Ductless Mini-Splits vs. Central Air: Which Is Right for Your Home?

If you're thinking about upgrading your home's cooling system, you’ve likely come across two popular options: ductless mini-splits and central air conditioning systems. While both keep your home cool and comfortable, they offer very different features, costs, and installation processes.

At Faust Heating & A/C, we’ve installed both systems for homeowners across the Lehigh Valley — from older homes in Allentown to new builds in Bethlehem. In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each option to help you make the best decision for your space, budget, and long-term comfort.

How Each System Works

Central Air Conditioning

A central air system cools your entire home using a network of ducts, typically connected to a furnace or air handler. It relies on one central unit that distributes cooled air through vents in each room.

Ductless Mini-Splits

A ductless system, also known as a mini-split, uses individual wall-mounted units in each room or zone. Each unit connects to an outdoor compressor and operates independently, allowing for zoned cooling (and heating, if it's a heat pump).

Ductless vs. Central Air: Pros & Cons

Feature	Ductless Mini-Split	Central Air Conditioning
Ductwork Required	❌ No ducts needed	✅ Requires ductwork
Installation Time	✅ Faster, less invasive	❌ Longer if ducts aren't in place
Energy Efficiency	✅ Very efficient with zoning	⚠️ Can lose efficiency via ducts
Aesthetics	❌ Visible indoor units	✅ Hidden vents
Upfront Cost	⚠️ Higher per unit (but scalable)	✅ Cost-effective for whole-home cooling
Zoning Capability	✅ Excellent – control each room independently	❌ Typically one-temp-fits-all
Best For	Homes without ducts, additions, spot cooling	Newer homes or homes with existing ducts

When a Ductless Mini-Split Might Be Right for You

A ductless system could be a better fit if:

• Your home doesn’t have existing ductwork

• You’re remodeling or adding a new room or garage apartment

• You want individual temperature control for rooms (e.g., upstairs vs. downstairs)

• You’re looking for high energy efficiency or want to reduce utility costs

• You need a non-invasive install (especially in older homes)

When Central Air Makes More Sense

Central A/C may be the better choice if:

• You already have ductwork in place (for heating or previous A/C)

• You want discreet cooling with no wall units

• You’re cooling a larger home all at once

• You prefer uniform temperatures across all rooms

• You’re doing a full HVAC replacement and want a streamlined solution

Central air systems tend to have lower initial costs per square foot when ducts already exist — especially for larger homes.

What About Energy Efficiency?

• Mini-splits often have higher SEER ratings and no duct loss (which can account for up to 30% of energy waste in central systems).

• Central air, if maintained and paired with a smart thermostat, can still be highly efficient — especially with zoned ductwork or variable-speed systems.

At Faust Heating & A/C, we help customers compare options based on your home’s layout, your budget, and your energy goals.

Installation Considerations

• Mini-splits: Usually installed in 1 day, with minimal construction. No major disruption.

• Central A/C: Installation time depends on whether ductwork exists. Adding ducts to an older home may take several days and require ceiling or wall access.

Either way, our expert technicians will walk you through the entire process — no surprises.

Need Help Deciding? Let’s Talk

Choosing between ductless mini-splits and central air depends on your home, your comfort preferences, and your long-term energy goals. At Faust Heating & A/C, we’ll help you weigh your options and provide a personalized recommendation — without the pressure.

Serving homeowners throughout Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and the greater Lehigh Valley, we’re your trusted local source for HVAC repairs, replacements, and expert advice.

Ready for a free consultation? Contact us today or request a quote online — and let’s keep your home cool and comfortable year-round.