Ductless vs. Central AC Installation: Which Is Right for Your Myrtle Beach Home?

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 However, if ductwork is missing or outdated, installing or upgrading it can be a major expense—sometimes doubling the total project cost.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.