really stack up to tried-and-true central air conditioning? This answer might be different for everyone. We take a look at several key categories below, including how each system impacts your air quality, how much they cost to operate, and more.
Comfort Controls
Central air conditioners are typically controlled by a single thermostat located in the center of a space. The settings for these devices are relatively limited and often consist of only a few options, like “auto,” “on,” and “fan.” You can adjust the temperature of your system and turn it on and off, but that’s about the extent of customization you’ll be able to get with a central AC.
Wall air conditioners, on the other hand, offer remote control operation with a number of different settings that allow you to personalize your comfort. You can adjust things like fan speed, airflow direction, humidity, and more. You can even integrate your wall AC with your smartphone app to make adjustments from wherever you are.
The Winner: Wall ACs
Air Quality
In terms of air quality, wall air conditioners have significantly less negative impact on your indoor air than central AC. Because central systems use ducts to transport air from one place to another, this means the air can pick up dust, allergens, and other harmful particulates on its way to you.
Like their name suggests, ductless air conditioners don’t require ductwork to cool your space. Instead, these units use refrigerant to remove heat from your space and “pump” it outside. This is also why they’re often referred to as “heat pumps.” They also come with advanced filtration capabilities, which further helps to reduce airborne pollutants to keep your indoor air healthier.
The Winner: Wall ACs
Learn how to: Throw THESE Away for Better Indoor Air Quality
Whole-Home Cooling
One area in which central HVAC systems edge out the competition is the ability to cool your whole home or business. These air conditioners can keep several rooms comfortable at once with a single thermostat.
Cooling an entire home or office building with ductless means having multiple indoor air handlers and depending on the size of your space, potentially more than one outdoor condenser, too. Central air conditioning offers a less customizable but more straightforward way to control your climate.
The Winner: Central air conditioners
Energy Costs
One of the biggest reasons Cape Cod homeowners switch from their central air conditioner to a ductless AC is because it costs so much less to run. Even during sweltering summers, the per-kilowatt-hour cost of running a mini split is significantly lower than using a central system for the same period of time.
This is a result of the innovative design and advanced energy-saving features that wall air conditioners bring to the table. Owners who have upgraded to ductless enjoy lower electric bills without sacrificing access to convenient comfort when it’s hot outside.
The Winner: Wall ACs
Discover: How to Maximize Your Summer AC Efficiency
Carbon Footprint
As climate change continues to change the world’s weather patterns, doing what you can to reduce your carbon footprint is becoming more critical than ever. Home and business owners have a responsibility to choose energy-efficient, low-emission appliances whenever possible to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to a more sustainable environment.
Massachusetts offers a robust rebate program that helps residents switch to ductless heating and cooling for less and can save you thousands on your mini split equipment and installation. Plus, you can get an energy assessment to identify things that can be updated to improve the efficiency of your space through the program.
The Winner: Wall ACs
Read about: The Mass Save Rebate Program
Get Superior Home Cooling with Cape Cod Heat Pumps
When you need cooling you can count on, you can look to Cape Cod Heat Pumps as a trusted provider. Our team can help you install and maintain an energy-efficient wall AC with convenient monthly payments and state rebates to help make investing in superior comfort more affordable.
Get more information about installing a wall air conditioner by calling 508-833-4822 or filling out our quick contact form and a team member will get in touch.
Learn more: Wall-Mounted Air Conditioners 101
Discover: 10 Benefits of Installing a Wall Air Conditioner
Learn: How to Buy a Wall-Mounted AC
