Mini Split vs Central AC – Which Is Better for Your Home?

The summer season in Dubai brings with it the scorching heat. When the sun comes up, people prefer to stay indoors. Air conditioners provide a much-needed respite from the heat when you come inside after an unavoidable excursion or in case your job involves outdoor activities.

But as the price of electricity is going up and the summer days are getting hotter and hotter due to global warming, it can be tricky to choose the best cooling device for your home.

Depending on the size of your home and your budget, you can either choose a mini split or a central air conditioner. But how do you figure out which one is an ideal option for your household?

Worry not because we have put down a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.

1.Consider the Size of Your Home

One of the important factors to consider before buying an AC is the space available in your home, and the overall size of your home. Mini-splits are ductless and similar to window ACs, they come with a separate outdoor unit to throw out the hot air.

On the other hand, a centralized air conditioner has a duct system. Thus, they are bigger in size and therefore need bigger space to be accommodated. In smaller apartments and homes, it’s difficult to install a central AC as compared to a ductless split.

2.How Much Cooling Power Do You Expect?

To combat the ferocious heat of Dubai’s summer, you need a powerful air conditioner. Of course, in this area, a centralized air conditioner is ahead of the mini split. 

As it has a much more powerful cooling system along with ductwork. A centralized air conditioner of 2-8 tons can cover an area as big as 1,000-4,800 Sq Ft, while a mini-split of 0.75-6 tons can cover an area of 1,000-4,800 Sq Ft.

A centralized air conditioner blows cool air faster and cools down a room quickly; a mini split takes time to reduce a room’s temperature when it’s over 40°C outside.

3.What’s Your Budget?

Another important thing to consider here is your budget. The average price of a mini split in Dubai falls between AED 2500 to AED 3000, while the average price of a centralized air conditioner is between AED 10,000 to AED 15,000.

Depending on the brand and other features of your AC, this price will fluctuate. But a centralized air conditioner will always cost you much higher than the mini split.

Now that you know the average price of a centralized air conditioner and a mini-split in Dubai, you can decide which one falls within your budget.

4.Are You Looking for a Short-Term or Long-Term Investment?

When it comes to the lifespan of a cooling machine, centralized air conditioning systems with ductwork last longer compared to mini splits. 

When used continuously, a centralized air conditioner will function smoothly for 10-15 years, depending on how you maintain it. On the other hand, a mini split’s lifespan is 5-10 years.

But keep in mind that there’s no guarantee a centralized system is more sustainable than the mini split, as the lifespan of a machine comes down to how you maintain it.

Ideally, you should hire Service like AC repair in Dubai to get every issue fixed in a timely manner.

5.Can You Install a Complex System or Are You Happy with a Simple Small AC?

If you are looking for something portable and easy to install, a mini-split is a convenient solution for you. You can easily take it to your home and get it installed within an hour without any such complex work. But that’s not the case with a centralized air conditioner.

Since it has ductwork, you will have to hire a professional from handyman Services Dubai to get it installed. There will be some work done on your wall and ceiling to make some space for the AC and the duct. And later you will have to rebuild it too once the AC is installed.

6.Do You Want to Save a Few Bucks on the Monthly Electricity Bill?

The energy bills are getting out of hand these days. People prefer to buy energy-efficient appliances. That’s where mini splits beat the centralized air conditioners. Because centralized ACs have ductwork, they consume a higher amount of electricity—-some of it breaks out through holes and gaps.

Since mini splits are tightly packed and their system has no holes and gaps, they are energy efficient. Thus, they result in a significant reduction in the electricity cost.

Final Words

Both devices have pros and cons, in the end, it comes down to your preferences and budget which of the two you find more reasonable. Generally, for bigger spaces like bungalows, corporate offices, cafes, and restaurants, we recommend centralized AC. And for smaller spaces like apartments, shops, and smaller eateries, a mini-split would be enough and prove much more affordable.