What Type of AC System is Right for My Home?
Choosing between central AC, ductless mini-splits, and heat pumps depends less on what’s “best” overall and more on your home’s layout, existing ductwork, budget, and whether you want heating and cooling from the same system.
Central air conditioning is usually the right fit if your home already has ductwork in good condition. It cools the entire house evenly from one system and is typically the most familiar option for homeowners. It can be very efficient with newer high-SEER units, but performance drops if ducts are leaky, poorly insulated, or poorly designed.
Ductless mini-split systems work well for homes without ductwork, older houses, additions, or situations where you want zone control (cooling different rooms independently). They’re highly efficient and flexible, but each indoor unit is visible on a wall or ceiling, and they can become more expensive when used to cover a whole home with many zones.
Heat pumps are a strong all-in-one option because they provide both cooling in the summer and heating in the winter. Modern cold-climate heat pumps work well in Ohio and similar regions, making them a popular energy-efficient replacement for both furnaces and AC systems. They can work with ducted or ductless setups depending on the system design.
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How Often Should Your AC Unit be Serviced?
Most AC systems should be serviced once per year at a minimum, ideally in the spring before the cooling season begins. This annual tune-up helps ensure the system runs efficiently, reduces the risk of breakdowns during hot weather, and can extend the life of the equipment.
For best performance, we recommend:
- Annual professional maintenance (once per year): Includes checking refrigerant levels, cleaning coils, inspecting electrical components, testing airflow, and ensuring overall system performance.
- Twice-a-year service (ideal for heat pumps): If you have a heat pump, it should be checked in both spring and fall since it runs year-round for cooling and heating.
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How Often Should Your AC Unit be Serviced?
Most AC systems should be serviced once per year at a minimum, ideally in the spring before the cooling season begins. This annual tune-up helps ensure the system runs efficiently, reduces the risk of breakdowns during hot weather, and can extend the life of the equipment.
For best performance, we recommend:
- Annual professional maintenance (once per year): Includes checking refrigerant levels, cleaning coils, inspecting electrical components, testing airflow, and ensuring overall system performance.
- Twice-a-year service (ideal for heat pumps): If you have a heat pump, it should be checked in both spring and fall since it runs year-round for cooling and heating.
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