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Ductless vs. central air conditioning which is best?

Matt Mouritz · Director

When they are looking for Toshiba air conditioning, Perth residents can quickly become overwhelmed by the sheer number of choice available. One primary consideration is the differences between a ductless and a central air conditioning system. In this article, we will look at the relative merits of each option, so that you can make an informed choice.

Ductless air conditioning:

A ductless air conditioning system is often referred to as a mini split system. It’s comprised of an indoor handling unit and an externally mounted compressor. As the name would suggest, there is no ductwork; a small conduit is used instead to connect all the components together. This involves drilling holes in the walls during installation for the power supply cable, the refrigerant line and the condensate drain. This system can also be used to heat your home by drawing warmer air from outside and moving indoors. A ductless system is a very good option for an older building that may not have adequate room for the installation of ductwork.

The Pros:

  • Installing several of these units throughout your home negates the need to cool rooms that are not being used.
  • A ductless system is often quieter than a central air conditioning system.
  • These systems are quick and easy to install by a trained professional.
  • Newer models have some of the highest efficiency ratings of air conditioning system available today, especially if they are equipped with variable speed air handlers.
  • It’s easy to maintain a comfortable temperature because these systems don’t cycle off and on.

The Cons:

  • A ductless system is often more expensive upfront when compared to central air conditioning systems.
  • The indoor units need to be hung on walls above doors, and some models can be unattractive.

Central air conditioning:

A central air conditioning system distributes treated air throughout the space using a network of ducts and fans. A supply duct carries the conditioned air to where it can enter the space via the registers. The air is circulated, it becomes warmer, and then a return duct and register carries it away to the air conditioning unit. This is a great option for those that like to set a system up and then forget all about it. The system will cycle off and on through the day and pairing it with a programmable thermostat will keep energy costs under control. The central air conditioning system can then raise and lower the temperature as required from an app on your smartphone or at set times throughout the day.

The Pros:

  • All the areas in the home are cooled by a central air conditioning system.
  • If your home has an existing ductwork system installed, a central air conditioning system may be simple to set up.
  • It’s possible to set up different zones in your home to locally control the temperature.
  • A central air conditioning system will usually have a longer warranty when compared to a ductless system.
  • A central air conditioning system has slim registers, making the indoor units unobtrusive.

The Cons:

  • The ductwork needs to be cleaned periodically to maintain the airflow and air quality.
  • If no ductwork is in place, ducts will need to be installed, and this could cost significantly more than a ductless air conditioning system.
  • If you have no zoning, all the rooms and space in the home will have the same temperature.

If they are looking for Toshiba air conditioning, Perth homeowners should contact us here at Mouritz. We install, service and supply a wide selection of heating and cooling equipment, including Toshiba air conditioning systems. Our technicians are highly trained to work on both domestic and commercial heating and cooling systems. Our team members are standing by to discuss your needs in greater detail and answer any remaining questions that you may have.

 

Matt Mouritz · Director

Matt is a director at Mouritz, a Perth based air conditioning and solar specialist. He shares straightforward advice on choosing, running and looking after cooling, heating and solar systems, with a focus on what actually works for Perth homes and our local climate. When he is not writing, he is helping customers find the right setup for their home and budget.

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