Are you looking to invest in a new climate control system? It’s important to know the different kinds available so that you can figure out what will fit your Fayetteville, North Carolina, home best. To help you get started, here’s a guide to the different cooling systems from which you can choose.

Central Air Conditioners

A central AC system is one of the most traditional choices available. It includes one main central unit and uses an extensive system of ductwork to deliver conditioned air throughout your home. Supply vents direct airflow. Any room with a vent should get an appropriate amount of climate controlled air. These systems are typically electric but can also run off natural gas.

Pros/Cons of Central Air Conditioners

The pros of central air include the following:

Long lifespan. A central air conditioner can last at least a decade.
Consistent performance. Because of their relatively simple mechanics and longevity, these systems are typically very consistent in performance.
Simple maintenance. User maintenance is straightforward and easy to perform. Regular professional maintenance is recommended to check electrical and mechanical components.
Subtle interior components. The only interior portion of the system that you typically see are the vents, which are on or near the ceiling.

The cons of central air include the following:

High cost of installation. The main component of central systems can be one of the more affordable options, but ductwork installation can be costly.
Ductwork requirement. The airflow of the system is entirely restricted to areas where the ductwork reaches.
Global temperature settings. Unless you install specialized systems, only one temperature setting is available for the whole home.
Cooling only. Many of these systems only cool your interior, meaning you need to purchase a separate heating system.

Heat Pump

A heat pump is similar to a central system in many ways. One main unit provides heating or cooling to the entire house. However, unlike central systems, heat pumps work by moving heat either into or out of your home. They work best in temperate climates.

Pros/Cons of Heat Pumps

These are some of the pros of heat pumps:

Increased efficiency. The proportion of fuel consumed to climate control output is excellent. As a result, heat pumps are one of the most efficient systems available. Geothermal heat pumps are especially efficient.
Reduced utility bills. Except in extreme cold, heat pumps don’t use fuel to force the air to change temperature. Instead, they use the ambient heat energy from outside. As a result, they eliminate your reliance on fuel.
Combined heating and cooling. These systems can both heat and cool your home.

The cons of heat pumps include the following:

Higher cost.Since heat pumps combine both heating and cooling, they can often be a little more expensive upfront than other systems.
Unusual heating.The air coming out of the vents when heating can seem cool. But it’s actually raising the temperature — just more slowly than central systems. This can take some getting used to.

Ductless Mini-Split

Ductless mini-split systems are unique. They work great in historic homes with no pre-existing ductwork or new home additions. These systems have both an interior and exterior component and are a great choice for fulfilling specific climate control needs.

Pros/Cons of Ductless Mini-Split

The pros of ductless systems include the following:

No ductwork. As their name suggests, these systems don’t require ductwork. As a result, they offer more flexible placement.
Improved comfort. A ductless system allows you to control the temperature in different rooms independently so everyone can stay comfortable.
Efficient. Lack of ductwork means you reduce overall energy loss. Zoned temperature control allows you to only heat and cool rooms you are using.

These are some of the cons of ductless systems:

Multiple interior components. Unlike other systems, this system requires an interior component in each room, which can be bulky or obvious.
Upfront cost. The upfront cost for these systems is sometimes pricey. Although, increased efficiency makes up for it.

Are you interested in learning more about any of the above HVAC systems? Call Bass Air Conditioning Company at (910) 672-8885 to talk to one of our experts today!

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