1,263 posts, read 1,785,300 times 4,600 posts, read 17,582,644 times 8,293 posts, read 19,165,217 times Originally Posted by lamontnow I had a new Payne (made by Carrier) central AC installed on a 3-bedroom rental house this spring. 2.5 ton unit, with a 10-year warranty. It replaced an older unit, so this was not an all new installation. It cost me approximately $2,300 (tax included). 27,825 posts, read 28,080,635 times 5,286 posts, read 15,274,119 times 697 posts, read 2,420,276 times 605 posts, read 3,884,357 times 1,501 posts, read 9,430,638 times 2 posts, read 414,668 times 7,386 posts, read 9,716,788 timesFor homeowners, the decision between choosing a ductless mini-split system and a conventional central air conditioning system can be a difficult one. Let us compare the major differences between the two options. A ductless mini-split system has two main components—an outdoor compressor and an indoor air-handling unit.

A conduit links the outdoor unit with the indoor unit. As implied by their name, the ductless mini-split system does not require ductwork, making it the more convenient cooling option for older buildings with thick walls. It basically keeps your room temperature at a constant temperature, unlike an air conditioning unit that goes on and off throughout the day. In the winter, the system works in reverse by absorbing heat from the outside air and moving it indoors to heat your home, too. home ac unit cycles on and offTheir compact size allows for greater flexibility in temperature zoning—air conditioning is limited to the rooms in which the air handlers are located. hvac blower motor locationThese systems tend to run quieter than central air conditioning systems, and are easier to install. reviews of hvac units

Some ductless mini-split models have the highest efficiency rating of any type of air conditioning system. Although a ductless mini-split can save you money in the long run, the initial installation cost can run high. It may be difficult to find qualified, professional installers. Improper sizing or placement can mean that your unit runs less efficiently. There are also some home owners who have aesthetic issues with a wall mounted unit. A central air conditioning system treats air at a central location and distributes it to and from rooms by one or more fans and a series of ducts. Supply ducts and registers carry this cool air from the air conditioner to the home. The air becomes warmer as it circulates through the home; then it flows back to the central air conditioner through return ducts and registers. If your goal is to keep your whole house cool, central air conditioning is most likely your best option. With newer models, you can count on efficient, cool and comfortable temperatures and lower humidity.

The system is also virtually invisible, and it adds value to your home. As with the mini-split system, you can run into cost problems if the unit has not been properly sized. (However, the upfront cost is considerably less to just replace an existing system with a new central air system rather than with a ductless mini-split system.) To summarize, here are the main advantages and disadvantages of both systems: For more information on air conditioning systems, check out When to Replace Your Central Air Conditioning System and What Is a Ductless Mini-Split AC System?Need a Central Air Conditioning Pro Near You? Find Local HVAC Experts & Get Free Central Air Conditioning Price Quotes. No Obligations & No Credit Card Needed. Find Us on Facebook Browse through our complete library of HVAC related articles. Home > Home Improvement > HVAC > Central Air Conditioning Cost How Much Does Central Air Cost? Central Air Installation Prices Window air conditioners are certainly better than no air conditioners at all on a hot summer day, but quieter, more efficient central air conditioning represents a major step up in household comfort.

Often referred to as just central air, a whole-house central air conditioning system distributes cooled air through a home or office space via a duct system. Central air can be added to your existing forced-air heating system, although an existing HVAC network isn’t required. In this buying guide you’ll learn more about centralized air conditioning and the cost. Central Air Conditioning Considerations Below are some of the points you should keep in mind when shopping for a new central air conditioner. There are three main types of central air conditioning systems: a split system, a mini-split system, and a package system. In a split system, the compressor (which cools the air) is located outdoors and the air handler unit (responsible for distributing the cooled air throughout the house) is placed indoors. Compare this to a package system, in which the compressor and air handler are placed together, usually on the ground or roof. A final option, and one that is relatively new, is the mini-split system, also known as a ductless mini split system.

This type of system is technically not the same as central air, although installing several can serve the same function. It is ideally suited for older homes without ductwork and cooling additions of up to 1,200 square foot. Once you’ve decided on the type of central air conditioning system, it’s crucial to select a setup that is powerful enough to cool your entire home on hot days, but not so powerful that it doesn’t adequately remove humidity. The size of an air conditioner is expressed in tonnage or BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour. A cooling contractor can help you evaluate the size of the system you need by performing what’s known as a Manual J load calculation. Although sizing for central air conditionings systems is determined formulaically, there is more leeway when choosing system efficiency. The seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER) of an air conditioner expresses how much cooling unit provides relative to the amount of energy it uses. The higher a unit’s SEER rating, the more efficient—and less costly—it is to run.