Central AC or Split System? Choosing the Right Setup for 4 Ton Cooling

Introduction: Two Systems, One Big Question

Let me paint a picture.

You’ve decided on a 4 Ton AC system. You know your home needs serious cooling power, and you've even researched R-32 refrigerant, SEER2 ratings, and long-term savings. But then your contractor throws out terms like central air, split system, ductless, and air handler configurations—and suddenly, you’re not sure which direction to go.

Trust me, I’ve been there.

When we were upgrading our own home’s AC system, choosing between a traditional central air conditioner and a more modern split system wasn’t just a technical decision—it affected our budget, comfort, and even future remodeling plans.

So in this article, I’m going to break down the real-world differences between these two setups. Whether you're replacing an old unit or designing a new system from scratch, I’ll help you make the right call—smart, informed, and stress-free.

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🌀 What Is a Central AC System?

A central air conditioning system is what most people picture when they think of “whole-house cooling.” It’s the most common setup in American homes, especially those built in the last few decades.

A standard central AC system includes:

• An outdoor condenser unit

• An indoor coil (often installed with a gas furnace or air handler)

• A duct system to distribute air throughout the house

• A single thermostat controlling the entire system

The indoor and outdoor units work together to cool the air, which is then pushed through ducts and out of vents in each room.

Key Traits:

• Best for homes that already have ductwork

• Excellent for large or multi-room spaces

• One system cools the entire house

🔗 Learn more about how central air systems work from Energy.gov

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❄️ What Is a Split System?

A split system technically just means the AC is split into two parts: an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. But the term is commonly used to describe ductless mini-split systems—and that’s where things get interesting.

Ducted vs. Ductless Split Systems:

• Ducted split system = similar to central AC, but usually uses an air handler instead of a furnace

• Ductless split system (mini-split) = outdoor compressor + one or more indoor wall-mounted units, no ductwork required

In this guide, we’re focusing mostly on 4 Ton ducted systems, but I’ll touch on mini-splits briefly toward the end for those considering zone-based cooling.

🔗 Mitsubishi Electric explains ductless split systems here

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📊 Central AC vs. Split System: Side-by-Side Comparison

Let’s compare them on the things that matter to most homeowners:

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🏠 Is a 4 Ton System Available in Both Configurations?

Yes! Whether you go with a central AC or a split system, you can absolutely get a 4 Ton system—ideal for homes in the 2,200 to 2,700 square foot range (depending on insulation, layout, and climate).

For example, the Goodman 4 Ton R-32 AC systems come in both split-system and central air configurations, matched with air handlers or coils depending on your setup.

The choice is more about how the system connects to your house—not whether 4 Ton is available.

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🛠️ Installation Considerations

Central AC Installation:

• Requires ductwork (existing or new)

• Typically takes 1–2 days

• May include duct sealing or resizing

• Less disruption if ducts are already in place

Split System Installation:

• If ductless: faster and easier install (1 day or less per zone)

• If ducted: similar to central AC, but often paired with electric air handlers

• Easier to retrofit older homes or additions

🔗 Find out what to expect during an AC installation via HomeAdvisor

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💰 Cost Comparison

Prices vary a lot based on local labor, home size, and ductwork condition. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Keep in mind that ductwork repairs or upgrades can add thousands to a central AC project. If your existing ducts are in bad shape, a split system might make more sense financially.

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🌡️ Performance and Comfort

This is where your daily life gets impacted.

Central AC Pros:

• Even, whole-home cooling

• Quiet (indoor unit often in attic or basement)

• Discreet (no indoor units on walls)

Central AC Cons:

• Zoning is hard without extra equipment

• Can waste energy cooling empty rooms

• Air loss through ducts (up to 30% if unsealed)

Split System Pros:

• Room-by-room temperature control (zoning)

• Great for additions or awkward layouts

• More efficient in some configurations

Split System Cons:

• May require multiple indoor units (ductless)

• More visible equipment inside the house

• Slightly higher upfront cost

🔗 ASHRAE explains duct losses and energy waste here

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🧠 Which System Is Easier to Maintain?

If you’re like me, you care just as much about long-term ownership as you do about Day 1 performance.

Central AC:

• One filter (or two) to replace every 1–3 months

• Annual coil cleaning

• May require duct cleaning every few years

Split System:

• Filter changes for each indoor unit (ductless)

• Easier to access and clean components

• May require more frequent checkups with multi-zone units

In general, split systems require slightly more user involvement, but the tradeoff is often higher efficiency and better control.

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🏡 Real-World Scenarios: Which One Is Best for You?

Here’s a little cheat sheet based on your situation:

Choose Central AC If:

✅ You already have functional ductwork
✅ You want a simple, whole-home cooling system
✅ You’re replacing an old system with similar configuration
✅ You prefer minimal visible equipment indoors

Choose a Split System If:

✅ Your home doesn’t have ductwork
✅ You want room-by-room temperature control
✅ You’re finishing a basement, attic, or addition
✅ Your ducts are leaky, old, or inefficient

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💡 Bonus: What About Zoning?

If you love the idea of cooling only the rooms you use (and I really do), zoning might be worth it.

With central AC, zoning usually requires:

• Additional thermostats

• Motorized dampers in the ductwork

• Smart controls to balance airflow

With ductless split systems, zoning is built in—each indoor unit has its own remote or wall control.

That’s why I often recommend mini-splits to friends with older homes or multigenerational households. Everyone gets their own temperature control, and peace reigns. 🙌

🔗 AHRI has a great overview of zoned HVAC systems here

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Conclusion: Making the Right Call for Your Home

After weighing the pros and cons, we ended up going with a ducted split system for our own 4 Ton upgrade. It gave us a bit more flexibility, worked well with our partially upgraded ductwork, and let us future-proof with R-32 and SEER2 compliance.

But honestly? Either option can be the right one—it just depends on your home, your budget, and your comfort goals.

If you're looking for an energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly 4 Ton system that fits your lifestyle, I highly recommend exploring this curated selection of Goodman 4 Ton R-32 AC systems. Whether you go central or split, you’ll find smart, reliable options that are ready for the future.

Stay cool out there—and always choose the system that works for you.