Roughly 90% of Americans use air conditioners in their homes. If you’re ready to either buy your first AC system or your current air conditioning system didn’t do as well as expected this year, it may be time for an upgrade.
Mini-splits and central air conditioning systems offer two distinct paths to indoor comfort. Two of the most significant differences are the costs to buy and install.
In this conversation on mini-split vs. central air, we’ll guide you through the key factors to consider when choosing between these cooling solutions. By the end of this read, you’ll be ready to make the right choice for your home’s cooling needs.
Mini Split vs Central Air Costs
Before you decide which direction to take your cooling solution, you’ll want to look at the upfront costs. When pricing central air units these factors influence your initial cost:
- Size of your home
- Efficiency rating (SEER)
- Brand and model
- Ductwork
- Added features
If your home doesn’t have ductwork, or the existing ductwork needs repairs, it can increase the upfront costs. Added features that could increase the initial cost of a new central air conditioning unit include variable-speed blowers, two-stage compressors, or smart thermostats.
Take into consideration the following factors when figuring out the initial mini-split cost:
- Number of zones
- Cooling capacity
- Energy efficiency (SEER)
- Brand and model
Manufacturers design ductless mini-split cooling systems to cool smaller spaces than central AC systems. Depending on the number of rooms you need to cool, you may need more than one unit.
AC Installation Costs Vary By System
After evaluating the equipment costs, you’ll need to consider what each system costs to install. There is a difference!
Installation costs for mini-split systems tend to run higher than installation for central air conditioning. Several factors drive mini-split installation costs, including:
Number of Indoor Units
Mini-split systems often consist of multiple indoor units. Each unit requires installation work, including mounting, refrigerant line connections, and electrical connections. This increases labor and material costs.
Complexity of Installation
Installing multiple indoor units can be more complex than a single central air system. The need to run refrigerant lines and electrical wiring for each unit adds to the complexity and time required for installation.
Electrical Work
Each indoor unit requires an electrical connection. If your electrical system requires upgrades or modifications to accommodate multiple indoor units, this can add to the cost.
Generally, you’ll pay less to install a new central air conditioning unit, especially if you have existing ductwork. Central AC systems consist of one outdoor compressor unit. Installers won’t need to run refrigerant lines or additional electrical connections to each room.
Either way, we don’t recommend DIY installation.
If you choose central air, you could pay $5,000 to $10,000. A mini-split system can run from $2,000 and $14,500.
Call Our AC Installation Experts Today
When deciding between a mini-split vs central air cooling system, it’s vital to consider equipment costs and installation. You’ll want to evaluate your home, your cooling needs, and your budget before making your final decision.
As the leading Venice AC company, Bowersox Air Conditioning and Heating has installed our fair share of both types of AC systems.
Get in touch with us today. We’ll come out to your home and put together a free installation quote. Let’s get your home feeling comfortable again!
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