The Difference Between Central Air and Ductless Systems
June 2, 2025

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When it comes to cooling your home efficiently, two of the most common options are central air conditioning systems and ductless mini-splits. Both offer reliable cooling, but they differ in design, cost, and flexibility. In this post, we’ll break down the key differences to help you decide which one is right for your home.

ā„ļø What Is Central Air?
Central air conditioning is the traditional system most people are familiar with. It uses a single outdoor unit and an indoor air handler, distributing cool air through a system of ductwork.

Pros:

Cools the entire home evenly

Can work with your existing furnace/duct system

Virtually invisible (just vents in each room)

Cons:

Requires ductwork, which can be costly to install or repair

Less efficient in homes with poor insulation or air leaks

May not be ideal for zoning (cooling different rooms at different temperatures)

šŸŒ¬ļø What Is a Ductless System?
Also known as mini-split systems, ductless HVAC doesn’t require ductwork. Instead, it uses one outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor wall-mounted units.

Pros:

No ductwork needed – great for older homes or room additions

Energy efficient (no energy loss through ducts)

Flexible zoning – control the temperature of each room independently

Quick installation

Cons:

Indoor units are visible on walls

More expensive per unit compared to central air

May not be ideal for very large homes (cost adds up per room)

šŸ  Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick guide based on your situation:

Situation Best Option
You already have ductwork Central Air
No ducts or planning a renovation Ductless
Want separate zones/room control Ductless
Cooling a whole home evenly Central Air
Adding AC to a garage, sunroom, or addition Ductless

šŸ’” Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Central air is great for whole-home cooling if ducts are already in place. Ductless systems shine when you want zoning, flexibility, and efficiency—especially in homes without existing ducts.
By Brandi CityVentilations July 17, 2025
If your home doesn’t have ductwork, staying cool in the summer can be a challenge — but not with a Mini Split System. These ductless HVAC solutions are efficient, versatile, and perfect for older homes, additions, or any space where installing ductwork isn’t practical. How Do Mini Split Systems Work? Mini split systems, also known as ductless mini splits, consist of two main parts: An outdoor condenser unit One or more indoor air-handling units They’re connected by small refrigerant lines, not bulky ducts. Each indoor unit can be controlled separately, giving you customized comfort room by room. Benefits of Mini Splits: āœ… No Ductwork Needed – Ideal for older homes, sunrooms, garages, and additions āœ… Energy Efficient – No duct losses mean more efficient cooling and heating āœ… Zoned Comfort – Each unit operates independently with its own remote or smart controls āœ… Quiet Operation – Whisper-quiet indoors and outdoors āœ… Heating + Cooling – Works year-round with built-in heat pump technology Perfect For: Homes without central AC Room additions or finished basements Historic homes where ductwork can't be added Home offices or in-law suites Let City Ventilations Help You Stay Cool Thinking of going ductless? At City Ventilations, we specialize in mini split installation and can help you choose the right system for your space and budget. Stay cool and comfortable all summer long — without the hassle of ductwork.
By Brandi CityVentilations July 16, 2025
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By Brandi CityVentilations July 14, 2025
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