Ductless Mini-Splits vs Central AC

Choosing between ductless and central AC? Here's everything you need to know.

Quick Comparison

Factor	Central AC	Mini-Split
Cost	$4,000-8,000	$3,500-6,000
Efficiency	16-18 SEER²	20-24 SEER²
Installation	2-3 days	1-2 days
Appearance	Hidden	Visible unit(s)
Zoning	Single zone	1-4 zones
Ductwork	Required	Not required

Central AC: Traditional Choice

How It Works

• Central outdoor compressor
• Indoor evaporator (attic/basement)
• Ducts distribute cool air
• Single thermostat controls all

Pros

✓ Hidden equipment ✓ Even cooling throughout home ✓ Familiar/expected by homebuyers ✓ Good for new ductwork installations

Cons

✗ Higher cost ✗ Requires ductwork space ✗ Longer installation ✗ Less efficient than mini-splits

Best For

• Homes with ductwork already
• Whole-home cooling desired
• Attic/crawlspace available

Ductless Mini-Split: Modern Choice

How It Works

• Outdoor compressor (compact)
• Wall-mounted indoor unit(s)
• Refrigerant lines through small holes
• Individual room control

Pros

✓ Higher efficiency (20+ SEER²) ✓ Lower cost overall ✓ Faster installation ✓ Individual room control ✓ No ductwork needed ✓ Great for additions/retrofits

Cons

✗ Visible indoor unit ✗ Limited to 1-4 zones ✗ Some dislike wall-mounted look

Best For

• Homes without ductwork
• Additions/conversions
• ADUs and small spaces
• Efficiency priority
• Fast installation needed

Real Bay Area Scenario

1,800 sq ft Oakland bungalow with no AC

Option A: Central AC System

• Equipment: $4,500
• Ductwork: $2,500 (challenging retrofit)
• Install: $1,500
• Total: $8,500
• Installation: 3-4 days
• Annual cost: $850

Option B: 2-Zone Mini-Split

• Equipment: $4,500
• Install: $1,500
• Total: $6,000
• Installation: 2 days
• Annual cost: $650
• Savings: $2,500 + faster install + lower bills

Cost Breakdown: 2,000 sq ft Home

Central AC Install

• Compressor unit: $2,000-3,000
• Indoor evaporator: $1,500-2,000
• Ductwork: $2,000-3,000
• Labor: $1,500-2,000
• Total: $7,000-10,000

Mini-Split Install (2 zones)

• Compressor: $1,500-2,000
• Indoor heads (2): $1,500-2,000
• Refrigerant lines: $500-1,000
• Labor: $1,500-2,000
• Total: $5,000-7,000

Mini-split savings: $2,000-3,000

Home Type Suitability

Central AC Works Better For:

• Homes with existing ductwork
• New construction
• Open floor plan (even cooling)
• Whole-home retrofit budget available

Mini-Split Works Better For:

• Bungalows (1950s-60s)
• Eichlers (no ductwork)
• Homes without attic/crawlspace
• Budget-conscious
• Efficiency priority
• Additions/conversions
• Condos/townhomes

Long-Term Cost Analysis (15 Years)

Central AC

• Equipment: $8,500
• Maintenance (annual): $200 × 15 = $3,000
• Energy (at $850/year): $12,750
• Total: $24,250

Mini-Split

• Equipment: $6,000
• Maintenance (annual): $150 × 15 = $2,250
• Energy (at $650/year): $9,750
• Total: $18,000

Mini-split savings: $6,250 over 15 years

Efficiency Ratings

Central AC: 16-18 SEER² typical

• Ductwork losses = 10-15% efficiency loss
• Not ideal for retrofit

Mini-Split: 20-24 SEER² typical

• No ductwork losses
• Direct to room = optimal efficiency

Rebate/Incentive Comparison

Both qualify for:

• Federal tax credit: 30% up to $2,000
• TECH Clean CA: $3,000-5,000
• PG&E rebates: $500-1,500
• Cool Choice: $500-1,500

Note: Mini-split usually qualifies for MORE state rebates (higher efficiency)

Installation Timeline

Central AC

• Day 1: Remove old, install new compressor/indoor unit, rough-in ducts
• Day 2: Finish ductwork, connections, electrical
• Day 3: Testing, startup, training

Total: 3-4 days

Mini-Split

• Day 1: Install outdoor compressor, indoor units, refrigerant lines
• Day 2: Testing, startup, training

Total: 1-2 days

Noise Comparison

Central AC: 70-75 dB outdoors, quiet indoors

Mini-Split (low speed): 50-55 dB (quieter than conversation)

Maintenance Differences

Central AC

• Annual professional maintenance ($200-250)
• Replace indoor/outdoor filters annually ($30-50)
• Duct cleaning every 5 years ($300-500)
• More moving parts = more potential issues

Mini-Split

• Annual professional maintenance ($150-200)
• Clean indoor filter monthly (easy, free)
• Coil cleaning as needed ($100-200/zone)
• Fewer parts = fewer problems

Which Is Right for You?

Choose Central AC if:

• Already have ductwork in good condition
• Whole-home cooling non-negotiable
• Attic/crawlspace available for equipment
• Budget allows for higher cost

Choose Mini-Split if:

• No existing ductwork
• Home is older (retrofit challenge)
• Efficiency is priority
• Want lower cost
• Fast installation needed
• Individual room control desired
• Budget constraints exist

Resale Value Impact

Bay Area homebuyers: Central AC is expected

• Mini-split doesn't hurt value
• But may not add as much
• Modern buyers appreciate efficiency
• Mini-split becoming more accepted

Questions for Your Contractor

1. Does my home currently have ductwork?
2. Is it in good condition?
3. What's the efficiency difference?
4. Which option maximizes rebates?
5. What's realistic installation timeline?

Bottom Line

For most Bay Area retrofits: Ductless mini-split wins on

• Cost
• Installation speed
• Efficiency
• Practicality

Unless you already have ductwork, mini-split is usually the smarter choice.

Ready to choose your cooling system?

Get System Comparison | Call (925) 578-3293