Mike Mavromatis · Owner & Founder
Last updated
Written from Air It Up's first-hand field experience across Greater New Orleans since 2000 and reviewed for accuracy by owner Mike Mavromatis. Equipment specifics (warranty terms, efficiency ratings) reflect manufacturer-published information at the time of writing — always confirm current terms for your exact model.
Ducted vs. ductless
Central air is a split system that pushes conditioned air through ductwork. A mini-split links an outdoor unit to indoor heads with a slim refrigerant line — no ducts — and its inverter compressor modulates for steady, humidity-controlling comfort.
When each one wins
- Central air: the home has good ducts and you want whole-home comfort from one system.
- Mini-split: no ducts, a historic home, an addition, or a single room that never gets comfortable (see zoning).
Failure modes
Forcing ducts into a plaster-walled historic home is invasive and costly; on the flip side, undersized or poorly placed mini-split heads leave dead spots. Either way, ignoring the building envelope undercuts both.
Proof and your next step
We install both throughout the metro and pick based on your home's ducts and layout. Get a ductless or central estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is a mini-split cheaper than central air?
- A single-zone mini-split can be less than a full central system, but a multi-zone whole-home mini-split can cost as much or more. The right comparison is for your specific home and zone count.
- Can I mix mini-splits and central air?
- Yes. Many homes keep central air for the main areas and add a mini-split for an addition, garage, or hot upstairs room — a common, cost-effective approach.
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