Ducted vs. Ductless Air Conditioning: A Guide

Deciding between ductless and ducted A/C can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to make it simple! In this post, we’ll answer the most common questions (including “What is ductless air conditioning?”) about ductless air conditioning to help you make the right choice for your home.

What is ductless air conditioning?

Ductless A/C — also known as a mini-split system A/C — provides cooling without the need for ductwork. It uses an outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor units via small refrigerant lines. Each indoor unit delivers targeted cooling to specific rooms, making it energy-efficient and ideal for homes without ducts or for those looking to cool individual spaces without the energy loss common in more traditional systems.

Should I Switch to Ductless A/C?

Ductless air conditioning systems have a lot of benefits, but whether you should switch or not will depend on your specific needs and home setup. Ductless systems are ideal for homes without existing ductwork — older homes, smaller living spaces, areas that have been recently renovated and the like. If you’re looking for energy-efficient cooling and greater control over individual room temperatures, a ductless system might be perfect for you. However, for larger homes with existing ducts, sticking with a central air system could end up being more cost-effective.

Are There Any Requirements in Order to Install Ductless A/C in My Home?

To install a ductless air conditioning system, your home needs space for both indoor and outdoor units. The indoor unit is mounted on a wall in the room you want to cool, while the outdoor unit is connected via refrigerant lines. You don’t need existing ductwork — that’s what makes ductless systems ideal for homes without ducts. However, the outdoor unit requires a place with proper airflow and minimal obstruction, and installation by a professional HVAC technician is highly recommended to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.

Are Ductless Air Conditioners Worth It?

Ductless air conditioners are absolutely worth it if your main priorities are energy efficiency and personalized temperature control. They tend to use less energy than central systems because you can cool specific areas without needing to cool the entire house. This can lower utility bills, particularly in smaller homes or spaces where particular temperatures are needed. The initial cost might be higher than some other A/C options, but long-term savings and increased comfort often make ductless systems a good investment.

Do Ductless Air Conditioners Need to Be Vented?

Unlike traditional A/C units, ductless systems don’t require venting. Instead, they rely on an outdoor condenser unit that exchanges air and refrigerant through small pipes connected to the indoor unit. This eliminates the need for large ducts or vents, making the system simpler to install and maintain. The absence of ductwork also means less energy loss, which is common in ducted systems due to leaks and inefficiency!

How Are Ductless Air Conditioners Installed?

The installation of a ductless air conditioning system is generally quick and easy for an HVAC professional. First, the indoor unit is mounted on the wall of the room you wish to cool. Then, a small hole is drilled to run the refrigerant lines and power cables to the outdoor condenser unit. The system is connected, tested and calibrated to ensure it’s working efficiently. Because it doesn’t require ductwork, installation is far less invasive and can usually be completed in just a few hours.

How Much Does Ductless Air Conditioning Cost?

The cost of installing a ductless air conditioning system varies based on factors such as the size of the system, the number of rooms being cooled and your geographic location. On average, a single-zone ductless system can range between $2,000 and $5,000 — including installation. While the upfront cost may seem steep compared to window units or other smaller A/C systems, the energy savings and long-term efficiency often justify the investment. Additionally, a professional HVAC contractor can help you explore any available rebates or financing options.

How Does a Ductless Air Conditioning System Work?

A ductless air conditioning system works by transferring heat from inside your home to the outdoor condenser unit. The indoor unit blows cooled air into your living space, while the outdoor unit releases the heat into the air outside. Refrigerant flows through a small conduit between the indoor and outdoor units, absorbing and releasing heat to maintain a comfortable temperature inside. Since no ducts are involved, the system efficiently cools individual rooms without the energy losses associated with ducted systems.

When it comes to ductless vs. ducted A/C, you’ve got a choice — savings, simplicity and precision vs. sticking with what you’ve always had.

Not sure what to go with? Contact Sedgwick for expert advice and find the perfect system for your home.