Now that warm weather is here, some homeowners are realizing that they need to upgrade the air conditioner before the end of the summer. There are two main types of cooling systems that you can install to help keep you cool and comfortable all summer long—central air conditioning or a ductless mini-split system.

It’s important to know the differences (and similarities) so you can make an informed decision about which cooling system option is best for you and your home.

The main mechanics for both a central air conditioning system and ductless mini-split are the same. They both transfer heat and use two units (an indoor and outdoor unit) to keep the house comfortable. The main difference comes in how the air is distributed.

In central air conditioning, the cooled air is distributed throughout the home via the ductwork. The conditioned air is pushed through the house by the furnace fan. That’s why it’s important to continue to check and change the furnace filter throughout the summer. Central air will cool the entire home that the ductwork supplies air to.

Mini splits system are designed to heat or cool the space the indoor unit occupies. The mounted indoor units are connected to the outdoor compressor through thin piping. They are a great solution for homes heated with hot water or electricity that don’t have the necessary ducts for a typical forced air AC system. These units can also be used as an add on to an existing forced air system to help heat or cool additions, rooms over the garage or attic spaces.

While central air conditioning is the most popular type of cooling system in our area, more homeowners are becoming interested in how a ductless mini-split system can be used in their homes. If you would like more information on the different options, don’t hesitate to contact HAMCO Heating & Cooling Ltd. We’re always happy to answer any of your questions!

HAMCO Heating & Cooling Ltd. has been serving Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Grimsby and Brantford for over 70 years! We’re fully committed to providing the best quality service for all our customers on every service call.

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