Ductless Mini-Split vs. Ducted Air Conditioning

The world of air conditioning is multifaceted. If you’re a newbie to the vast landscape of air conditioning it can feel somewhat overwhelming to decide on what system will best suit your needs. Happily, we’re here to guide you on the ins and outs of different systems, including ducted air conditioning systems and ductless mini-split systems. At a basic level, there are a few key differences between the two. Let's explore the pros and cons of each.

Ductless and Ducted Air Conditioning Systems – The Basics

Ductless mini-split air conditioning systems are comprised of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. These units are wall-mounted in specific rooms and allow for more targeted cooling of specific areas.  They do not require the use of ducts (the tubes or conduits that are used to circulate air around a home and in between rooms.) Ducted air conditioning systems, on the other hand, utilise duct systems to circulate air around the home. Central air conditioning systems make use of one centralised unit that distributes air around the specialised network of ducts. The air moves through vents in each room, ensuring that each room remains optimally heated or cooled.

Now that we know the key difference between ducted air conditioning and ductless air conditioning, let’s explore the pros and drawbacks of each.

The Ductless Mini-Split:

Ductless mini-split air conditioners work well if you are looking to control temperatures separately between rooms. As a general norm, they need less regular maintenance checks on their central systems as long as you clean the filters and keep things working optimally. Many homeowners also enjoy the fact that these systems can result in lower energy costs over time. Nonetheless, installation costs can be higher than that of centralised systems and the units can take up a large portion of wall space.

Ducted Air Conditioning

Centralised ducted air conditioning systems are great if you want to enjoy an even temperature throughout your home. The ducted network enables the machine to cover larger areas more effectively, making it a great solution for larger offices or homes. Installation costs are also usually lower than ductless mini-split systems and the system itself is less visible meaning that it won’t take up significant wall space. Nevertheless, these ducted air conditioning systems are not always as energy efficient and thus homeowners need to consider their budget and opt for more energy-efficient devices if they opt for ducted air conditioning.

The Bottom Line

Choosing any type of air conditioning system for your office or home is a personal decision and will depend on your unique set-up, the size of the space, the amount of light, and the number of rooms needing air-con. For a bespoke plan that suits your specific needs, get in touch with our air conditioning experts at the Fourways Group. We will happily chat with you about our diverse product offerings and provide insight into the best styles and models for your needs. When you make your air conditioning decision with the experts on your side, you’ll make the right choice every time.