Ductless vs. Central AC / Furnace
Homeowners in Calgary ask this all the time: “Should I go ductless, or just stick with a central AC and furnace?”
It’s a great question — and the answer depends on your home’s layout, energy rates, and how much you hate -30°C mornings.
In this guide, we break down the pros and cons of each system, how they perform in Calgary’s climate, and which setup saves you more in the long run. Whether you’re renovating, upgrading, or just tired of noisy vents, you’ll find out which system fits your home best.
Why This Comparison Matters
Homeowners in Calgary usually end up asking the same thing: "Should I go ductless, or just stick with central AC and a furnace?"
It's a fair question. Both systems cool (and sometimes heat), but the right choice depends on your house, budget, and tolerance for -30°C winters.
The Core Difference
Central AC/Furnace
Whole-home comfort delivered through ducts. Furnace handles heating, AC handles cooling.
Ductless Mini-Split
Room-by-room comfort delivered through wall/ceiling units, no ducts required.
Think of central systems as a pickup truck (big, reliable, can haul the whole load) and ductless as a sports bike (fast, efficient, nimble, but not hauling the whole family).
Installation Showdown
Central AC + Furnace
- Uses ductwork that's already in place.
- Faster, cheaper install if ducts exist.
- Almost invisible everything runs behind the walls.
Ductless
- No ducts needed. Perfect for heritage homes, suites, or renos.
- Flexible install options: wall-mounted, ceiling cassette, slim-duct hidden.
- But: each indoor head = added cost.
Winner:
- If you have ducts → Central.
- No ducts → Ductless.
Comfort & Performance
Central
- One thermostat to rule them all.
- Can struggle with hot/cold spots unless ductwork is balanced.
- Works perfectly as long as your furnace/AC are sized right.
Ductless
- Zoned comfort: each head has its own remote.
- Great for fixing that one bedroom that's always uncomfortable.
- Extremely quiet inside and out.
Winner:
Heating in Calgary Winters
Furnace
- Gas-fired, 97%+ efficient these days.
- Reliable heat at -30°C, no sweat.
- Cheap to operate in Alberta thanks to natural gas.
Ductless
- Technically a heat pump. Works well down to -15°C.
- Below that, efficiency drops fast. More defrost cycles, higher power bills.
- Backup heat (like electric strips or a furnace) is essential in Calgary.
Winner: Furnace — every time in our climate.
Cooling Efficiency
Central AC
- Efficient for the whole home, but ducts can lose energy if leaky or poorly insulated.
- Typical SEER ratings: 13–16 in Calgary installs.
Ductless
- SEER ratings often 20+.
- Extremely efficient, especially for small zones.
- But remember: every extra indoor unit adds cost.
Winner: Ductless for efficiency, Central for cost per square foot.
Looks & Aesthetics
Central
Completely hidden. Just vents in the floor or ceiling.
Ductless
- Wall-mounted unit always visible.
- Slim/ceiling versions look better but cost more.
Winner: Central, unless you don't mind the modern "techy" look.
Cost Breakdown (Calgary ballpark)
So:
Maintenance & Best Use Cases
Central
- Annual furnace/AC tune-up.
- Filter changes every 3 months.
- Duct cleaning every 3–5 years.
Ductless
- Filter cleaning on each indoor unit every 1–2 months.
- Annual pro service still recommended.
- Ignore cleaning = big efficiency loss.
Winner: Central (less homeowner effort).
Best Use Cases
Go Central if…
- You already have ducts.
- You want whole-home comfort with invisible equipment.
- You're budget-conscious for whole-home cooling/heating.
- You need reliable heating in -30°C winters.
Go Ductless if…
- Your home has no ducts (boiler, baseboard, older builds).
- You're adding a suite, sunroom, or bonus room.
- You need zoning (one problem room).
- You want a garage or workshop conditioned year-round.
- You're pairing with solar panels to offset power use.
Calgary-Specific Truth & Final Takeaway
Gas is cheap.
A high-efficiency furnace is unbeatable in our climate.
Power is expensive.
Relying on ductless for heating all winter = painful bills.
Cooling demand is rising.
More Calgarians want AC, and both central and ductless deliver it well.
Ductless in Calgary is like having a convertible. It's amazing when the sun's out, but you still want a reliable SUV (your furnace + AC) in the garage for those -30°C snowstorms.
Final Takeaway
- If your house has ducts → stick with central.
- If your house doesn't → ductless is your best friend.
- If you're adding space → ductless makes sense.
- If you're expecting ductless to fully replace a furnace → not in Calgary.
Conclusion
Not sure what's right for you?
Jump into HVACHELP.PRO → New System / Install, try the Ductless and Central flows, and see side-by-side recommendations tailored to your home.
About HVACHELP.pro
At HVACHELP.pro, our mission is to empower Calgary homeowners with clear, unbiased information, enabling them to make confident and informed HVAC decisions. We understand the specific demands of Calgary's fluctuating climate – from sweltering summer days to the biting cold of winter. Our platform cuts through the jargon, helping you navigate the complexities of choosing between ductless mini-splits and traditional central systems, understanding the latest provincial rebates, deciphering energy ratings, and implementing essential maintenance practices.
We provide comprehensive guidance tailored to ensure your home remains comfortable and energy-efficient year-round. Our resources are designed to address real-world challenges faced by Calgarians, ensuring you select systems that are not only effective but also cost-efficient for our unique environmental conditions.
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