Ducted vs Ductless vs Hybrid Systems

Not all homes are built the same. Your home type determines which HVAC system works best.

Here's how to choose for your specific Bay Area home.

System Type #1: Fully Ducted (Central)

How It Works

• Central air handler in attic/basement
• Ducts distribute air to all rooms
• Single thermostat controls everything
• Traditional system

Pros

✓ Hidden equipment (no visible units) ✓ Central control (one thermostat) ✓ Even temperature throughout ✓ Best for larger homes ✓ Resale value (expected in Bay Area)

Cons

✗ Highest cost ($6,000-12,000) ✗ Requires ductwork space ✗ Duct leaks reduce efficiency ✗ Longer installation

Best For

• Single-family homes (2,000+ sq ft)
• New construction
• Homes with attic/crawlspace
• Open floor plans

Bay Area Example: Traditional San Jose Home

• 2,500 sq ft single story
• Vaulted attic with space
• Perfect for central ducted system

System Type #2: Ductless Mini-Split

How It Works

• Wall-mounted indoor units (1-4 per zone)
• Outdoor compressor
• Refrigerant lines through small holes
• Individual room control

Pros

✓ Lowest cost ($3,500-6,000) ✓ No ductwork needed ✓ Individual room control ✓ Fast installation (1-2 days) ✓ Highly efficient ✓ Quieter operation ✓ Perfect for ADUs/additions

Cons

✗ Visible indoor units ✗ Limited to 1-4 zones ✗ Can't control every room separately ✗ Aesthetic concerns (some homeowners)

Best For

• ADUs and small spaces (under 800 sq ft)
• Eichlers and MCMs (no easy ductwork)
• Condos (no attic/crawlspace)
• Garage conversions
• Homes without ductwork
• Additions (easier than running ducts)

Bay Area Example: Oakland Eichler

• 1,800 sq ft, open floor plan
• Radiant floor (no ductwork)
• Perfect for 2-3 zone mini-split

System Type #3: Hybrid Systems

How It Works

• Option A: Mini-splits for cooling + gas furnace for heating
• Option B: Mini-split zones + ducted main system
• Option C: Central unit + mini-split for addition

Pros (Option A: Mini-split + Furnace)

✓ Fast heating (gas furnace immediately warm) ✓ Lower installation cost than full system ✓ No major ductwork needed for cooling ✓ Good for mixed needs

Cons

✗ Two systems to maintain ✗ Still using gas for heating ✗ More complex ✗ Doesn't solve all problems

Best For

• Partial upgrades (not ready to replace furnace)
• Budget constraints
• Existing gas furnace (only 5 years old)
• Mild heating needs

Bay Area Example: Fremont Townhome

• Old gas furnace (working fine)
• No AC (wants cooling badly)
• Install mini-split for cooling, keep furnace

Home-by-Home Recommendations

1950s-1960s Bungalows (Oakland, Berkeley)

Typical challenges:

• No attic (low ceilings)
• Limited crawlspace
• Plaster walls (hard to run ducts)
• Original radiant heat

Best solution: Ductless mini-split (2-3 zones)

• Easiest retrofit
• No major wall modifications
• Quiet operation
• Individual room control

Cost: $5,000-8,000 | Install time: 2 days

1960s-1970s Eichlers

Typical challenges:

• Open floor plans
• No ductwork
• Radiant floor heating
• Clean aesthetic preference

Best solution: Multi-zone ductless mini-split (2-4 zones)

• Matches Eichler aesthetic (can be subtle)
• Handles open floor plan well
• No ductwork needed
• Variable-speed for quiet operation

Cost: $6,000-10,000 | Install time: 2-3 days

1980s-1990s Tract Homes

Typical challenges:

• Often have existing ductwork
• Attic or crawlspace available
• Single-story (straightforward routing)

Best solution: Central ducted system upgrade

• Use existing ductwork
• Replace furnace + AC together
• Heat pump option (most efficient)
• Minimal disruption

Cost: $8,000-14,000 | Install time: 1-2 days

2000s+ New Construction

Typical setup:

• Modern ductwork
• Efficient design
• Space for equipment

Best solution: Central heat pump system

• Modern equipment designed for ducts
• High efficiency
• Single system handles both heating/cooling
• Maximizes rebates

Cost: $12,000-18,000 | Install time: 1-2 days

Condos & Apartments

Typical challenges:

• No outdoor space (compact)
• Shared walls
• No attic/crawlspace
• Limited renovation rights

Best solution: Single-zone ductless mini-split

• Compact outdoor unit (fits balcony)
• No HOA objections
• No affecting neighbors
• Fastest installation

Cost: $3,500-5,000 | Install time: 1 day

Townhomes (Multi-level)

Typical challenges:

• 2-3 floors
• Roof access difficult
• Shared walls
• Limited attic space

Best solution: 2-zone ductless mini-split

• Upper unit: Upstairs
• Lower unit: Downstairs
• Independent control
• Works with limited roof space

Cost: $6,000-9,000 | Install time: 2-3 days

Homes with Additions

Typical challenges:

• Addition not in original ductwork
• Attic not accessible to addition
• Separate utility desires

Best solution: Central system + mini-split for addition

• Main house: Central ductwork (existing)
• Addition: New ductless zone
• Independent control
• Easier than major ductwork extension

Cost: $8,000-12,000 total | Install time: 2-3 days

System Selection Matrix

Home Type	Size	Best Option	Est. Cost
Bungalow (1950s)	1,200 sq ft	Mini-split	$4,000-6,000
Eichler (1960s)	1,800 sq ft	Multi-zone mini-split	$6,000-9,000
Tract home (1980s)	2,000 sq ft	Central ductless	$10,000-14,000
New build (2000s)	2,500 sq ft	Central heat pump	$14,000-18,000
Condo	900 sq ft	Single mini-split	$3,500-5,000
Townhome	1,500 sq ft	2-zone mini-split	$6,000-8,000
Addition	500 sq ft	Mini-split zone	$4,000-6,000

Cost Comparison: Same 1,500 sq ft Home

Option A: Ductless Mini-Split

• Equipment: $4,000
• Install: $1,500
• Total: $5,500
• Time: 2 days

Option B: Small Central System

• Equipment: $6,000
• Ductwork: $2,000
• Install: $2,000
• Total: $10,000
• Time: 3-4 days

Option C: Hybrid (Mini-split + Furnace)

• Keep furnace: $0
• Add mini-split: $4,000
• Install: $1,500
• Total: $5,500
• Time: 2 days

Questions to Ask Contractor

1. Is my home better suited for ducted or ductless?
2. Do I have space for a central system?
3. Can I use existing ductwork?
4. Would zoning (multiple units) help my home?
5. What's the cost difference between options?

Ready for System Selection?

We'll assess your home and recommend the optimal system.

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