Ductless AC vs. Central Air in Olympia: Which Cooling System Is Right for You?

If you're building a new home in Tumwater, renovating an older property in East Olympia, or just tired of sweating through another sticky summer, you’ve probably asked yourself:

“Should I install ductless AC or central air in my Olympia home?”

The right answer depends on your home’s layout, whether you already have ductwork, and how much control you want over your indoor comfort. At Copper & Cable Co., we help homeowners throughout Olympia, Lacey, and surrounding areas choose the best system for their home—and we’re here to help you do the same.

Olympia’s Cooling Needs Are Changing—Is Your System Ready?

Olympia summers are getting warmer and more humid. Many older homes—especially in neighborhoods like Bush, East Olympia, and Plumb—weren’t built with cooling in mind. That’s why local homeowners are turning to smarter, more efficient air conditioning systems.

Two of the most popular choices we install are:

• Central air conditioning

• Ductless mini-split systems

Let’s break down the pros and cons of each so you can make the best choice for your home.

 What Is Central Air Conditioning?

Central air system cool your entire home using ductwork to distribute air from a single unit. If you already have a furnace or ducted heat pump, installing central AC is usually straightforward.

✅ Pros:

• Cools the entire home evenly

• Quiet indoor operation

• Pairs well with smart or programmable thermostats

⚠️ Things to Consider:

• Duct leaks can lead to energy loss if not sealed properly

• No room-by-room temperature control

• Installation is more complicated if your home doesn’t already have ducts

What Is a Ductless Mini-Split AC System?

Ductless AC systems include an outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor wall-mounted units. Each indoor unit cools a specific area or room—giving you total control over each space.

✅ Pros:

• No ductwork needed—great for older Olympia homes

• High energy efficiency

• Zoned control: customize temperatures in each room

• Faster installation compared to central air

⚠️ Things to Consider:

• Indoor units are visible on the wall

• May cost more upfront if you’re cooling multiple rooms

• Larger homes may need multiple indoor units

 Quick Comparison: Ductless vs. Central Air

Here’s a simple chart to help you compare these two systems at a glance:

Feature	Ductless Mini-Split	Central Air
Ductwork Needed	No	Yes
Energy Efficiency	Very high (no duct loss)	Good (if ducts are sealed)
Zone Control	Yes – room-by-room	No – whole-home only
Installation Time	1–2 days	2–5 days (if ducts needed)
Cost	Higher per room, scalable	Lower with existing ductwork
Indoor Noise	Very quiet	Low
Maintenance	Filter cleanings only	May need duct cleaning

What Olympia Homeowners Should Consider

Choosing between ductless and central air isn’t just about cost—it’s about what works best for your home and lifestyle. Here are a few local factors to think about:

• Older homes in East Olympia or Lacey may not have existing ductwork

• Multi-story homes benefit from zoning (ductless makes upstairs rooms cooler)

• Olympia’s humidity makes proper moisture control essential—some systems handle this better

• Rebates from Puget Sound Energy may be available for energy-efficient options

Still not sure? We’ll evaluate your home and recommend the best air conditioning system for Olympia’s unique climate and your personal comfort goals.

Why Homeowners Trust Copper & Cable Co.

We’re not just HVAC installers—we’re your local Olympia cooling experts. Whether you’re upgrading an outdated system or installing AC for the first time, we’ll help you find the perfect solution.

We offer:

• Free in-home system assessments

• Fast, professional installation

• Energy-efficient cooling options for every budget

• Service throughout Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, East Olympia, Bush, and more

Ready to Stay Cool This Summer?

Still wondering if ductless AC or central air is right for your Olympia home? Let’s make the decision easy.

Call Copper & Cable Co. today or book your free consultation online. We’ll help you compare options, answer your questions, and install the right system—so you can stay cool and comfortable all season long.