Author: kpablo@valveandmeter.com

Whether you’re building a new home, replacing an old system, or simply upgrading for efficiency, choosing between a ductless mini split system and a traditional central AC unit is a big decision. Both offer their own advantages, and the right choice depends on your home’s layout, your cooling needs, and your personal preferences.

Vines breaks down the differences between these two systems below to help you determine which AC Installation is best for your Myrtle Beach home.

Understanding the Basics

Before you can decide which new air conditioning system is best for your Myrtle Beach home, it’s important to understand how each one works. Central AC and ductless mini split systems operate differently, and knowing the basics of each can help you weigh their pros and cons more clearly.

What Is Central AC?

Central air conditioning systems cool your entire home through a network of ducts. A central AC installation involves an outdoor condenser unit and an indoor air handler, or the system may use your furnace’s blower components. Air is cooled by the indoor coil and travels through the ductwork to every room with a connected vent.

What Is a Ductless Mini Split?

A ductless mini split system, on the other hand, consists of an outdoor compressor and one or more indoor air handling units mounted directly on your wall or ceiling. Each indoor unit cools a specific zone or room, and there’s no ductwork required. Ductless heat pump systems can also provide heat for each zone.

Comparing Installation Requirements

Every home is different, and so is the effort it takes to install an AC system. From construction style to existing infrastructure, here’s how central AC and ductless mini split installation compare when it comes to ease, time, and complexity.

Central AC Installation

Central AC Installation is ideal for homes with existing ductwork. If your home already has a functioning duct system, installation can be relatively straightforward. However, if ductwork is missing or outdated, installing or upgrading it can be a major expense—sometimes doubling the total project cost.

Ductless Mini Split Installation

Because it doesn’t require ductwork, the ductless mini split installation process can be faster and more flexible. All that’s needed is a small hole in the wall for a conduit that connects the indoor units to the outdoor unit with refrigerant lines, drain lines, and electrical wiring. This is perfect for older homes, home additions, garages, or any room where ductwork is impractical.

Efficiency and Energy Savings

Keeping cool shouldn’t come at the cost of sky-high utility bills. See how each new AC system performs in terms of energy efficiency and how that translates to monthly savings in your Myrtle Beach home.

Central AC

Central AC systems are effective at cooling an entire home uniformly. However, cooling unoccupied rooms can waste energy, especially in larger homes. Even energy-efficient central units can lose cool air through leaks in the ducts, which can reduce overall system efficiency.

Ductless Mini Splits

Ductless mini split systems excel in energy efficiency. Because they deliver cooled air directly into the room, there’s minimal energy loss. They also let you control the temperature of individual zones, so you only cool the rooms you’re using. For homeowners in Myrtle Beach looking to cut monthly energy bills, a ductless system can offer significant long-term savings.

Comfort and Customization

Comfort means more than just cool air—it’s about having control over your space. Compare how both systems handle temperature control and how they can match your household’s unique preferences.

Central AC

Central AC systems offer uniform temperature control throughout the house—ideal if your household prefers a consistent temperature in every room. However, you’ll need to cool the whole home even if you’re only using a few rooms, unless your system includes zoning features (which can increase installation cost).

Ductless Mini Splits

With a ductless mini split installation, each unit operates independently. That means family members can choose their own comfort levels in different rooms—great for households with varying temperature preferences. Want it cooler in the bedroom but warmer in the living room? No problem.

Aesthetics and Space Considerations

Air conditioning should blend into your home—not disrupt its look or layout. Take a look at how each system affects your interior design and what kind of space you’ll need for AC installation.

Central AC

The biggest aesthetic benefit of a central AC system is that it’s nearly invisible. Air vents are built into your walls, floors, or ceilings, the condenser unit is installed outdoors, and the indoor components are usually installed out of sight in a utility closet, garage, or even the attic. This makes central AC an appealing choice for homeowners who want to maintain a traditional or minimalist interior design.

Ductless Mini Splits

Ductless mini split systems require a visible indoor unit in each zone, which may not appeal to everyone’s taste. While modern designs are sleek and compact, the fact that they’re mounted on walls or ceilings makes them more noticeable than central systems.

Upfront Costs and Long-Term Value

A new AC system is an investment, and the right choice balances initial cost with long-term benefits. Look at the price tags and ongoing value of central AC vs. ductless mini splits so you can make a smart financial decision.

Central AC

If your home already has ducts, central AC installation typically costs less up front than a ductless mini split installation, especially for larger homes. Central units are designed to cool large spaces, making them a cost-effective option when cooling an entire house at once.

However, maintenance costs can add up over time if ductwork needs cleaning or repair. Inefficient ducts can also increase utility bills.

Ductless Mini Splits

Ductless mini split installation usually comes with a higher upfront price per indoor unit. But the flexibility, energy savings, and zoning control can make it a smarter investment for the long run. You also won’t have to worry about duct cleaning or energy losses due to duct leaks.

Ideal Use Cases in Myrtle Beach Homes

Here’s a rundown of the scenarios where each AC installation option shines for Myrtle Beach homeowners.

Best Situations for Central AC

• Homes with existing ductwork in good condition
• Larger homes where whole-house cooling is consistently needed
• Homeowners seeking a hidden cooling solution
• Families that prefer consistent temperatures throughout the home

Best Situations for Ductless Mini Splits

• Homes without existing ductwork
• Older homes where ducts would be hard to install
• Additions, garages, or sunrooms
• Homeowners wanting room-by-room climate control
• Families looking to reduce energy use and monthly bills

Which AC Installation Should You Choose?

Choosing between ductless and central AC installation ultimately comes down to how you use your home, what kind of comfort you’re looking for, and how much you’re willing to invest up front versus long-term.

If your Myrtle Beach home is already outfitted with a duct system, a central AC system might be the simplest and most cost-effective choice. But if you’re looking for energy savings, customization, or you’re cooling a space without ducts, then ductless mini split installation could be the perfect solution.

Let Vines Help You Decide

Every Myrtle Beach home is unique. Vines’ experienced team of HVAC professionals is here to evaluate your needs, walk you through your options, and deliver the highest-quality service for your AC installation—whether you go with a central air conditioner or a ductless mini split installation, we install your new system with precision so it provides optimal performance from day one.

We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners stay cool, cut energy costs, and enjoy year-round comfort with the perfect new unit. If you’re ready to explore your installation and replacement options or schedule an in-home consultation and free estimate, contact the team at Vines today.

Living in Myrtle Beach means sunshine, ocean breezes, and humid summers. When those high temperatures roll in, you need an air conditioning system that’s powerful enough to cool your home but also efficient enough to keep your energy bills in check. 

Whether you’re replacing an old unit or installing a new AC system in your home, choosing the right air conditioner can make all the difference in comfort, energy savings, and long-term reliability.

In this guide, Vines walks you through everything you need to know about AC installation—from size requirements and SEER ratings to selecting the right type of unit for your Myrtle Beach home.

Factors That Matter Most When Choosing an AC System

Choosing a new air conditioning system isn’t just about picking the first unit that fits your budget—it’s about finding the right solution for your home’s unique needs. From Myrtle Beach’s coastal humidity to the size and layout of your space, several key factors can impact how well your AC performs and how much it costs to run. 

Taking the time to understand these considerations can help you make a smart investment that keeps your home comfortable year-round while avoiding energy waste, costly repairs, or premature cooling system replacement. 

Below, you’ll find the most important things to keep in mind when evaluating air conditioning units for your AC installation.

1. Types of Air Conditioners: Which One is Right for You?

While central air conditioners are the most common type of cooling system, there are other options available when selecting a new unit for your home. Here’s a look at the main types available, along with their pros and cons—if you’re unsure what’s best for your home, Vines’ experienced team can guide you through your options based on your budget, lifestyle, and long-term plans.

Central Air Conditioning

Central air conditioners use ducts to distribute cool air throughout your home. Warm indoor air is pulled into the AC system and passed over the evaporator coil, where heat is absorbed and moisture is condensed and removed from the air. That cooled air is then pushed back through the ductwork to every room, while the absorbed heat is released outside via the condenser unit.

This type of AC system is ideal for homes that already have ductwork in place, such as newer builds or houses with forced-air heating systems. Central air conditioners work especially well in medium to large homes where consistent, whole-home cooling is needed. 

• Pros: Even cooling throughout the home, quiet operation
• Cons: Higher installation cost if ductwork installation or modification is needed, requires duct maintenance

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are energy-efficient systems that provide both cooling and heating by transferring heat rather than generating it. In the summer, they work like a traditional air conditioner by pulling heat out of your home and releasing it outdoors. In cooler months, they reverse the process—drawing in heat from the outside air (even when it’s chilly) and transferring it indoors to warm your space.

Heat pumps are an excellent option for homes in mild climates like Myrtle Beach, where extreme cold is rare. They’re ideal for year-round comfort in single-family homes, townhomes, or vacation properties that need efficient temperature control without the need for a separate furnace. Homes without gas lines for heating or those looking to reduce their carbon footprint can also benefit from an all-electric heat pump..

• Pros: Energy-efficient, environmentally friendly
• Cons: Less effective heating in extreme cold, higher upfront cost than a standard furnace or air conditioning installation

Ductless Mini Split Systems

A ductless mini split is a compact HVAC system that consists of two main components: an indoor air-handling unit and an outdoor compressor or condenser. These two parts are connected by a small conduit that houses refrigerant lines, drain lines, and electrical wiring. Ductless systems come in two main types: ductless air conditioners (for cooling only) and ductless heat pumps (for both heating and cooling).

Unlike traditional systems, they don’t require ductwork to distribute air—conditioned air is delivered directly from the indoor air handler into the space where it is installed. Ductless systems are perfect for homes or areas where ductwork is unavailable or impractical. 

They’re a popular choice for older homes without existing ducts, room additions or garages, finished attics, guest houses or in-law suites, and individual rooms that need custom climate control. Ductless mini splits are also ideal for zoned whole-home comfort, allowing homeowners to control the temperature in each room independently.

• Pros: Zoned cooling, energy-efficient, quick installation, no ductwork needed
• Cons: Higher initial cost per zone, visible wall-mounted units (in-ceiling options are also available)

2. AC Unit Sizing: Bigger Isn’t Always Better

One of the most common air conditioning installation mistakes homeowners make is choosing an AC unit that’s too large or too small for their space. An air conditioner that’s too big will cycle on and off frequently, wasting energy and failing to remove enough humidity. On the other hand, a unit that’s too small will run constantly, struggling to cool your home and wearing out faster.

The size of an AC unit is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) or tons. For air conditioning units, tons refers to the amount of heat that can be removed from a space per hour—not the weight of the unit itself. 1 ton is equal to 12,000 BTUs. Typical homes require 1 ton per 600–1,000 square feet, depending on insulation, windows, and sun exposure.

When it comes to sizing for your AC installation, don’t guess—get a professional load calculation. An HVAC professional from Vines can evaluate your home’s size, layout, insulation levels, and other factors to determine the right capacity for your air conditioner installation so you don’t end up with an oversized or undersized unit.

3. Understanding SEER Ratings: Efficiency Saves Money

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it measures how efficiently your air conditioner cools your home. In simple terms, SEER tells you how much cooling you get out of your air conditioner for every unit of energy it uses over an average cooling season. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the AC unit.

The minimum SEER rating for air conditioning units in South Carolina is 15. If you plan to stay in your home for many years, it may be worth investing in a higher-SEER system. Though they cost more upfront, the energy savings over time can be significant, especially with Myrtle Beach’s long cooling season.

4. Humidity Control: A Coastal Necessity

In Myrtle Beach, humidity is a big deal. Excess indoor moisture can make your home feel warmer than it is, lead to mold growth, and even damage wood and electronics.

When planning for your new air conditioner installation, choose a system that effectively manages humidity. Many high-efficiency AC systems and heat pumps come with advanced moisture control features. You can also add a whole-home dehumidifier to your AC system for even better performance.

5. Smart Features and Upgrades

Many air conditioning systems come with features designed for comfort and convenience. Some optional upgrades worth considering during your AC installation include:

• Smart Thermostats: Control your system remotely and create energy-saving schedules.
• Variable-Speed Blowers: Improve energy efficiency and maintain consistent temperatures.
• Zoning Systems: Cool different areas of your home independently.

While these features add to the initial cost of a new unit, they offer long-term benefits in comfort and efficiency.

Professional AC Installation Matters

Even the best AC unit will underperform if it’s not installed correctly. Proper air conditioner installation is necessary to ensure optimal performance. With a qualified HVAC technician performing the AC installation process, you can count on:

• Accurate refrigerant charge
• Correct airflow and duct sealing
• Proper electrical and safety connections
• Manufacturer warranty protection

At Vines, our licensed and experienced HVAC technicians handle the entire process—from the initial consultation to testing the new system for performance and safety. We treat your home like it’s our own and make sure your new AC is set up for long-term success.

Air Conditioner Installation Costs

Investing in a new air conditioning system is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a homeowner, especially in a climate like Myrtle Beach. But while the comfort, energy savings, and long-term value are clear, the upfront cost of a new AC system can feel like a hurdle.

Factors Impacting AC Installation Costs

The total cost of your AC installation can vary based on several factors: the type of system you choose, the size of your home, any necessary modifications (like ductwork or electrical upgrades), and the features or efficiency level you want. While it’s tempting to focus solely on the initial price tag, also keep in mind the long-term return through lower energy bills, fewer repairs, and improved indoor comfort.

Tax Credits

Investing in an energy-efficient system doesn’t just save you money on your monthly utility bills. Homeowners who install certain high-efficiency HVAC systems may be eligible for tax credits that offset part of the AC installation cost. These incentives can make upgrading to an ENERGY STAR-certified unit even more cost-effective.

Financing Options

Replacing or installing a new air conditioner is a major investment. Vines offers financing options that make it easier to get the system you need without breaking the bank. Financing allows you to spread the cost over manageable monthly payments, so you don’t have to compromise on quality or long-term efficiency due to budget constraints.

Schedule Your AC Installation With Vines

If you’re ready to beat the heat in comfort, let Vines handle your next AC installation. We’ll help you select the perfect system and provide expert installation so your home stays cool, dry, and comfortable no matter how hot it gets outside.

Whether you’re building a new home, upgrading an old system, or simply exploring your options, our team is here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.

Call us today to schedule a free estimate and consultation for your air conditioner installation in Myrtle Beach!