Mini Split Vs Central Air: Which Should You Choose? (HVAC Expert Weigh In)

Texas summers hit hard. You step outside and feel sweat before you even blink. I know how brutal those afternoons can feel, turning every room into a sauna if you don’t have the right cooling setup.

Picking between a ductless mini split and central air can feel overwhelming. Mini splits let you dial in temperatures for each zone without bulky ducts, while central air cools your entire home through a hidden network of vents. 

Which one keeps every room comfortable, matches your decor, and stays within your budget?

This guide will break down the upfront costs, monthly costs, and how each system affects airflow in your house. You’ll walk away ready to choose the perfect cooling setup for your Texas home.

We’ll also share some lesser-known facts about these two cooling systems so you can make an informed decision based on what’s best for YOU. Here we go! 

Mini Split Vs Central Air: Clear Differences 

In a nutshell, mini splits offer zoned cooling for specific areas, while central air cools the whole house uniformly. 

Each system comes with its own share of pros and cons, and here’s a table to give you a rough idea of what they are.

In the sections that follow, we will explain in simple terms the technical factors that go into installing mini splits and central air together with each one’s pros and cons.

Then, we’ll also share which one is more suited for various living conditions, budgets, and other factors. 

Installing Mini Splits: What You Should Know

Outdoor unit of the mini splits cooling system

A mini-split system (also known as a ductless mini-split) is a cooling setup consisting of two main parts: an outdoor unit and one or more indoor air handlers.

Here’s how it works:

• The outdoor unit compresses and pumps refrigerant through copper pipes to the indoor unit.

• The indoor unit blows cool air into the room while extracting warm air.

Since it doesn’t need ducts, it’s called a “ductless” system. That also means mini-splits are great for cooling specific areas rather than the whole house, like a central AC system.

You can shop our collection of quality mini-split air conditioners at SnookHVAC

Advantages of Mini Split Systems

1. SUPER ENERGY EFFICIENT

This is a huge advantage. Mini-splits use advanced inverter technology to adjust power levels based on what is needed, rather than blasting at full speed like many central air conditioners. 

This makes them incredibly efficient, with SEER ratings over 30 for cooling.

Unlike most central air units, which have just one or two speeds and turn on and off frequently, mini-splits run smoothly at variable speeds, using only as much energy as necessary to keep each section at the required temperature. 

That means lower electricity bills and better performance!

2. CUSTOM TEMPERATURE CONTROL (ZONING)

One of the best things about mini-splits is their built-in zoning. 

Instead of cooling the whole house at once, you can cool only the rooms you actually use.

For example, if you have multiple indoor units (also called "heads"), you can run one while keeping others off. This is perfect for:

• Rooms that are always too hot or too cold

• Saving on spaces you don’t use all the time, like guest rooms, attics, or basements

With zoning, you’re not wasting energy on empty spaces, which saves you money.

3. NO DUCTS, NO HASSLE

Ductwork can be a pain—installing, cleaning, and maintaining it takes time and money. Some homes, especially slab homes, don’t even have ducts, making mini-splits the only option.

Even in homes with ducts, a ductless system can be a smart alternative if you want a more straightforward, low-maintenance setup.

4. WORKS ALONGSIDE CENTRAL AC

If you already have a central air conditioning system but still struggle to keep some rooms cool, mini-splits can help complement your existing system. 

Many homes don’t have ductwork in spaces like garages and basements. 

Instead of expensive ductwork modifications, adding a mini-split to those areas is a quick and efficient fix, so every room feels just right.

Disadvantages of Mini Split Systems

Indoor unit of the mini split cooling system

Of course, there is the not-so-great part of using mini splits. Here are some things to consider before making the switch. 

1. AIR FILTRATION ISN’T THE BEST

Yes, mini-splits have filters, but they’re not as effective as those in central AC systems when it comes to trapping dust, allergens, and odors.

Some homeowners believe that mini-splits are better for filtration, especially if you have people with respiratory problems at home, but as our many customers can attest, it isn’t always so. 

Some workarounds exist: 

• Carbon inserts help with air quality but need to be replaced regularly. 

• Air purifiers can be added to certain models, but they only work in specific areas, not the entire house. 

If indoor air quality is a major concern for you, central air might be a better fit. 

2. MORE FREQUENT MAINTENANCE

All HVAC systems need regular maintenance, but ductless mini-splits require a bit more attention than central AC. 

• The filters need to be cleaned often—sometimes every couple of weeks if you use the system year-round. 

• Skipping maintenance can lower efficiency and damage internal components over time. 

If you’re not the type to keep up with cleaning, this could be a downside. 

QUICK TIP:

• Despite the initial perceived high cost of mini-splits, you can get the best deals when you buy mini-split systems from Snook & Aderton HVAC Supply. 

Installing Central Air Conditioning: What You Should Know

Ductwork for Central Air Conditioning

Central AC systems work a lot like mini-splits—they have an outdoor compressor unit and an indoor air handler that cools the air inside your home. 

The big difference is the ducts. 

Unlike mini-splits, central AC systems rely on ductwork to distribute air throughout your home. 

The indoor unit blows cool air into the ducts, which carry it to different rooms while pulling in warm air to be cooled again. 

Instead of cooling specific areas, a central AC system cools the entire home at once. 

If you want whole-house cooling with a hidden system, central AC is the way to go. Here are the pros and cons! 

Advantages of Central AC Systems

external unit of the central air conditioning system.

1. LOWER UPFRONT COST

If your home already has ductwork, installing a central air system is usually the cheaper option. 

Mini-splits tend to have a higher initial price tag, making central air the budget-friendly choice in numerous instances. 

Even if there is no ductwork, the average cost to install central air is $5.25 per square foot.

Plus, modern central air units are getting more efficient, so the energy savings between the two might not be significant. 

2. BETTER FOR LARGER HOMES

Central air is designed to cool and heat an entire house efficiently. 

Mini-splits can handle multiple rooms (usually up to five indoor units), but they’re not always the best choice for larger homes that need even temperature control throughout. 

If you want your whole house to stay comfortable with less hassle, central air is the way to go. 

3. WORKS WELL WITH AIR QUALITY ADD-ONS

One big advantage of central air is that it can easily connect to extra air quality systems, like 

• Air purifiers (to reduce dust, allergens, and pollutants)  

• Humidifiers (to add moisture in dry seasons)  

• Dehumidifiers (to remove excess humidity and help your AC run more efficiently)  

Mini-splits have basic filters, but they don’t support as many air quality add-ons as central air does. 

4. MORE CHOICES AVAILABLE

When it comes to air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces, you’ll find a wider variety of models and brands for central air systems. 

Mini-split options are still catching up, so if having a wide range of systems matters, go with central air. 

Disadvantages of Central AC Systems

Here are the key downsides to consider before making your decision. 

1. HIGHER  BILLS

With a mini-split system, you can heat or cool only the rooms you’re using, saving energy. 

But central air cools or heats your entire home at once, even if you’re only in one room. 

That said, upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient central air system will still save you money compared to an older unit.

But when compared directly to a mini-split, it usually won’t be as cost-effective in terms of energy usage. 

2. DUCTWORK MAINTENANCE CAN BE COSTLY

 If your home has ducts, you’ll need to keep them clean and in good shape. 

Over time, ducts can develop leaks or collect dust and debris, which can reduce efficiency and air quality. 

Regular maintenance helps, but any major duct repairs or modifications can be expensive. 

To keep your system operating smoothly, your HVAC technician can advise you on how often to check and clean your ductwork.  

3. LESS PRECISE TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Many central air systems work in a simple "on/off" cycle, meaning your whole house gets the same level of heating or cooling. 

Some newer models (like the Carrier Infinity 21 24ANB1) offer two-speed options, which allow for better control, but they still don’t match the room-by-room customization that mini-splits provide. 

If members of your household use ALL the rooms in your home regularly, this may not be a big issue.

But if you want different temperatures in different rooms, a mini-split system will give you more flexibility. 

The Cost Factor 

A central air system can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000+. 

But if your home doesn’t already have ducts, that’s where things get pricey. You’d need to add ductwork, which can run an extra $5,000 to $10,000.

When you add it all up, installing central air with new ductwork can cost you $8,000 to $18,500.

Now, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, a ductless mini-split system might make more sense. 

These systems typically cost between $1,000 and $5,000 (some systems even cost around $800 depending on how many you want). 

This makes them a cheaper alternative to central air—especially if you don’t already have ducts in place.

Mini Split Vs Central Air: From a Realtor Perspective

From a real estate perspective, the existing cooling system in Texas homes can influence the value, but it depends greatly on what buyers expect.

If most homes in a town are mini-splits, then this should be the standard when you look to buy or sell a property. 

However, you might have to choose the popular option in areas where mini-splits are uncommon and central air is highly valued, as buyers may hesitate when faced with something unusual. 

Finally, which one is better for your home?

Have you already installed ducts and vents? Then central air is probably your best bet.

But if your home doesn’t have ductwork, mini-splits are usually the best option. Most houses without ducts weren’t built to handle them, so adding them later can be messy and expensive. 

Mini splits, on the other hand, require only a couple of small pipes and some power, making installation much simpler. 

Upfront costs are usually higher. However, when paired with solar, you can heat and cool your home for next to nothing, while your neighbors might be paying $500 or more a month for energy. 

At Snook & Aderton HVAC, we offer over 280 different HVAC product lines, including trusted brands like Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Siemens, and Danfoss. 

If you’re in the Lubbock, Texas area and considering a ductless mini-split system, reach out for a free in-home estimate.

Our friendly team of HVAC experts is on hand to answer all your questions. We look forward to keeping you cool during our sweltering Texas summers!