If you are a Spring Hill homeowner looking to replace your AC or install a new system, the options can feel overwhelming. Central air? Heat pump? Ductless mini split? Let us break down the choices so you can make the right decision for your home and budget.
Central Air Conditioning
Central AC systems are the most common choice in Spring Hill and throughout Hernando County. They use a network of ducts to distribute cool air throughout your entire home from a single outdoor unit and indoor air handler.
Advantages
- ✓ Cools entire home evenly
- ✓ Works with existing ductwork
- ✓ Higher resale value for home
- ✓ Lower per ton installation cost
- ✓ Quiet operation indoors
Considerations
- • Requires ductwork installation
- • Duct losses can reduce efficiency
- • All or nothing temperature control
- • Larger systems for larger homes
For most homes in Spring Hill's established neighborhoods like Timber Pines or Spring Hill proper, central air is often the best value, especially if you already have ductwork in place.
Ductless Mini Split Systems
Ductless mini splits have gained popularity in Florida, and for good reason. They consist of an outdoor compressor connected to one or more indoor units mounted on walls or ceilings.
Advantages
- ✓ No ductwork required
- ✓ Zone by zone temperature control
- ✓ Highly energy efficient
- ✓ Easy installation
- ✓ Perfect for additions or garages
Considerations
- • Visible indoor units on walls
- • Higher per room cost
- • Multiple units for whole home
- • Regular filter cleaning needed
We often recommend mini splits for Spring Hill homeowners adding a sunroom, converting a garage, or cooling an older home without existing ductwork. They are also excellent for homes near Weeki Wachee where some older properties were built without central air.
Heat Pumps: Year Round Efficiency
Heat pumps look like central AC systems but can both cool and heat your home. In Florida's mild winters, they are extremely efficient because they move heat rather than generate it.
Spring Hill Climate Tip: Heat pumps are ideal for our area because we rarely see temperatures below 40°F, which is when heat pump efficiency drops. You get AC in summer and efficient heating on those chilly January mornings.
Sizing Your System Correctly
One of the biggest mistakes we see is improperly sized AC systems. Too small, and it runs constantly trying to keep up. Too large, and it short cycles, wasting energy and failing to dehumidify properly, which is a real problem in humid Spring Hill.
Proper sizing requires a Manual J load calculation that considers:
SEER Ratings: Efficiency Matters
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures how efficiently a system cools over a typical cooling season. As of 2023, the minimum SEER rating for new equipment in Florida is 15. Higher SEER units cost more upfront but save money on monthly bills.
Installation Quality Matters
Even the best equipment will not perform well with poor installation. Proper refrigerant charge, sealed ductwork, correct airflow, and precise thermostat placement all affect how well your new system works. This is why we recommend choosing an experienced, licensed contractor like Farrell Air Conditioning.
Our Spring Hill office on Mariner Boulevard serves all of Hernando County, including Brooksville and Shady Hills. We provide free estimates on new AC installations and can help you choose the right system for your home and budget.
Ready to explore your options? Call our Spring Hill team at 352-720-8636 to schedule a free in home consultation.
