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. Central air systems cool the entire house, including occupied and unoccupied rooms. Mini-splits can cool much more economically because they represent a type of zonal cooling, meaning they only cool occupied rooms. ac unit argosIf you only need cooling in a small part of the house, mini-split systems may save you money on energy bills. hitachi split ac dealers in chennaiThese 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. ac unit argos

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

Homes with boiler systems as their primary source of heat lack the duct work needed for traditional central air conditioning systems. But, just because you have a boiler system doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the comforts of air conditioning. There’s no need to spend thousands of dollars on costly renovations to install duct work, when you can cool off without tearing apart and remodeling your home. There are several air conditioning options available for homes with boiler systems. Here we focus on the features of three of them. Unico Air Conditioning Systems Unico offers a high-velocity air conditioning system with tiny vents that can run through narrow spaces, allowing air to penetrate rooms through small ducts. The vents are hidden and run between walls and through attics for minimum disruption to your decor, while the condenser unit sits outside the home. Designed for homes with no duct work, the Unico system can be an ideal solution for homes with boiler systems.

The unit itself runs so quietly that you wouldn’t even know it’s there, due to the insulated air handler and vibration pads. The cooling coils lower humidity levels in your home, which reduces the workload on the air conditioning unit and helps you save on your energy bills. SpacePak Air Conditioning Systems SpacePak air conditioning systems use an aspiration system to circulate air into rooms without creating a draft. These systems are normally installed in an attic and use discreet, hidden piping to keep your home at a consistent, cool temperature even during the hottest of summers. SpacePak systems, ideal for homes with boiler systems, don’t take up any floor space, and also have a condenser unit that sits outside the home. The system operates quietly so that you aren’t disrupted every time the unit starts up. These systems also dehumidify your home so that it will stay cooler without running up your energy bill. Of the three, the Fujitsu Mini Split system is the perfect solution for homeowners who have boiler systems, and requires the minimum amount of disruption to your home.

It offers both a heating and cooling system that is perfect for seasonal transitions, although you can use it year round. It’s easy to install and easy to use, making it perfect for the homeowner who doesn’t like complex gadgets. Its small size and flexibility makes it perfect for apartments, home additions, or any area of your home that you want to keep cool or warm. You can literally fit it anywhere, using the small wall-mounted unit or a completely hidden unit. If you have more than one area that you want to cool, you can connect multiple indoor units to one outdoor condenser, with the ability to have a separate thermostat on each floor of the home. The Fujitsu system runs quietly and also saves you money through its inverter circuits that provide more efficient cooling and Halcyon’s Energy Savings Program. The system knows when you leave the room and adjusts the temperature accordingly to help you save money on your energy bills. Not only is this system energy-efficient, it can also contribute to your family’s good health.