The science is in and statistics show that summers are trending warmer year after year. So how do you contend with rising temperatures if you want to install central air conditioning in a NJ home? If this sounds similar to your current situation, Stashluk can provide you with the answers that will help you come to the right decision.
Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of installing split-ductless or central air
For most homeowners, central air conditioning is the preferred choice, mainly because it is cosmetically unobtrusive and it can cool the entire house without ugly, window-rattling window air conditioners ruining the exterior aesthetics. Then there’s the back-breaking work of swapping window units in and out twice a year.
But not every house is well-suited for central air, especially older homes. For beginners, if your home does not have existing duct work in the walls, floors or ceilings, the cost of installing central air conditioning may be prohibitive.
Air conditioning installation from Stashluk: cooler, more efficient, and more comfortable.
The main differences between a split-ductless system and a central air conditioning system include the amount of maintenance required, the aesthetics of the system, and of course the price. Here are a few others to consider:
Side-by-side Comparison: Central air conditioning system and split-ductless system.
| Split-ductless AC | Central AC | |
|---|---|---|
| Area of service | Small size and flexibility to cool individual rooms. | Whole house cooling |
| Control | Each zone has its own thermostat | One thermostat controls entire house, unless more zones are added |
| Installation | Can be installed virtually anywhere | Installation is easier when duct work is present |
| Energy efficiency | No duct work reduces energy losses by up to 30% | New units are exceptionally efficient. Annual maintenance is required for long-lasting operation |
| Visibility | Several mounting options in interior installations | AC units are out of sight in interior of the home |
| Operation | In room remote control operation | New systems integrate with smart thermostats and mobile apps |
Central Air Conditioning Systems: For whole house cooling and comfort
Unlike split-ductless systems which offer more localized temperature control, central air conditioners are usually controlled by single thermostat in your home, unless you have more than one zone. If you’re thinking about upgrading your old central AC system, newer models provide more flexibility by working with smart thermostats which can help you monitor your home’s cooling to the minute. Combine a smart thermostat with an app on your smartphone and you can keep tabs on your cooling needs day and night to maximize energy savings.
Central air systems can also be fitted with whole-house humidifiers and air purifiers to ensure cleaner air throughout your home, which is especially important when there are family members with allergies.
Advantages of a central air system:
- Entire system is out of the way and vent covers are seamlessly integrated into the home décor
- A central AC system is relatively easy to install if duct work is present
- Modern units are more energy efficient than ever, and can be monitored from your smart phone by an app
- When you go to sell, central air is high on all homebuyers’ checklists.
Disadvantages:
- Central AC systems should be maintained annually. A Stashluk annual service plan is highly recommended for energy efficient operation and parts replacement when needed.
- Air ducts should be cleaned every four years or so, and even more if shedding pets are in the house.
- Can be expensive to install or replace an older system. Costs can be offset by energy savings over time.
Split-ductless systems are well-suited for new and older construction, and special installations
One way to tackle tough air conditioning installations is to call Stashluk for a look into highly efficient and quiet split-ductless systems. Central AC is not the only choice for home cooling these days, especially when it comes to rooms or sections of a house that are hard for central air to reach or cool effectively.
Today’s split-ductless systems are permanent, unobtrusive and don’t block the view from your windows. They are a great solution for older homes throughout Union, Morris, Somerset and Essex counties where central air may be too expensive to install if there are no ducts present. The same goes for older buildings where a duct system may not be present; such as restaurants, offices, finished basements, commercial spaces and more. Some units can double as heating sources for the winter months, as well.
These are just some of the reasons why split-ductless systems are growing in popularity with homeowners and business owners—because they can provide the flexibility that some owners require, while offering all of the cooling, efficiency and comfort of a central air system.
Advantages of a ductless split air conditioning system:
- Smaller-sized units are easier to install and are very quiet
- Installation options are more flexible
- More energy efficient to operate. No ductwork means cooled air won’t escape
- Relatively maintenance free
- Can supplement cooling in rooms that are hard to cool
Disadvantages:
- Comparatively more expensive to purchase and install depending on availability of duct work for central AC system
- Some people find the units unattractive.
- Units have to be sized properly to the room to cool efficiently
Split-ductless systems are even used by some homeowners with central air conditioning to cool parts of the house where their central AC doesn’t cool sufficiently. For example, in a southern facing room or to cool rooms farthest from the AC unit, such as on a third floor. These units don’t require the expensive labor and construction costs that would apply if retrofitting an older home with duct work.
Installation of a split-ductless system is limited to a small hole in the interior wall of the room directly behind where the split-ductless heating and cooling system is mounted. Many homeowners are choosing these systems because of their energy efficiency and the room-by-room control that they offer.
Traditional central air conditioning duct systems can leak up to 30% of their cooling or heating properties.
Stashluk are your central air conditioning and split-ductless system installation experts!
When it comes to any HVAC installations or service needs of any kind, Stashluk is your local HVAC, plumbing and automatic standby generator expert. We can visit your home and evaluate your heating and cooling systems and recommend a solution that will improve the comfort of your home for everyone in the family. To learn more about central AC and ductless systems and how they can improve the comfort of your home or business, give Stashluk a call at 908-277-6200.
