Ductless Mini Split vs. Central AC: Which Is Better for Your Franklin County Home?
If you’re a homeowner in Union, Washington, or anywhere in Franklin County, you’ve probably noticed how unpredictable Missouri weather can be — muggy summers, chilly nights, and those in-between days where one room is hot and
another’s freezing. At Lakebrink Heating & Air Conditioning, we get this question all the time: “Should I go with a ductless mini split
system or a traditional central air system?”
Let’s break down what really matters so you can make the right choice for your comfort, efficiency, and budget.
How Each System Works
Central Air Conditioning
A central AC uses ductwork to distribute cooled air throughout your home. The system has a single outdoor unit connected to an indoor evaporator coil and blower, moving conditioned air through vents.
Ductless Mini Split
Mini splits (also called ductless heat pumps) use wall-mounted indoor air handlers connected to a small outdoor compressor. Each unit cools or heats a specific zone — no ducts required.
Key Differences to Consider
| Feature | Central AC | Ductless Mini Split |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Requires ductwork | No ducts, wall-mounted units |
| Energy Efficiency | Moderate (depends on ducts) | High — zoned control, minimal loss |
| Upfront Cost | Lower for homes with ducts | Higher initially |
| Maintenance | Duct cleaning, filter changes | Filter cleaning only |
| Zoning / Control | Whole-home uniform cooling | Room-by-room comfort |
When Central Air Is the Better Choice
- You already have existing ductwork in good shape — it’s often cheaper to replace your outdoor unit than install new indoor heads.
- You prefer one thermostat for the whole house — central air offers simplicity.
- You want discreet aesthetics — central systems hide components inside ducts and vents.
See our AC installation services to explore
replacement options for your current system.
When Ductless Mini Splits Make More Sense
- No existing ducts? Save money by skipping them entirely.
- Hot or cold rooms? Add independent control for garages, additions, basements, or sunrooms.
- Energy efficiency matters? Ductless systems minimize energy loss (especially in older Missouri homes with leaky ducts).
- All-season comfort? Many mini splits provide both heating and cooling, perfect for Missouri’s fluctuating temps.
Learn more about our ductless mini split installations and how they can complement
your current HVAC setup.
Energy Efficiency in Missouri Homes
Missouri’s humidity and temperature swings mean your HVAC system runs a lot. Here’s what matters most for energy bills:
- SEER ratings: Higher SEER = more efficiency.
- Proper sizing: Oversized systems short-cycle, wasting energy.
- Zoning: Cooling occupied rooms only saves up to 30% on bills.
-
Regular maintenance: Our tune-ups keep systems performing
like new.
Common Myths About Ductless Systems
- “They’re ugly.” Newer models are sleek, low-profile, and quiet.
- “They don’t heat well.” Modern heat-pump mini splits handle Missouri winters down to near-zero temperatures.
- “They’re for small homes only.” Multi-zone setups can cover entire houses efficiently.
Which One Should You Choose?
There’s no universal “best system.” The right answer depends on your home, lifestyle, and goals:
- Existing ducts? Go with central air replacement.
- Older home or new addition? Go ductless.
- Mixed needs? Hybrid setups use both — central for main zones, ductless for hot spots.
Talk to Your Local HVAC Pros
We’ve been serving Union, Washington, and surrounding Franklin County homes for over 80 years. Whether you’re upgrading an old unit or exploring energy-saving options, our technicians can design a system that fits *your* home and
comfort needs.
Visit Lakebrink Heating & Air Conditioning or check our
blog for more local HVAC insights.
