Mini-splits and standard air conditioners both rely on simple thermostats. Heating and cooling account for around half of all energy used in the average home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, so your choice of an air conditioning system can have an impact on both utility bills and the environment. While standard air conditioning systems remain more common in U.S. homes, mini-split systems could be a better buy for some homeowners. When comparing these technologies, consider equipment costs and operating costs to find the best system for your home. Understanding Cooling Systems Most people are familiar with standard air conditioners, which use a central outdoor compressor and direct cool air through a network of ducts to distribute it throughout the home. Mini-split air conditioners represent a newer technology. They include an outdoor compressor/condenser as well as an indoor fan unit. The indoor unit mounts to the wall or ceiling within a single room and connects to the outdoor unit via a small conduit.

These systems do not use ducts, but instead transport refrigerant through the conduit to cool a single room or other small area. You can connect multiple indoor fans to one outdoor unit to cool multiple rooms, or cool just one room using a single fan. These systems typically are not designed to cool the entire house like a central air conditioner. Upfront Cost for Mini-Splits The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that mini-split air conditioners cost about 30 percent more than central systems based on cooling capacity. A single 1-ton mini-split averages $1,500 to $2,000, according to an August 2012 report by the DOE. A similar technology, mini-split heat pumps, which can heat in the winter and cool in the summer, cost $3,000 to $5,000 on average, according to an October 2013 report by Building Green. Upfront Cost for Central Air If you already have forced air heating via a network of ducts, plan to spend $3,500 to $4,000 for a central air conditioner capable of cooling a 2,000-square-foot house, based on a 2014 estimate by This Old House.

If you don't have existing ducts, plan to spend about double that amount for your new systems plus the required ductwork. Operating Costs Central air and mini-split cooling systems work very differently, which can result in significant differences in operating costs. problems with unit root testsCentral air systems cool the entire house, including occupied and unoccupied rooms. large ac wall unitsMini-splits can cool much more economically because they represent a type of zonal cooling, meaning they only cool occupied rooms. average life of a window ac unitIf you only need cooling in a small part of the house, mini-split systems may save you money on energy bills. These systems also save by eliminating duct losses, which account for about 30 percent of the energy consumed by a central cooling system, according to the DOE.

Installation and Repair One cost that's easy to overlook as you compare cooling systems relates to the installation of repair associated with these systems. If you don't have ductwork in your home, installing central air can be a messy and time-consuming process that requires tearing open walls and ceilings. This often leads to the need for wall repairs, painting and other refinishing that can add to total installation costs. Homeowners without existing ducts can reduce mess and installation time with mini-splits, which require only a 3-inch hole drilled in the exterior wall to accommodate the conduit. References U.S. Department of Energy: Heating and CoolingU.S. Department of Energy: Ductless Mini-Split Air ConditionersBuilding Green: Electric Heat Comes of Age -- Installing Our Mini-Split Heat PumpThis Old House: Adding Central AirU.S. Energy Information Administration: Air Conditioning in Nearly 100 Million U.S. Homes Photo Credits Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images Suggest a Correction

At Aircon Experts we do not only offer Samsung, Alliance Air & Carrier Approved Installers...What is a mini split ac system? A mini split AC system is a ductless system for indoor climate control. Each mini split system features an outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit. What is the average cost to repair a residential AC system? What does a ductless mini split do? Mini split units are connected with copper tubing and electrical wire. The outdoor unit pumps refrigerant through the tubing into indoor units. At this point, a fan dispenses the resultant cold air across the inner unit's evaporator coil, cooling the room or area to the desired temperature. The mini split is a versatile climate control system that cools during the summer and heats during the winter. This system is ideal for retrofitting older homes not outfitted with ducting. It is also commonly used in new homes that can't readily accommodate traditional AC due to space constraints. Mini split installation only requires drilling small holes in floors or ceilings to connect indoor and outdoor components.

Typically, these holes range from 3 to 4 inches in diameter. Mini splits operate quietly and are readily expandable. Reducing ductwork can improve energy efficiency. In some cases, duct losses can account for a third of the energy consumed by indoor climate control systems. In addition, mini splits are unobtrusive and are easy to camouflage or integrate into any interior design. How efficient are mini AC units? As of 2015, the Department of Energy certifies 22 models of air conditioners with outputs less than 6,000 Btus as energy-efficient appliances through its E... When should the AC filter drier be replaced? An air conditioning filter drier needs to replaced any time the refrigeration system is open to the atmosphere, typically when the system is repaired. Which natural gas furnaces are rated favorably by consumer groups? What is an air conditioner sleeve cover? Where can you get replacement Heatilator parts? Where can you find a certified Honeywell repair technician?