Ductless Mini-Split vs. Central AC

Many Los Angeles homes were built before central air was common, and many others have added ADUs, garages and additions. That makes the choice between central air and ductless mini-splits a frequent question.

Central air

A central system uses ductwork to distribute air throughout the home from one indoor unit. If your home already has ducts in good condition, central AC or a central heat pump is often the most straightforward solution.

Ductless mini-splits

Mini-splits connect an outdoor unit to one or more indoor heads mounted in individual rooms. Each zone can be controlled separately. Because there is no ductwork, there are no duct losses, which can be an efficiency advantage.

How to choose

• Do you have usable ductwork?
• Do you need to cool the whole home or a few rooms?
• Are some rooms always hotter than others?
• Is there an ADU, garage or addition to condition?
• How do you feel about the look of wall-mounted units?

Next steps

An in-home assessment can help you compare options for your specific layout. In some homes, a combination of central air and a ductless zone is the best fit.