< Return to Blog If you’re shopping around for a new central air conditioner for your home, you’ve probably seen that there are two main types: But do you know which one your home has or why? In this blog you’ll learn: The differences between these two systems The pros and cons of each How to know which one fits your home’s needs Split air conditioning system What it is: In a split-system central air conditioner there are two parts an outdoor metal cabinet and an indoor cabinet. That’s why it’s called a “split” system. The outdoor cabinet contains the condenser and compressor and typically sits on a concrete slab outside your home. The indoor cabinet contains the evaporator and is usually located in the attic or a closet. The indoor cabinet also typically includes a furnace (or the inside part of a heat pump). The indoor and outdoor units are connected by a refrigerant line. Here’s a simple diagram of a split system: Greater energy efficiency possibilities - Split air conditioning systems have SEER ratings from 13 to 23.

Labor costs - Labor costs more because you are installing a unit outside the house and also inside (usually in the attic or crawlspace, depending on the type of air handler). Also, the system can’t be charged with refrigerant until it has been set in place, which adds to the cost. When you’d want this: It’s a more cost efficient choice if your home already has a furnace, and you are purchasing a new air conditioning unit or replacing an older unit. Learn more about this on Energy.gov’s website. Packaged air conditioning system What it is: The evaporator, condenser, and compressor are all located in one cabinet and thus “packaged” together. This single cabinet is usually placed on a roof. Some packaged air conditioners can include electric heating coils or a natural gas furnace. That means you won’t need a separate furnace inside. Space efficiency - Unlike split-system units, the package unit has all the components in one place. Cheaper installation - Since packaged units can come pre-charged with refrigerant, and they are only installed outside, installation is cheaper than a split unit.

Limited energy efficiency: Packaged units typically have a SEER rating from 10 to 18. A packaged system is ideal for situations where indoor space is limited and therefore important. This is usually the case for mobile homes and homes with a crawl space. The biggest factor to consider is the construction of your home. Most newer homes were built with split central air conditioning because it’s much more cost-efficient to run over time. However, if you live in an older or smaller home or a mobile home, you probably have a packaged unit because of space restrictions. If you need help determining the type of air conditioner that’s right for your Arizona home, ask one of Pitzer’s experts for help. From the General ManagerWhen Arizona homeowners come to us asking for a new ductless mini-split air conditioner, the first question they always ask us is, “How much does it cost to install?” In Arizona, the cost to install a new ductless mini-split air conditioner ranges from $1,800 to $7,000+, with the average being $2,500.

Your price will vary based mainly on these 4 factors: Let’s explore those cost factors in more detail. True to its name, the mini split is split into 2 main components: outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. However, unlike a central A/C system, a mini-split system can have multiple indoor units. Each indoor unit creates its own "zone" of comfort, allowing you to cool individual rooms with separate remote controls.commercial indoor ac units Your main take away: The more indoor units you want, the higher the final cost.york furnace ac unit “Size” refers to the mini-split cooling capacity, measured in tons or BTUs. ac unit stopped runningThe larger the mini-split, the more it costs. Proper sizing is important because, according to Energy.gov,

“The (mini-split) installer must correctly size each indoor unit and determine the best location for its installation. Oversized or incorrectly located air handlers can result in short cycling, which wastes energy and does not provide proper temperature or humidity control. Too large a system is more expensive to buy and operate.” So, a system that’s too small won’t provide enough cooling; too big, it wastes money. Lucky for you, you don’t have to figure out what size you need. Contact an HVAC company that offers mini-split systems  and they will find the correct size for you. A mini-split system’s energy efficiency is measured by its SEER rating. The higher the SEER rating, the higher your monthly savings. But it also means a higher upfront cost. Labor cost is hard to predict because it varies from company to company. HVAC companies  typically charge in two different ways: The installer will give you an “estimate” before doing any work. But you won’t know the actual price until they finish the installation, meaning that you may get a price far above the original estimate.

The installer will give you an actual price after they determine the system’s size, number of indoor units and your desired energy efficiency—but BEFORE they actually do any work. Meaning you can get the price upfront and then choose to get a price elsewhere, if you want. This method prevents sticker shock, and, because of that, it’s our preferred method of pricing. Finding a good company to install a mini-split system means asking the right questions. The ACCA offers a list of basic questions you should ask any contractor. Contact George Brazil to schedule a free consultation with a mini-split A/C estimate. We’ve been serving Arizona homeowners since 1955! Sign up to receive new posts right from your inbox! Recent PostsInterior Design Q&A: Add Color to an Old HomeSeptember 18, 2016Interior Design Q&A: Selecting Furniture for DecorSeptember 8, 2016Interior Design Q&A: Mixing Light, Dark in KitchenAugust 21, 2016Interior Design Q&A: Colors for Open Kitchen, Dining RoomAugust 2, 2016How Geothermal HVAC Systems Work and the Benefits They ProvideJune 30, 2016Categories