Central AC Vs Ductless: Installation And Cost Comparison

Choosing the right cooling system for your home isn’t always straightforward especially when you’re deciding between central air conditioning and ductless mini-split systems. Both options are widely used across homes in Mountlake Terrace and the surrounding areas, but they serve different needs depending on your home’s layout, existing infrastructure, and energy preferences.

Central AC Vs Ductless: Which Is Right for You?

At OneStop Heating Cooling Electric, we understand how important it is to select a system that’s not only reliable but also suits your comfort goals and budget. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between central AC and ductless systems, focusing on installation methods, overall costs, efficiency, and which setup might be best for your situation.

What is Central Air Conditioning?

Central AC is a whole-home cooling solution that uses a network of ducts to distribute cool air to every room. The system consists of an outdoor condenser unit and an indoor evaporator coil, usually connected to your furnace.

The cool air travels through ductwork and is released via vents in each room, offering consistent temperature control across the home.

Advantages of Central AC

• Uniform Cooling
  It cools the entire house evenly, making it comfortable in every room.
  
• Hidden Components
  The main components are located outside or in utility spaces, with vents neatly integrated into walls or ceilings.
  
• Lower Cost per Square Foot
  In larger homes with existing ducts, the per-room cost is often lower than ductless setups.
  

Limitations of Central AC

• Duct Dependency
  Homes without ductwork will face additional costs and disruption for duct installation.
  
• Air Loss
  Cooling efficiency can be affected by leaks or poor insulation in ducts.
  
• Less Flexibility
  You can’t easily set different temperatures for different rooms without investing in zoning upgrades.
  

What is a Ductless Mini-Split System?

A ductless mini-split system consists of one outdoor compressor and one or more indoor units mounted on walls. These units are connected by small lines that pass refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor components.

This system doesn’t require ductwork, making it a great fit for older homes, room additions, or homes where only part of the space needs cooling.

Benefits of Ductless Systems

• No Ductwork Needed
  Installation is simple and quick, especially in homes without existing ducts.
  
• Zoned Cooling
  Each indoor unit can be controlled independently for customized comfort.
  
• Energy Efficiency
  Since there are no ducts to leak air, ductless systems tend to use less energy.
  
• Quiet Operation
  Indoor units are designed to run quietly, making them ideal for bedrooms or offices.
  

Downsides of Ductless Systems

• Upfront Cost
  While cheaper for single-room use, the price rises with multi-room installations.
  
• Interior Aesthetics
  Some homeowners may not like the look of visible wall-mounted units.
  
• Not Ideal for Large Homes (Without Multiple Units)
  You may need several units to cover an entire home, which increases both cost and visual impact.
  

Installation Process Comparison

The installation process for each system differs greatly in terms of time, labor, and home disruption.

Central AC Installation

• Duration: 2 to 5 days
  
• Ductwork: Essential. Adds time and complexity if not already present.
  
• Disruption: Installation may require access to attics, crawl spaces, and walls.
  
• Best For: Homes that already have a furnace and ducts in good condition.
  

Ductless System Installation

• Duration: Typically 1 day
  
• Ductwork: Not required
  
• Disruption: Minimal. Only a small hole is drilled for the refrigerant line.
  
• Best For: Homes without ducts, single-room cooling, or homes with additions.
  

Cost Comparison: Central AC vs. Ductless

Understanding the full cost of ownership helps you plan your investment wisely. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Central AC Cost Overview

• Equipment: $3,000–$7,000
  
• Ductwork (if needed): $2,000–$5,000
  
• Labor: $1,000–$3,000
  
• Total: $6,000–$12,000+
  

Ductless Mini-Split Cost Overview

• Single-Zone System: $2,000–$5,000
  
• Multi-Zone Systems: $4,000–$10,000
  
• Labor: $500–$2,000
  
• Total: $3,500–$12,000+
  

What Affects the Price?

• Number of indoor units (for ductless)
  
• Accessibility of installation site
  
• System capacity
  
• Whether ductwork exists (for central AC)
  

Energy Usage and Monthly Bills

One of the biggest long-term considerations is how much it costs to run the system.

• Central AC: Tends to use more energy, especially if the ducts are old or leaking. Cooling the entire home at once can also add to utility bills.
  
• Ductless: Often 20–30% cheaper to operate due to lack of duct loss and ability to cool only occupied rooms.
  

Which System is Better for You?

The best system for your home depends on a variety of factors. Here’s a breakdown:

Choose Central AC if:

• Your home already has ductwork
  
• You want a consistent temperature throughout all rooms
  
• You prefer hidden components over visible wall units
  
• You’re cooling a large space or multiple rooms
  

Choose Ductless if:

• Your home doesn’t have ductwork
  
• You’re renovating, building an addition, or cooling a single room
  
• You want temperature control by zone
  
• You prefer quicker installation with minimal construction
  

Our Recommendation at OneStop Heating Cooling Electric

At OneStop Heating Cooling Electric, we offer both central air and ductless installations backed by years of HVAC experience in Mountlake Terrace and surrounding areas.

Here’s why homeowners trust us:

• 1-Year Labor Warranty
  
• 10-Year Parts Warranty (on most systems)
  
• Expert Installation by certified HVAC professionals
  
• Tailored Solutions to fit your home, energy usage, and budget
  

Whether you want a high-efficiency ductless unit or a full central AC setup, our team can walk you through your options and ensure the job gets done right.

Final Thoughts

Central air conditioning and ductless mini-splits are both excellent cooling options but they serve different types of homes and needs. If you already have ductwork and need to cool an entire house, central AC might be the most practical. If you want to avoid major construction or only need cooling in specific areas, ductless mini-splits are a great alternative.

Need help deciding? The professionals at OneStop Heating Cooling Electric are here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us for a free consultation and quote today we’ll help you find the right system that keeps your home comfortable for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions