I’m sure we’ve all heard about the different types of air conditioning systems, but what is the difference between a central air system and ductless mini split AC? If you’re not sure or don’t know much about these two very similar systems, then read on to find out more.
What Is A Central Air System?
A central air system is a type of HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) that relies on one main ductwork to distribute conditioned air throughout the home. A central air system uses one main duct to distribute conditioned air throughout the home.
What Is A Ductless Minisplit AC?
A ductless mini split or mini split unit combines an indoor heating/cooling coil with two outdoor units—one for cooling and one for heating. Both systems are installed outdoors but have no ducts going into your house so you can’t see them. Ductless mini split units combine an indoor heating/cooling coil with two outdoor units: one for cooling and one for heating.
What Is The Difference Between A Central Air System And Ductless Minisplit AC?
A central air system is a heating and cooling system that relies on one main ductwork to distribute conditioned air throughout the home.
Ductless mini splits units combine an indoor heating/cooling coil with two outdoor units—one for cooling and one for heating. Both systems are installed outdoors but have no ducts going into your house so you can’t see them! One of the major differences between these two types of HVAC systems is how they distribute heat or cold inside the home: A central air system does it through a single, large fan-powered ventilation unit while a mini-split uses multiple smaller units.
Ductless mini splits can be installed indoors as opposed to central system that must stay outdoors during installation because the outdoor condenser/compressor unit is too heavy and cumbersome to carry inside your home. Central air conditioners rely on vents outside of each room’s window to circulate cool air whereas ductless splits maintain even distribution without any need for expensive installations such as an attic fan or through-the-wall venting into another part of the house like a basement.
Ductless mini split ACs are more cost effective than central systems because they don’t require expensive installation costs when installing an outdoor condenser/compressor unit in addition to indoor air handlers.
Central systems are best for large homes or commercial buildings with a lot of space, while ductless mini split ACs work well in smaller spaces.

Central Air System VS Ductless Mini Split – Which One Should You Choose ?
Central Air Systems and Ductless Mini splits both provide an economical, efficient way to cool or heat your home. But which option is best for you? No matter what type of air conditioner you choose, be sure that it meets the following requirements:
- It’s certified by a third party like ENERGY STAR® or AHAM Certification Commission (ACC)
- Has earned at least three out of five stars from SEER rating energy efficiency ratings such as EnerGuide Rating or Home Energy Rater certification program services.
The main difference between central air and ductless mini splits is how they distribute heated or cooled air inside the home. Central ACs use a single, large fan-powered ventilation unit while mini splits employ multiple smaller ones. In addition to being more energy efficient than traditional systems, ductless mini split owners also benefit from higher SEER ratings (between 15% and 50% greater), lower installation costs with no need for an outdoor condenser/compressor, and quieter operation due to direct indoor coil cooling versus outside recirculation of warm air that’s been pre-cooled by your old system!
Considering Installing a Ductless Mini Split AC System in Your Home or Office?
Superior Mechanical Services, Inc. began in 1948 as a family-owned business with a vision to provide value-minded service with a down-to-earth approach to customers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. As the premier Commercial and Residential HVAC Service provider for Livermore, Dublin, and Pleasanton, Superior Mechanical can do it all, from heating and air conditioning services (including Minisplit AC Systems!) to boiler services, to plumbing services. Ductless systems offer instant cooling on demand and even temperature control for each room as you use it. Whether you are already an owner of a ductless system looking for tune-up, maintenance, and repair help or you’re considering ductless systems Superior Mechanical Services can help. With more than 6 decades of experience helping residential and commercial customers in Livermore, our reputation speaks for itself, and you’ll love the results. Contact us today for amazing service tomorrow!