EmailBest Reviewed
Central Air Conditioners
- Lowest running costs, but higher initial price High-efficiency 16 to 23 SEER central air conditioner *Est. $3500
- Balance between ongoing energy costs and initial price Mid-range efficiency AC, 14.5 to 17 SEER *Est. $3000
- Best for low-use, for rental units or for tight budgets Minimum-efficiency central AC unit *Est. $2500
- Option for those without existing ductwork Mini-split ductless air conditioning system *Est. $1000
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Option for those without existing ductwork
- Good for houses without existing ductwork
- Cheaper to install than central air conditioning
- Can adjust temperature levels for individual rooms
- High maintenance costs
- Expensive to buy
A mini-split air conditioning system uses at least two kinds of hardware: the air-handler units (which contain the evaporators and blowers) are installed inside your home, while the compressor is installed outside. Split systems are more expensive to buy, especially if you need multiple blowers, but they're potentially cheaper to install. Experts say these systems are practical for homes that don't already have ductwork; otherwise, you're probably better off with a minimum-to-high efficiency central air conditioning unit (starting at *est. $2,500 to $3,500). The big advantage of a ductless mini-split system is that you can adjust temperature levels for individual rooms or areas; a big disadvantage, though, is that split systems require more maintenance than single-box central air conditioners.
The best article we could find about split air conditioning systems is by columnist and expert James Dulley, who discusses the virtues and drawbacks of these units on his website.
Our Sources
1. Sensible HomeDetails/Subscribe
This article is useful for buyers who are trying to decide between a conventional whole-house central air conditioner and a mini-split ductless air-conditioning system. Columnist and mechanical engineer Dulley offers general advice about what he thinks are the best models; he doesn't actually test them, but he and his research staff evaluate designs and discuss them with the manufacturers' engineers.
Review: Mini-split Ductless Central Air Conditioners, Heat Pumps for Efficiency, Comfort, James Dulley