Brutal summers. Harsh winters. The fluctuating temperatures in Maryland can leave homeowners desperate for some relief. Whether you’re fighting the humidity or trying to beat back the freezing cold, it feels like your older home is working against you. Drafty windows and poor insulation don’t help with climate control, making HVAC systems work harder and raising energy bills.
If you’re tired of window units, outdated heating systems, and an endless upkeep of temporary solutions, it’s time to invest in a new HVAC solution: ductless mini splits vs traditional HVAC. Which one is right for an older home in Maryland? Consider initial installation cost, maintenance costs, energy efficiency, and overall climate control capabilities.
Dive in to compare what’s best for your home: ductless vs traditional HVAC in Maryland for older homes. We break it down so you can call us when you’re ready for your new installation.
Ductless Mini Splits vs Traditional HVAC in Older Maryland Homes
What to Consider for a New HVAC System in Maryland
1. Installation and Infrastructure
When comparing ductless mini splits vs a traditional HVAC system with ductwork, you need to consider what your home can handle. Homes without ductwork will need to have it installed. You will need to ensure there is space for the ductwork to be installed and consider any construction costs required to make ductwork a possibility throughout all or most rooms of the house, including tearing into floors, walls, and other spaces.
If you do not have ductwork, a ductless mini split system is a highly preferred option. Ductless mini splits require less space and are minimally invasive.
2. Upfront Costs
Getting estimates is key when comparing ductless vs traditional HVAC installation. If your older Maryland home already has ductwork, your upfront costs are much lower to have a new HVAC system connected to an existing system. This may also make it easier to integrate climate control into your homes.
Ductless mini splits vary in cost based on how many units you need. You can choose to focus only on open floor plan spaces or opt to have a ductless system installed in every room for the best comfort and most control over temperature settings.
Talk to a local HVAC contractor about your options and source quotes from a few companies. On average, new duct installation can run $5,000 – $10,000, while ductless systems range from $5,000 to $7,000 starting out.
3. Energy Efficiency
Monthly energy bills are important to consider when comparing ductless mini-splits vs traditional HVAC ductwork in Maryland. Higher upfront costs for an installation could mean lower monthly energy bills that actually save you more over time.
Mini splits are known for their energy efficiency and lower monthly bills due to modern technology and innovations. Plus, you can control each unit separately, only outputting energy into the rooms you use the most often. If you’re going with ducted HVAC, you want to invest in an eco-friendly smart thermostat to help cut down on wasted energy.
4. Comfort Control
Older Maryland homes need a new HVAC unit to help maintain better climate control and overall comfort. You want to make sure your new HVAC installation works for you to provide the best comfort without breaking the bank.
Ductless mini splits let you operate each unit individually – set different temperature controls from the living room, kitchen, bedrooms, home offices, and playrooms. This means no more wasted energy for rooms that aren’t in use, while everyone can set their bedroom to their optimal preference.
In contrast, a traditional HVAC unit is operated from one central thermostat. You must be mindful to close vents or shut doors if you want to heat or cool a central area. Find out more ways to reduce your energy bills and protect your comfort with a traditional HVAC system.
5. Appearance
Another consideration for mini splits vs traditional HVAC is the overall appearance. Ductless mini-splits are visible in every room where they are installed. For some homeowners, this is not a preferred aesthetic. They are often installed above doorways but can be selected for any high portion of wall in a room.
Ducted HVAC, however, is installed out of sight, behind walls. This is a cleaner appearance with only small vents that blend into the room. Consider the appearance of ductless mini splits vs hidden ductwork when choosing which new HVAC system to install. Hidden ductwork can be more upfront work, but creates a more seamless layout.
6. Air Quality
For families and homeowners who deal with allergens or air quality sensitivity, it’s important to compare filtration options for both HVAC systems. Traditional HVAC is highly popular because of its ability to install a whole-home air filter. This greatly reduces allergens or irritants from smoke, dust, and other pollutants.
Ductless HVAC systems, however, primarily circulate the air already in the room. While some models may have an option for better air purification, they cannot do the same job at filtration as a ducted system.
Consider air quality, and if you want to incur an additional cost for an air purification system, if you choose to go with ductless heating and cooling.
7. Climate Control in Extreme Temperatures
There’s no doubt about it, Maryland weather makes HVAC systems work hard. Traditional ductwork heating and cooling is a popular choice for older Maryland homes because it can handle the extreme fluctuating temperatures.
Ductless mini splits, however, have varying results when it comes to heating older homes in harsh, cold winters. Ductless mini splits are very efficient at cooling but may lack the harder-working heating components that Maryland weather demands.
Traditional HVAC is paired with a furnace or heat pump for better heating capabilities. Mini splits may need to be supplemented in other ways if there is a particularly harsh winter with a lot of freezing temperatures. Consider your temperature preference in fluctuating weather when choosing your new HVAC system for an older home.
8. Maintenance
After the initial setup, both ductless mini splits and traditional HVAC units require maintenance and upkeep. Before deciding on a new HVAC installation, make sure you compare the costs and labor needed to protect your unit and keep it in peak operation.
Ductless mini splits, overall, have less regular maintenance vs a traditional system. Their filters will need to be cleaned occasionally, and annual inspections are recommended for preventive maintenance. While this is often low per system, if you have multiple units, the cleanings and inspections may add up.
Traditional ducted HVAC systems require more ongoing maintenance, including filter replacements and ductwork cleaning, and inspections. This helps reduce allergens, improve efficiency, and prevent leaks from damaged or worn duct systems. The annual upkeep costs can average more than ductless mini split maintenance.
Ready for a Consult? ASC HVAC Can Help
Ductless vs traditional HVAC systems for older Maryland homes have a lot to consider. Do you want a seamless appearance? How important is air filtration? What are the annual upkeep costs you can fit into your budget?
If you’re not sure which to pick, don’t worry, the experts at ASC HVAC can help. We’re available to handle ductwork installation, ductwork construction, preventive maintenance, mini split installations, and more. Based in Howard County, MD, we are familiar with Maryland’s climate and can advise you on what is best for your home and your wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What HVAC system is best for older Maryland homes without ductwork?
If your home does not already have ductwork and you are looking for a new HVAC system, a ductless mini split system is the better choice. It avoids the cost and disruption of installing new ducts and provides efficient heating and cooling with minimal construction.
How do the upfront installation costs compare between ductless mini splits and traditional HVAC systems?
Traditional HVAC systems are usually cheaper if ductwork is already in place. Installing new ductwork can cost $5,000–$10,000. Ductless mini splits typically start between $5,000–$7,000, depending on the number of units installed.
Which offers better energy efficiency for Maryland homes: mini splits or traditional HVAC?
Ductless mini splits are generally more energy-efficient because they allow individual room control and reduce wasted energy. Traditional HVAC systems can save energy when paired with a smart thermostat, but may be less efficient overall.
What are the main differences in comfort control between ductless and traditional HVAC?
Ductless mini splits allow you to set different temperatures in each room for personalized comfort. Traditional HVAC uses one central thermostat, requiring homeowners to adjust vents or close doors to control specific areas.
How does air quality differ between ductless mini splits and traditional HVAC systems?
Traditional HVAC systems can integrate whole-home air filters, which are more effective for reducing allergens and pollutants. Ductless mini splits primarily circulate existing room air and may not filter as thoroughly unless paired with additional purification systems.
Do mini splits require a lot of maintenance?
Ductless mini splits do not require a lot of maintenance. It is recommended to do an annual inspection to check the unit’s efficiency and complete a cleaning periodically of the filters and other unit parts.
ASC HVAC
ASC HVAC began in 1989 and is a family-owned business. We are based in Howard County, Maryland, but provide services to both commercial and residential HVAC units throughout Maryland. Fully insured, highly rated, and bursting with over thirty years of knowledge and experience, we consider ourselves one of the best HVAC companies in the Maryland area.
