Which Air Conditioning System is Right for Your Home?

Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / June 10, 2019

April showers bring May flowers—but what happens after? Here in Iowa, it’s often unbearable heat and unpredictable weather throughout the summer months. And although we can’t control the impending storm or the 95-degree heatwave, we can fix that air conditioning system that only cools the basement you never use, the system that only cranks out cold air when you don’t need it, or the system that just completely stopped working.

To help avoid emergency repairs and replacements, we recommend scheduling an HVAC tune-up each year. But sometimes these appointments don’t go as expected and you may find that your system is broken beyond repair.

What Are Your Options?

Although there are several options for HVAC systems, common options are conventional, ductless mini-split and geothermal. With so many choices, how do you know which is the best for you and your home? We’ve provided a basic overview of each to help aid in your decision.

Conventional

Conventional systems are commonly found in Iowa for several reasons—they can efficiently and consistently cool down an entire home, they have a lifespan of up to 20 years, and they can be especially valuable when it’s time to sell your home.

Conventional systems are much more permanent than mini-splits. They’re usually controlled by one thermostat in a central location, making them a great option for those who want to use one simple system to cool the home.

Ductless Mini Split

Ductless mini splits provide the most benefit to homes with smaller spaces to cool or to those who want to independently control the temperatures of different parts of the home. One ductless mini-split system can cool up to 8 rooms from its outdoor unit, and the use of multiple systems (or a multi-zone system) can allow you to keep each area of the building at different temperatures. So although most of us don’t have a wine cellar that needs to be kept at a strict 55-degrees, a multi-zone system can help prevent you from wasting your cool air on the already cooler parts of your home, so your upstairs area (or any other warm area of the home) can get the cool air it needs.

Mini split systems are often seen in multi-family housing, smaller spaces (e.g. mobile homes), or homes with different temperature needs throughout. Ductless mini-split systems provide the most benefit to those looking for convenience and flexibility. They’re quick and easy to install, and can allow your home to be configured into different “zones” with a variety of cooling needs.

Geothermal

Geothermal systems cool your home using the solar energy stored underground, making it a popular feature of “green” homes since it is a more energy-efficient option. These systems provide year-round comfort through the use of a loop system, providing heating, cooling, and water heating.

Unlike other systems, a single geothermal system can provide cooling, heating, and water heating, reducing energy costs by 50-70% each year. When nearly 60% of a family’s average annual utility bill consists of these three utilities, these savings become significant. Geothermal systems have a higher up-front cost, but the difference in cost is most often paid back through lower energy bills in just a few years.

Need to schedule an HVAC tune-up, repair, or replacement? Learn more about our services or contact us for more information.