Every home needs a good air conditioning system. Whether it's a traditional HVAC system that provides powerful heat and cooling year-round or a mini-split system that offers efficient airflow to specific zones, you must have something to keep your home temperate and comfortable.
But did you know that another heating and cooling option combines the power and coverage of a traditional ducted system with the technology and features of a mini-split?
It's called a Ducted Split System Air Conditioner, and in this article, we will explain the different types and how to choose the right model for your home. (You can also jump to the bottom for our list of quick tips.)
What is a Ducted Split System Air Conditioner?
A ducted split system air conditioner, also known as a ducted mini-split, functions as its name suggests. It hooks up to and delivers hot and cool air through existing or new ductwork.
Most ducted split systems heat or cool airflows straight through ductwork and are powered by a separate condenser unit installed outside.
Ducted split systems generally have increased efficiency compared to a traditional central HVAC system and often feature technologies like variable speed inverters and Wi-Fi connectivity that aren't found in HVAC systems.
Types of Ducted Split System Air Conditioners
But wait! It doesn't stop there. There are two types of Ducted Split Air Conditioners: central ducted split systems and ceiling-concealed ducted split systems.
- Central Ducted Split Systems: Similar to traditional HVAC systems, they use a central internal air handler powered by an outdoor compressor unit to distribute air through an area via ducting.
- Ceiling Concealed Ducted Split Systems: These systems are similar to standard mini-split systems but have an internal air handler designed for a hidden installation, like inside a floor, wall, or ceiling. They can hook up to ducting or operate as a standalone air handler for a single zone.
Central Ducted Split Systems
The central ducted split system consists of two parts (not counting the ductwork): the indoor air handler and the outdoor compressor unit.
Like traditional HVAC systems, the outdoor compressor unit is usually located at the rear of a home and uses liquid refrigerant to move hot or cool air as needed. The outdoor unit is, in turn, connected via a “line-set” to the indoor air handler, which is typically installed in a central location with access to a home's ductwork, like a utility closet or basement. It's important to note that the outdoor compressor units for these systems are generally larger than those used in mini-split systems.
This type of design makes central ducted split systems an excellent choice for homeowners considering replacing or upgrading an older traditional HVAC system.
Ceiling Concealed Ducted Split Systems
Ceiling concealed ducted mini-splits are very similar to traditional mini-split systems. They have a more compact (but more industrial-looking) indoor air handler and an outdoor compressor unit identical to a central ducted system.
One main thing that sets the ceiling concealed system apart from all other air conditioner styles is the flexibility of its air handler. It's designed with a low profile for installation within a ceiling, wall, or floor and can provide direct cooling and heat to a space or connect to ducting to control the climate of larger spaces. These ducted mini-splits can be installed out of sight in attics, closets, crawlspaces, or utility rooms.
This low-profile design makes the ceiling concealed system perfect for spaces that are typically difficult to heat or cool, such as sunrooms, basements, and additions, or for spaces where you wouldn't want the intrusive sight of a traditional mini-split air handler, like a historic home.
Sizing a Ducted Split System
Choosing the correct size of a ducted split system for your home or space is essential. A system that's too large or too small can have serious negative consequences for both your home and the system itself.
A general rule of thumb with BTU (British Thermal Units) sizing, the primary measure of an air conditioner's output, is 25 BTUs of power per square foot of space you'll be cooling. So, multiply the square footage of your space by 25, and you'll have a reasonable estimate of the BTU output you'll need.
However, in addition to those estimates, you should consider a few other factors about your space before pulling the trigger on a particular ducted split system. Those factors are:
- Ceiling Height: The above estimates assume you have traditional 8-foot ceilings. If your ceilings measure above 8 feet, you'll want to increase your BTU level by about 20 percent.
- Sunlight: If your space gets a lot of sunlight, increase your BTUs by about 10 percent.
- Climate: If the average temperature is regularly over 90 degrees where you live, you'll want to increase the BTU size by about 30 percent.
Efficiency Considerations
It's well-established that mini-split air conditioners are the most energy-efficient air conditioner systems you can install in your home due to their zone coverage, technology like variable speed inverters, and the lack of ductwork energy losses. It's hard to compete with all that.
But Ducted Split Systems come in a close second, offering a good balance of efficiency and whole-home coverage.
Typical Ducted Split Systems have a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and SEER2 (the updated standard based on real-world conditions) of between 13 and 21 SEER (or SEER2). That's pretty close to the ultra-high ratings of typical mini-split systems, which get, on average, 16 to 24 SEER and SEER2. However, both are way higher than traditional HVAC systems (13 to 16 SEER and SEER2).
Understanding Tonnage
Another term you'll likely see when shopping for ducted split systems is “tonnage.” For example, “48,000 BTU 4 ton Whole House Ducted Split System.”
Tonnage is a standard unit of measurement in central HVAC air conditioners. It refers to how much heat an air conditioner can remove from a space in one hour. However, it's much easier to rely on BTU sizing. Just keep in mind that 1 ton of cooling is equal to 12,000 BTUs.
Heating Capabilities
When you buy a Ducted Split System (or mini-split) air conditioner, you are buying a piece of technology called a “heat pump.” That means the system can either cool or heat a space by moving heat from one area to another.
In the summer, the system will take hot air from inside a home and push it outside, while in winter, the system extracts heat from the outside air (even when it's cold) and brings it inside.
Typically, heat pumps supplement other primary heating systems, like a home furnace, but many Ducted Split Systems have optional electric resistance coil heating, which can vastly boost their heating capabilities.
Popular Ducted Split System Brands
Ducted Split Systems are slowly but steadily growing in popularity, so there are currently a limited number of brands and models on the market. However, many popular mini-split and traditional HVAC brands have released ducted split models.
- Senville: Senville has released both central ducted split and ceiling concealed mini-split systems ranging from 9,000 to 60,000 BTUs. Their systems offer high efficiency, inverter technology, and flexible setup options.
- Pioneer: Pioneer has also released a line of central ducted split and ceiling-concealed mini-split systems, with sizes ranging from 9,000 to 56,000 BTUs. Their systems offer high efficiency and seamless installation.
- MRCOOL: Mostly known for making traditional mini-split systems that are easy to install DIY, MrCool has also released a series of central ducted split systems with easy, professional installation.
Cost Considerations
On average, customers can expect to spend between $1,000 and $5,000 on a new ducted split system air conditioner, but that cost doesn't include the cost of professional installation.
Unlike many increasingly popular traditional DIY mini-split models, a professional must install these ducted systems. Prices vary, but on average, customers can expect to pay between $1,500 and $7,000 to install a new system. Costs may also be higher if a space needs new or expanded ductwork.
Tips for Choosing the Right System
- Whole House or Smaller Solution: Before making any decisions, you need to decide whether you are looking for a whole-house climate control solution with a central ducted split system or a single/smaller ducted solution with a Ceiling Concealed System.
- Measure Your Square Footage: Your home's square footage will determine the BTU size of the unit you buy, and installing a system that is too large or too small can cause serious problems. Multiply the square footage by 25 to get a BTU sizing estimate.
- Features, Features, Features: Do you like having Wi-Fi access to your AC system? What about efficiency boosters, like inverter technology or advanced operating modes? All is possible with the right system.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance, like changing filters, can extend the life of your ducted split system well beyond what you expect. Homeowners should expect to spend between $100 and $500 annually on maintenance for these systems.
Sylvane's Expert Take
A Ducted Split System is a fantastic new climate control option for homes, offices, businesses, and even larger spaces. We especially like the low-profile design that adapts to existing or new ductwork, which makes them great for replacing traditional central HVAC systems or adding supplemental cooling and heating to spaces that are traditionally harder to control, like historic homes, additions, attics, basements, and garages.
