Mini Splits vs Central Air: Which is Better?

We take the air conditioner for granted,
but imagine what life would be without it. -U.S. Department of Energy

Most homes in Harris County have central air conditioning. In fact, most homes in Texas and the USA have central air. Once upon a time, indoor air conditioning was a miracle of technology that only dreamers believed was possible. And now, we have choices for AC that may challenge the normalcy of central air in Tomball homes.

History of ‘Chilling Out’

A physician believed cool air could combat disease. Dr. John Gorrie said “the evils of high temperatures” made hospital patients’ healing difficult. He shipped Northern U.S. lakes’ and streams’ frozen water to Florida, but it was expensive and difficult. In 1851, Gorrie patented his design for an air conditioning machine. It was never marketable, but the technology inspired modern, indoor refrigerated air.

In 1902, Willis Carrier was commissioned to solve a printing plant’s indoor humidity issue. And in 1904, the Missouri State exhibit at the St. Louis World Fair was air-conditioned by a Carrier system. It was the first time the public experienced the concept of cool, indoor air, and it changed how we live.

Central air conditioning uses behind-the-scenes’ ductwork (above ceilings, behind walls, and under floors) to move cool air from the air conditioner to rooms in your home. As the cool air circulates, the heat generated by appliances, people, lighting, and indirect indoor sunlight warms the air. The warm air is returned by registers and ducts to the air conditioning unit, where it is cooled and recirculated.

Mini Splits vs Central Air?

There were many reasons why central air conditioning wasn’t suitable for Japanese homes. Japanese culture wastes no space, so the homes were small, tightly built with thin walls, and neighborhood houses were clustered together with little-to-no yard spaces. Loud outdoor AC units and their bulky, indoor ductwork systems just weren’t working out for the Japanese.

It was 1959 when Mitsubishi reinvented the concept of central air conditioning. Ductless air conditioners had a small, outdoor unit connected to indoor “air handlers” in rooms throughout the house. The largest and smallest rooms could be temperature-controlled individually for greater energy efficiency and comfort.

Ductless min-split technology received chilly reviews in North America and the U.S. rejected them for several reasons. At that time, the aesthetics of window air conditioners were being questioned; ductless mini-splits would bring what was then considered unattractive inside and in every room.

Which Is Better: Central or Ductless AC?

Which cooling system is best for your lifestyle and property depends on you. Some important considerations and questions to ask yourself are:

• Are some rooms always “too hot” or too cold?”

• Do you plan to sell your property in 2025 or 2026?

• Does your family engage in thermostat wars?

• Does your home have space limitations?

• Does your home have a traditional or unique layout?

• Is energy efficiency important?

• Is indoor air quality (IAQ) a deciding factor?

• Is long-term or short-term return on investment (ROI) important?

• What can your budget afford for the upfront purchase, installation, and monthly cooling expenses?

• What’s your square footage?

• Which system is noisier, and does it matter?

Quite honestly, there’s no good argument for which is cheaper; purchasing and installing a central heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system vs. purchasing and installing a ductless-mini-split system. Installation charges for a 6-zone ductless mini-split can be as high as $13,000. Installation charges for a new HVAC system can be as high as $22,000.

There are too many factors that influence both cooling systems:

• AC prices are increasing by 20%-30% in 2025 to reflect EPA demands for increased energy efficiency and refrigerant safety.

• Ductless systems are usually more labor-intensive. But if there’s a snafu in a central AC installation, central air labor charges may be much more expensive.

• In-place central air ductwork saves money vs. installing new ductwork.

• Multiple ductless units for larger spaces may cost more than 1 central AC system.

• The cost of an HVAC system without installation is about $2,000-$5,000.
  (Remember, DIY installation of any heating/cooling system is dangerous and can be more expensive: You can hurt yourself or others, kill the family pet, damage property, and if you set the house on fire, your insurance carrier may deny coverage because you were DIYing vs. employing a licensed professional.)

• The cost of a ductless mini-split system without installation is about $1,000-$6,000.
  If your home is 600-1,000 sq.ft., you need 18,000 BTUs – $1,000-$4,200
  If your home is 1,200-1,600 sq.ft., you need 24,000 BTUs – $1,100-$5,200
  If your home is 1,600-1,900 sq.ft., you need 30,000 BTUs – $1,600-$5,700
  If your home is 1,900-2,500 sq.ft., you need 36,000 BTUs – $1,800-$6,000

Get A Free Quote For New AC System in 2025

Don’t be confused by which is “better;” for your home or office. When weighing the advantages and disadvantages of central vs. ductless air conditioning, “It all depends.”

Country Air heating and cooling professionals are the most experienced in the Tomball area, and our integrity is our reputation. The upcoming EPA rules’ enforcements will impact heating and cooling systems, making them safer, more energy-efficient, and expensive. We can’t do it in every home and for every homeowner, but ask us if you can lock-in a quote for a new air conditioning unit with installation for 1Q2025.