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Choosing between a central air conditioning system and a ductless mini-split system is a decision that many homeowners across southern Ontario face, especially as the summer months are becoming hotter, more humid, and unpredictable. Both air conditioners do a great job at cooling your home, but how they work differs and they're suited for different types of properties, budgets, and long-term comfort goals. 

Whether you're looking to upgrade an outdated unit or installing an air conditioner in your home for the first time, this guide outlines all you need to know about ductless vs. central air systems--from installation costs, to efficiency levels, comfort, and long-term value, so you can choose the right unit for your home. 

Before we get into further details about costs, pros and cons, and how to choose between a ductless vs. central air conditioning system, we need to cover the basics:

Central air conditioning systems

Central air conditioning systems are what most homeowners picture when they think of a cooling system. These appliances have the capacity to cool your entire home at once.

The system as a whole features an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, which connects directly to your duct system, allowing it to transport cool air into each room of your home. If your home is already equipped with ductwork, opting for central AC system may tend to feel like the default option because:

• Central air conditioners offer whole home cooling.

• It can be controlled at the touch of a thermostat.

• You won't see any physical wall mounted units, making the system seamless and practically invisible indoors.

In other words, these traditional cooling systems are widely used, familiar to most homeowners, and work really well if your home is already set up for this type of unit.

Ductless mini split systems

Ductless systems are a bit different than central air conditioners. Instead of transferring cool air though ductwork, mini-split systems are designed to push cool air directly into rooms using a wall mounted unit. Each room, also known as a zone, has its own control, which means that:

• Homeowners can only cool spaces with a mini split system installed.

• Different rooms will have different temperatures.

• You won't lose any energy though ductwork.

Ductless systems are especially popular in older, character homes and townhomes across the Greater Toronto Area where installing ductwork isn't practical. 

Central air conditioners operate on a closed loop, continuous cycle. Warm air throughout your home is pulled in by the indoor unit, cooled, and then redistributed into your interior through ductwork. Here's a closer look:

1. Warm air is drawn into your HVAC system's return ducts.

2. It travels over a cooling condenser coil.

3. Heat is removed from the air and sent outdoors.

4. Cold air is pushed back through the supply ducts.

Generally speaking, if your central air conditioner is correctly installed and your ducts are properly sealed, you'll experience energy-efficient cooling throughout your home. 

Mini-split systems have been designed to remove the necessity of ductwork entirely. Each indoor unit installed throughout your home pulls in the warm air, cools it, and released is directly back into the room. Because the air doesn't travel through ducts, there's less opportunities for energy loss to happen. This means:

• Faster cooling in each zone.

• Better energy-efficiency levels.

• More precise temperature control.

Although mini-split systems are a lot simpler in how they function, they remain a popular choice for many homeowners where centra AC systems aren't feasible. 

One of the main differences between ductless AC systems and ducted AC systems is how they're installed.

Central AC System Installation Requirements

Installing a central system into your home typically requires the following:

1. Initial assessment: A licensed HVAC technician will assess your home's size, ductwork condition, and cooling needs to ensure the central air conditioner system chosen is correctly sized for your property.

2. Removal of current system: If your home is equipped with an existing air conditioning appliance, technicians will carefully detach and remove the equipment from your home.

3. Indoor unit install: Technicians will then connect the indoor unit to your existing air handler, which is typically located near your home's furnace.

4. Outdoor unit install: Next, the outdoor unit is installed on a concrete block, located near your home.

5. Refrigerant line install: Refrigerant lines are then run between the indoor and outdoor units.

6. Electrical connections: All electrical components are then installed and connected, ensuring that all safety and building standards are met.

7. Thermostat setup: A new thermostat is connected and programmed to communicate with the new system.

8. System testing: Finally the central AC system is charged with refrigerant and tested to ensure airflow is distributed evenly throughout your entire home.

Note that depending on the condition of your existing ductwork, modifications, sealing, and duct cleaning may also occur.

Ductless system Installation Requirements

Ductless air conditioning installations require fewer structural changes to your HVAC system and home, and are often a lot quicker to install. Here's how an installation occurs:

1. Room assessment: An HVAC technician will conduct assessments in each individual room you wish to install a new ductless air conditioner in.

2. Mounting indoor units: Multiple indoor units are installed on the walls of each room you wish to have zoned cooling in.

3. Drilling of small hole: A hole is drilled through your wall to connect small refrigerant lines between the indoor and outdoor units. Drain lines are also installed at this time.

4. Electrical wiring: Electric work is then conducted, ensuring power is supplied to both the indoor and outdoor compressor.

5. System configuration: Each ductless air conditioning appliance installed is tested individually to ensure proper cooling and airflow into each zone. 

Cost is one of the main deciding factors homeowners in southern Ontario are faced with when deciding between central AC systems and ductless systems. When comparing the two, aim to look at both upfront and long-term costs:

Upfront Installation Costs

In Ontario, installation costs for air conditioning systems will vary based on the type of system, size of your home, and whether there's existing ductwork:

Central air systems (installed)

• Basic energy efficiency rating and unit: $3,200 to $6,000.

• Mid-range AC unit: $4,500 to $6,500.

• High energy-efficiency system: $7,000 and $9,500+

For the average home between 1,500 square feet and 2,000 square feet, you can expect to pay between $4,500 and $6,500, incuding labour and equipment.

Ductless mini-split (installed)

For ductless systems, you can typically expect the following costs:

• Single-zone system: $2,500 and $6,000.

• Multi zone systems: $6,500 and $15,000+

Long-Term Costs & Savings

Operating costs over time can influence which direction you want to take when it comes to installing a new AC system in your home. Ductless systems often cost less to operate, and can be more than 20% to 30% more efficient compared to central air systems in some cases because they:

• Don't lose energy through ductwork.

• Zoned cooling allows you to cool each room in your home individually, not all at once.

One thing to note is that central air conditioning units can still be efficient, but their performance relies heavily on the condition of your duct system. Leaky or poorly installed ducts can increase your energy use and reduce your units overall cooling performance levels, which adds ongoing maintenance costs to your calculation. 

Energy efficiency is another factor that plays a major role when choosing between each type of unit:

Central Air System Efficiency

Central air conditioners have efficiency ratings between SEER 13 and SEER 21. The higher the SEER rating, the better your energy savings will be.

Ductless Mini Split System Efficiency

For ductless air conditioning units, the lowest SEER rating tends to fall around 15, but can go as high as 20+. 

Central air conditioning units offer consistent, whole-house cooling controlled by a single thermostat, creating a uniform temperature across all rooms. In contrast, ductless systems offer more precise temperature control, where each indoor unit can be adjusted on its own, offering a more customized comfort experience. 

Which system you choose depends on your property type:

• Detached homes with existing ducts: Central AC system.

• Older homes without ductwork: Ductless mini-split systems.

• Home additions and renovations: Ductless mini-split systems.

• Multi-family properties: Ductless systems. 

Both units offer pros and cons. Here's a closer look:

Pro Central air systems

• Whole home cooling from a single unit.

• Ideal for home with existing ducts.

• Aesthetic appeal that's seamless in your home.

Cons Central air systems

• Energy loss through ductwork which can increase energy bills.

• Moderate to high installation costs depending on unit chosen.

• Less precise temperature control in individual rooms.

Pros ductless systems

• High energy efficiency levels can lower energy bills.

• Targeted temperature control.

• Faster installation with less construction to home.

Cons ductless systems

• Higher upfront costs for full-home cooling.

• Multiple units needed for larger properties.

• Visible indoor wall units. 

Here's a comparison table for ductless vs. central air conditioners below:

Before choosing a cooling appliance for your home, consider the following:

• Budget considerations: Central air conditioner systems may cost more upfront, compared to installing a single ductless mini-split. But the more mini split systems you install, the higher your installation costs will be.

• Home layout and size: Larger homes with high ceilings and open concepts often benefit from central air units, while smaller homes and townhomes with close layouts may be better suited for ductless mini split systems.

• Existing infrastructure: If your home has existing ductwork, central air conditioners offer a straightforward installation process. Without ducts, ductless mini-splits don't require major construction work.

• Energy efficiency goals: If reducing energy consumption in your home is a priority, you may lean more toward a ductless system as they do not lose as much energy as central units do. However, as long as your ductwork is sealed and properly installed, central air units can also be highly energy-efficient.

• Long-term plans (stay vs sell): If you plan to stay in your home long-term, central air conditioners, have a longer lifespan, which can help balance your upfront costs over time. If you're selling, you may want to opt for a mini-split systems.

• Consultation with HVAC contractor: A licensed HVAC technician should be the only one to evaluate your home and provide a load calculation to ensure you select the right cooling equipment for your property.