Advice needed: central AC or alternatives?
Finding the best cooling option for my home has been more challenging than expected. Some say central AC is the gold standard, while others push for ductless systems as more efficient and less invasive. My main concerns are the upfront cost, monthly energy bills, and how hard the installation process will be. For anyone who’s been through this recently, what did you choose and why?
Comments
The decision really comes down to your priorities. Central AC is great for whole-home comfort and adds value to your property, but it does require significant installation work if your home doesn’t already have ducts. Ductless systems can be more cost-effective and easier to maintain. A good comparison can be found here: https://resident.com/resource-guide/2025/08/13/central-ac-vs-ductless-which-is-right-for-you. It explains which situations favor one system over the other and highlights the pros and cons in detail.
Seeing the differences laid out like this makes it much clearer. I’ve been on the fence because of energy costs and potential renovations, but this info gives a solid starting point. Will definitely keep an eye on the replies to see what others recommend.