There’s no debate that living in North York can be difficult, to say the least. Whether you’re in Markham or Richmond Hill or Aurora, we have blazing hot summers and cold winters, however, we can prepare our homes to handle either extreme. The good news is there are cooling options for a more comfortable living. The bad news is there are also many options, which sometimes make it difficult to know whether which is better: a ductless air conditioner vs window unit.

A ductless air conditioner vs. window unit air conditioner are both great options for cooling your house, but they have a lot of differences. The main difference is that a window unit air conditioner removes heat through a duct system to rooms you want to cool off, while ductless air conditioners remove the heat directly. Here is a comparison of the two main options, including the pros and cons of each.

Ductless vs. window unit A/C systems: What are the differences?

1. Functionality:

A ductless air conditioner is more effective in removing heat from a room than a window unit air conditioner. The ductless air conditioner does not rely on recirculating air to remove heat. Instead, it eliminates the heat directly, making it more efficient. Additionally, it can cool multiple rooms at once, as opposed to a window unit air conditioner, which can only cool one room at a time.

2. Cost:

Window unit air conditioners are typically cheaper than ductless air conditioners. They are less complex and require less installation. Window unit air conditioners also typically use less energy, saving you money on your electric bill.

3. Maintenance:

Ductless air conditioners require less maintenance than window unit air conditioners. This is because they have fewer parts and do not rely on ducts, which can become clogged with dirt and dust. They are less likely to develop leaks than window unit air conditioners.

4. Ease of installation:

Window unit air conditioners are easier to install than ductless air conditioners. This is because they do not require any special installation and can be simply plugged into an outlet. Ductless air conditioners require professional installation, which can be costly.

5. Aesthetics:

Ductless air conditioners are more aesthetically pleasing than window unit air conditioners. They do not have any exposed parts and can be mounted on the wall or ceiling. Window unit air conditioners have exposed parts and take up space in the window.

6. Flexibility:

Ductless air conditioners are more flexible than window unit air conditioners. When installed, you can use them to cool multiple rooms at once. You can also use them with other cooling methods, such as ceiling fans. Window unit air conditioners can only be used to cool one room at a time and are not as flexible.

7. Efficiency:

Regarding efficiency, ductless air conditioners are better than window unit air conditioners. Since they use less energy, you’ll save money on your electric bill with a ductless air conditioner. The reason for this is that they remove the heat directly, as opposed to using recirculating air.

Ductless A/C systems:

Ductless air conditioners, also called mini-split A/Cs, are a cooling system that doesn’t require ductwork. They consist of an outdoor compressor/condenser and one or more indoor air handlers.

Ductless A/C is a great option for homes that don’t have existing ductwork or for rooms that need additional cooling but are too far from the central A/C unit. They’re also more energy-efficient than window units and provide targeted cooling for better comfort.

Pros:

• More energy-efficient than window units because they can better control the temperature in specific rooms or areas. Additionally, they don’t lose cool air through ductwork leaks.
• Don’t take up window space like window units, which can pose security risks due to the unit being outside the house.
• Provide targeted cooling for better comfort. You can maintain different temperatures in different areas of your home or even turn off the A/C. It can cool multiple rooms with individual air handlers, and each room can be set to a different temperature.
• Provide targeted cooling for better comfort since you can direct the airflow to specific areas.
• Quieter than window units since the compressor is located outside.
• More aesthetically pleasing than window units since they aren’t visible from inside the house.
• Ductless air conditioners are also great for people with allergies because they don’t recirculate the same air.

Cons:

• More expensive than window units, both upfront and in operating costs.
• Installation can be more complicated since it requires running electrical lines and refrigerant tubing between the indoor and outdoor units. It can only be done by a qualified HVAC technician.
• You may need more than one indoor unit to cool multiple rooms or a large area.
• Ductless air conditioners require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the filters and coils.

Window air conditioners:

(Please note City Energy does NOT install window units- we ONLY install ductless and central A/C units)

Window air conditioners are a cooling system typically installed in a window or through an exterior wall. They consist of an outdoor unit (the condenser/compressor) and an indoor unit (the evaporator). A window air conditioner cools your home by drawing in hot air from the room and blowing it over the evaporator coils containing a refrigerant. The refrigerant absorbs the heat from the air and transfers it to the outdoors, where it’s released into the air.

Pros:

• They’re relatively affordable.
• They’re easy to install (no professional installation required).
• They are simple to use and don’t require a lot of additional equipment.
• They’re small and can be installed in a window or through an exterior wall.

Cons:

• They’re not as energy-efficient as ductless A/C.
• They can be loud since the compressor is located inside the house.
• They can take up a lot of window space and block views.
• They can pose security risks since they’re located outside the house.
• They can be difficult to remove when it’s time to clean the window or close it for the season.

Conclusion

A home’s cooling needs vary depending on the climate, the size of the house, and how many people live there. Ductless A/Cs are more energy-efficient than window units, provide targeted cooling for better comfort, and don’t take up window space. 

However, they’re more expensive to purchase and install and require regular maintenance. Window units are more affordable, but they’re not as energy-efficient and can be loud. Ultimately, the best type of A/C system for your home depends on your budget and cooling needs.