Ductless vs Central Air Conditioning – A Complete Guide for Ontario Homeowners

If your home already has ductwork, central AC is often the most cost-effective choice for whole-home cooling. But if you're renovating, adding a new room, or want targeted climate control, ductless systems (mini-splits) offer greater efficiency and flexibility especially for Ontario's hot, humid summers. 

Let’s break down the key differences to help you choose the best cooling solution for your Ontario property. 

What Is Central Air Conditioning? 

Central air conditioning is a system that uses ductwork to distribute cool air throughout your home. A central AC typically includes an outdoor compressor, and an indoor unit connected to your furnace or air handler. It's controlled via a single thermostat. 

Pros: 

• Efficient for cooling multiple rooms at once 
• Ideal for homes with existing ductwork 
• Centralized control via thermostat 
• Maintains even temperature throughout the home 

Cons: 

• Installation is expensive if ducts are not present 
• Cooling is less customizable room-by-room 
• Ducts can leak or gather dust, affecting performance 

What Is Ductless Cooling? 

Ductless cooling systems often called mini-splits use individual wall-mounted indoor units that connect to an outdoor compressor. Each indoor unit operates independently, allowing you to cool only the spaces you use. 

Pros: 

• No ductwork required 
• Energy-efficient and easy to install 
• Zoned cooling: different temperatures for different rooms 
• Great for additions, basements, and older homes 

Cons: 

• Higher cost per room for large properties 
• Wall units are visible 
• May not cool large multi-room spaces as evenly 

Key Differences for Ontario Homeowners 

Which System Is Best for You? 

Choose Central AC if: 

• Your home already has ducts 
• You want a uniform temperature across the house 
• You’re cooling a large home and want a single system 

Choose Ductless Cooling if: 

• You’re renovating or building an addition 
• Your home lacks ductwork 
• You want more control over room-by-room cooling 
• You’re looking to improve energy efficiency 

Final Thoughts 

Ontario summers can be long, humid, and unpredictable. Choosing the right cooling system can make all the difference in your comfort and your energy bills. 

At Go Lime, we help homeowners choose between central and ductless systems based on their home layout, budget, and lifestyle needs. Whether you're upgrading your current system or exploring new options, our licensed HVAC team can recommend and install the ideal solution for long-term comfort.