Choosing the right cooling system can feel like walking a tightrope. With several factors pulling you in different directions — your home’s layout, your budget, your preferences — it helps to understand how each system works. Central air conditioning and ductless mini-splits both offer solid comfort, but they serve different needs. Knowing how they differ will make it easier to pick the option that makes the most sense for your space.
Every household deserves to feel relaxed during the hottest days. That comfort starts with the system that powers your airflow. So, let Connors Plumbing, Heating & Air break it down so you can make a confident and informed decision.
What Is Central Air Conditioning?
Central air conditioning works through a network of ducts that move cool air throughout the entire home. It relies on an outdoor condenser unit and an indoor air handler to circulate air through a closed loop. Warm air gets drawn in, passes through a refrigerant cycle where it’s cooled, and then flows back into the rooms using ducts. A single thermostat controls the system, and in many setups, it works in tandem with your furnace or heat pump for year-round comfort.
These systems tend to work best in homes that already have ductwork in place. They also fit well in larger houses or spaces with open floor plans where consistent cooling across multiple rooms matters.
What Is a Ductless AC System?
Ductless AC systems, often called mini-splits, cool individual rooms by delivering air directly from an indoor unit. Each of these units connects to an outdoor compressor through a narrow conduit that holds the refrigerant line, drain, and power cable. The setup avoids the need for ductwork altogether, making the process less invasive and more adaptable to different layouts. With each unit operating independently, you can control the temperature in specific rooms without affecting the rest of the house.
These systems tend to be a smart choice for homes that don’t already have ductwork. They also work well in garages, additions, finished basements, or older homes where running new ducts could mean major construction. With flexible placement and focused cooling, ductless AC gives you more control over comfort, especially in rooms that stay warmer than the rest of the house.
Installation Comparison
Putting in a central air conditioning system often involves a bit of an undertaking, particularly if your house doesn’t already have the necessary ductwork. Technicians will need to map out and install a network of ducts, which can mean opening up walls and ceilings or making significant use of attic and basement spaces. Should your home possess ductwork, the process might be simpler, focusing on replacing the main outdoor and indoor units, but still, it requires careful integration.
Conversely, setting up a ductless mini-split system is usually much less disruptive because it avoids extensive duct installation. Installers simply need to drill a small three-inch hole through an exterior wall to connect the outdoor unit to the indoor heads with a conduit.
Cost Breakdown
The cost of installing central air can vary depending on your home’s size, the condition of your ductwork, and the type of system you choose. Homes that already have ducts in place often see lower installation costs. If your home doesn’t have ductwork — or if the existing system needs repairs or upgrades — that will raise the overall price. In addition to installation, ongoing costs include routine maintenance like filter replacements and occasional duct cleanings.
Ductless systems usually carry a higher price tag per unit, especially when multiple rooms need their own indoor units. However, skipping the ductwork helps balance those upfront costs, particularly in homes where duct installation would be complicated. With fewer moving parts and less upkeep involved, ductless systems can offer lower long-term maintenance costs in some cases. To help make either option more manageable, Connors Plumbing, Heating & Air offers flexible financing plans so you can upgrade your comfort without stretching your budget.
Energy Efficiency and Performance
Both system types can come with impressive Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2) ratings, but they excel in different scenarios depending on how you use them and your home’s characteristics. Central air systems work most effectively when cooling your entire home consistently, maintaining even temperatures throughout all connected spaces.
Ductless systems often boast higher SEER2 ratings than traditional central air units and shine when you need targeted cooling in specific areas, allowing you to avoid wasting energy on unoccupied rooms while providing precise temperature control where you need it most. The ability to create independent climate zones with ductless systems can lead to significant energy savings for households that don’t need every room cooled to the same temperature simultaneously.
Which One Is Right for Your Home?
Each home brings a different mix of needs, preferences, and goals. If you have a newer home with reliable ductwork, central air might offer better value and consistent comfort. On the other hand, if you’re working with a home addition or trying to cool a specific zone, a ductless mini-split might suit you better. Both central air conditioners and ductless mini splits offer unique benefits, and neither is a one-size-fits-all solution.
Our experienced team will assess your home’s layout, evaluate your current HVAC infrastructure, discuss your comfort preferences, and provide personalized recommendations that align with your budget and cooling goals.
Call Our Air Conditioning Experts in Waseca, MN, Today!
Making the right choice between central air and ductless AC systems requires professional guidance that takes into account your home’s unique characteristics and your family’s specific comfort needs. Our skilled technicians have years of experience helping homeowners navigate these important decisions, providing honest assessments and quality installations that deliver lasting comfort and value.
We offer in-depth consultations where we’ll evaluate your space, discuss your options in detail, and provide transparent pricing for both system types so you can make an informed decision. We’re experts in all types of AC installations, including mini-split installations. Whatever you choose, we’ll seamlessly integrate it into your home.
Contact Connors Plumbing, Heating & Air today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward optimal home comfort that fits your lifestyle!