Ductless Mini-Split vs. Window-Mounted Air Conditioners

If you’re trying to stay cool in Ohio without a central air conditioner, never fear. Window-mounted room air conditioners and ductless mini-split cooling systems can both be cost-effective and efficient options. Check out the information below for a comparison of these two types of Columbus air conditioning units and how to best utilize them in your home.

Window Air Conditioners

Window-mounted air conditioners, or room air conditioners, are generally meant to cool only a single room. If you live in a small apartment or home, one or a few of these units mounted in the right places will keep your living space comfortable all summer long. Depending on the energy requirements of the unit you choose, you can plug your A/C directly into an existing outlet. Larger models require a dedicated 115or 230-volt circuit. As the name implies, window air conditioners are mounted inside a window frame to provide air and heat exchange through the unit. Thus, window-mounted air conditioners can only be placed in rooms with windows large enough to accommodate the size of the unit. While installation is easy and can be done without professional assistance, it does eliminate some functionality of the window in which the air conditioner is mounted. Additionally, the safety of your home may be a concern because the placement of a window-mounted unit leaves an access point that could be compromised by a dedicated individual. The cooling capacity of window-mounted air conditioners is generally limited to a single room. If you have a home with multiple rooms, you will need multiple air conditioning units to maintain a comfortable indoor environment throughout the house.

Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Recently, an alternative to window-mounted air conditioners has become available in the U.S.: ductless mini-split cooling systems. These cooling systems utilize an indoor and outdoor component, but do not require ductwork throughout your home. Additionally, unlike larger central A/C units, a ductless mini-split system requires only a three-inch opening in the exterior of your home to connect the indoor and outdoor components. Similar to room air conditioners, ductless mini-split systems are generally used to cool a single room; however, one outdoor unit can be connected to as many as four indoor units. This adaptation makes ductless mini-split systems a more cost-effective choice for a larger home or apartment. Additionally, the indoor component of the system can be mounted anywhere in a room, including walls and ceilings. Because of their many mounting options, ductless mini-split systems do not compromise the functionality or safety of your home’s windows. However, because of the more complicated nature of the cooling system, installing a ductless mini-split system requires the help of an HVAC professional.

The right air conditioner will keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long. If you’d like more information or the answers to frequently asked questions about choosing the right air conditioner for your needs, check out the Columbus Worthington Air Learning Center. You can also take a look at our featured cooling systems and get help from our Columbus air conditioning professionals by visiting our website.