Reliable air conditioning (AC) is a must in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, region, where summer temperatures regularly reach above 80 degrees. Michigan homeowners have two primary options for indoor cooling: central AC is a popular classic, while ductless mini split systems offer a flexible and energy-efficient alternative. R&R Heating and Cooling explores both options and their benefits to help you choose the best system to install in your Michigan home.
Key Takeaways
- Central AC systems use an extensive network of ducts to carry air from a central cooling unit to all areas of your home.
- Central AC offers comprehensive cooling that is visually discreet. It is also inexpensive to install if your home already has ductwork.
- Ductless mini split systems use refrigerant lines to move refrigerant between an outdoor compressor and indoor cooling units.
- Mini split systems provide superior energy efficiency and versatile installation in rooms that don’t have space for ducts.
How Do Central Air Conditioners Work?
Central air conditioners are the most classic form of AC. A fan pulls warm air into return air ducts, which steer the air toward the air conditioning unit. The air passes over the evaporator coil, where liquid refrigerant absorbs heat and evaporates into a gas. A blower fan sends the cooled air throughout your home. The warm refrigerant, meanwhile, travels to an outdoor unit that pressurizes the gas while releasing the heat, reverting it to a liquid state.
The system of ductwork allows one central unit to spread cool air throughout your entire home.
Benefits of Central AC
Central AC offers several notable benefits:
- Comprehensive cooling:Â Central AC cools your entire home at once, helping you stay comfortable while moving throughout the building.
- Invisible:Â Ductwork is hidden inside your wall cavities, making it non-disruptive and essentially invisible except for a few discreet vents.
- Inexpensive installation:Â Central AC can use the same ductwork as your heating system, making it relatively inexpensive to install in homes that already have air ducts.
If your home doesn’t have ducts, R&R Heating and Cooling can install them for you. Our technicians are qualified to perform ductwork installation and expansions for heating and AC systems.
How Do Ductless Mini Split Systems Work?
Just like the name indicates, ductless mini split systems are AC systems without ducts. They feature an outdoor unit that is connected to at least one indoor unit by refrigerant lines and wiring. The outdoor unit pumps refrigerant to the indoor unit’s coil, which cools the air using the same process as central air conditioning. The refrigerant is then pumped back to the outdoor unit, where it releases heat and converts back into a liquid.
While ductless mini-split systems use a similar process to central AC, they work by moving refrigerant, not the air itself. This feature lets them provide zoned cooling. That is, they blow cold air directly into a single room without cooling the whole house at once. Zoned cooling comes with two major benefits:
- Efficiency: Ductless mini split systems cool only one room at a time without expending energy on rooms that aren’t being used. They also avoid the energy losses associated with leaky ductwork.
- Customizability:Â Ductless mini split systems can have unique settings for each space, letting each member of your household enjoy just the right amount of cooling.
Ductless systems also provide flexible installation. Indoor units can be mounted anywhere on the walls or ceiling and can even be free-standing. They also don’t require ductwork, making them ideal for older homes, workshops, sunrooms, attics, and other areas that don’t have wall space for ducts.
Learn More About the Types of AC Systems Available Near You in Grand Rapids, MI
Both central AC and ductless mini split systems have unique advantages. The right choice depends on your home and lifestyle. If you still aren’t sure which to choose, R&R Heating and Cooling can help. We are a one-stop shop for residential and commercial HVAC service near you in Grand Rapids, MI, and beyond. To learn more about our AC services or to request a quote for installation, contact us today.
AC System FAQ
Which is more affordable, ductless mini split or central AC?
Central AC is often an affordable option for homes that already have ductwork. The AC unit can use the same duct network as your heater, so you only need to invest in the AC unit itself. If your home doesn’t have ducts, however, then mini split AC may be more affordable. A mini split system lets you add cooling to your space without installing new ductwork.
Do mini splits work in cold climates?
Yes, mini splits work in cold climates, though very cold temperatures may reduce your system’s efficiency. Mini splits can also double as heat pumps, helping you stay warm during the winter.
Which type of AC system is more energy-efficient in Michigan?
In general, ductless mini splits are more energy-efficient. They cool only one room at once, letting you avoid wasting energy on rooms that aren’t in use. They also don’t rely on ducts. All cold air is delivered directly into your living space instead of leaking through gaps in the ductwork.
