The decision to install either a centralized air conditioning or a ductless air conditioning system will determine how much you can save on installation costs and recurring monthly expenses. There’s no better way to start weighing your options than to understand how each system works. NRCAN.GC.ca defines central air conditioning and mini-split (ductless) air conditioning as follows.
Mini-split units that distribute cooling by using two or three indoor sections connected to a single outdoor unit.
Central air-conditioning systems that use small-diameter high-pressure ducts, designed to facilitate retrofit installation through walls, floors and attic spaces.
When it comes to the cost of installation, maintenance, and repair, a central AC unit is often costlier than a ductless AC. Installing a central AC system, after all, involves a considerable amount of labor since it usually requires putting up ducts and wires within the walls and ceiling. Meanwhile, installing a ductless air conditioner in Toronto involves nothing more than creating a hole in the wall to aid the piping and securing the unit on a mounting plate.
Besides the cost of installation, homeowners must also base their decision on their actual need for air conditioning as well as the climate conditions in their area. For instance, Toronto residents have to put up with higher levels of humidity during the summer due to the city’s proximity to Lake Ontario. For this reason, it is crucial to ask the right questions before deciding what sort of air conditioning system to purchase.
Does the whole house need to be air-conditioned or would cooling in one or two rooms be sufficient? Room air conditioners offer an effective, low-cost approach to providing comfort in a small space, up to three rooms, with minimum installation effort. Central air conditioners and heat pumps are used to cool the entire space. Central air conditioners are cooling-only products, whereas heat pumps provide winter heating as well.
Ductless air conditioning in Toronto makes economic sense if only one or two rooms in the house have to be constantly cooled. However, this does not mean that there’s a need for more than one exterior component to support several units, which make this kind of AC even more efficient. If you’re thinking of installing one in your home, you may want to contact reliable cooling contractors like Laird and Son for expert advice and quality installation services.
(Source: Air Conditioning Your Home, NRCAN.GC.ca)