Ductless vs. Central AC: Which Is Right for Your Older Home?

Homeowners in the Chicago and North Shore areas know just how challenging it can be to keep cool in the summer. Installing air conditioning in your older house demands a closer look at its infrastructure and your comfort needs.

The two AC options that many consider for their older homes are ductless mini-splits and central air conditioners. Each has its strengths, but only one may truly fit your unique needs. In this blog, the Older Home Experts at American Vintage Home explain the pros and cons of these options so that you can make an informed decision for your vintage property.

What Is a Ductless HVAC System?

Ductless air conditioners, also called mini-splits, are modern cooling systems designed to work in numerous situations. They consist of an outdoor compressor and one or more indoor units that connect to the outdoor system through a sealed hole in the wall.

Air flows directly from each wall- or ceiling-mounted indoor unit, eliminating the need for ductwork and making the system incredibly flexible. You can set a different temperature in every room, something central AC can’t match without extra zoning upgrades. Ductless installation also avoids the headaches of cutting into walls or ceilings for new ductwork.

What Is Central Air Conditioning?

Central air conditioning is the traditional system found in many suburban homes. It uses a single outdoor condenser paired with an indoor coil and air handler, which pushes cooled air through a network of ducts. Registers in each room distribute the air to cool the home evenly.

For houses already equipped with ductwork, central AC provides consistent comfort with one system running the show. However, many homes in Chicagoland and the North Shore were built before the mid-century when ducted systems became popular. Retrofitting these homes for ductwork can be costly and disruptive.

Ductless AC vs. Central Air

Choosing between ductless mini-splits and central air conditioning requires several considerations. Here’s what to keep in mind.

Installation Requirements

Central AC is only practical if your home already has ducts. Adding them later means tearing into plaster walls or historic ceilings, a process most homeowners want to avoid. Ductless systems dodge this problem by using streamlined units that are faster, cleaner, and less intrusive to install.

Energy Efficiency & Performance

Energy loss is a major drawback of central air. ENERGY STAR estimates that 20 to 30 percent of conditioned air traveling through ductwork is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected sections. Ductless mini-splits avoid this inherent waste. They also allow you to only cool occupied rooms, saving money compared to central air, which delivers a uniform temperature across the entire home.

Upfront & Ongoing Costs

Central air equipment is often less expensive initially, but only if you don’t need duct installation. For homes that already have ductwork, central AC is usually the more budget-friendly option. However, while ductless mini-splits require a larger upfront investment to cover an entire house, lower energy bills and better indoor comfort balance the scales.

Maintenance & Longevity

Central AC requires attention to both the system and the ductwork. Dust, leaks, and blockages can all affect performance, increasing long-term upkeep. On the other hand, ductless system maintenance simply entails cleaning the filter and scheduling standard tune-ups. With a professional maintenance plan, either system can perform reliably for years, but ductless units demand less from homeowners.

Which System Is Right for Your Older Home?

Here’s a quick ductless mini-split and central AC comparison to guide your decision.

Consider central air if:

• Your home already has functioning ductwork.
• You want consistent cooling throughout every room.
• You prefer a lower initial cost.

Opt for a ductless mini-split if:

• Your home lacks ductwork, and you want to avoid disruptive renovations.
• You prefer individual room temperature control.
• You want greater energy efficiency and lower long-term costs.

Schedule HVAC Services with the Older Home Experts

No two older homes are alike, which is why finding the right cooling system requires careful consideration. American Vintage Home specializes in air conditioning for old houses across the Chicago area and the North Shore. Homeowners count on us for no-surprise pricing and an unrivaled installation process backed by our worry-free guarantee.

Contact us today to schedule a free ductless AC installation estimate.