If you live in Central Texas, you know the drill. Your AC runs hard for months on end, and keeping it working well means staying on top of maintenance. But the kind of upkeep you need depends on what kind of system you have. A ducted central system and a ductless mini split take different approaches to staying clean and efficient.
If you live in Central Texas, you know the drill. Your AC runs hard for months on end, and keeping it working well means staying on top of maintenance. But the kind of upkeep you need depends on what kind of system you have. A ducted central system and a ductless mini split take different approaches to staying clean and efficient.
This page walks through the main maintenance tasks for each system: filter cleaning, duct cleaning, and professional checkups. We want you to know what you are signing up for before you choose. And as always, we give you the honest trade offs so you can decide what fits your home and your habits best.
With a ducted central system, you typically have one main filter at the return air grille or inside the air handler. Most are disposable fiberglass or pleated filters that you swap out every one to three months. That is simple enough, but you have to buy replacements regularly. Cost adds up over time, and if you forget to change them, airflow drops and your system works harder.
Ductless mini splits are different. Each indoor unit has its own reusable washable filter. Every few weeks during heavy use, you can pop it out, rinse it with water, let it dry, and put it back. No trips to the store, no recurring cost. The trade off is that you have to clean filters on every head in your house. If you have three or four units, that means a little more hands-on time. But many people find it easier because they can do it while watching TV, and the filters never need replacing.
Ducted systems force air through a network of metal or flex ducts that run through your attic, crawlspace, or walls. Over time, dust, pollen, pet dander, and even mold can build up inside those ducts. Professional duct cleaning every three to five years is recommended, especially in our dusty Central Texas climate. That service can cost several hundred dollars and requires a company to come out with specialized equipment. It is not something you can do yourself, and if ducts leak or are damaged, you may also need duct sealing or repair.
With a ductless mini split, there are no ducts. The air moves directly from each indoor unit into the room. That means no duct cleaning, no duct leaks, no air pushing through dirty crawlspaces. The only air paths are the short distance from the unit to your living space. For homeowners who worry about indoor air quality and dust, this is a major advantage. You still need to clean the indoor unit itself (the evaporator coil and blower), but that is a different kind of cleaning we cover next.
Both ducted central systems and ductless mini splits benefit from a yearly checkup by a qualified technician. For a central system, the main tasks include inspecting the outdoor condenser coil, checking refrigerant charge, cleaning the indoor evaporator coil (which can be hard to access), and lubricating motors. If the system has a gas furnace, that adds another layer of inspection. A typical annual tune up for central HVAC runs around $100 to $200.
Mini splits have multiple indoor units, and each one should be serviced annually. The tech will clean the indoor coil, clear the condensate drain line (which can clog and cause leaks), check the fan, and verify refrigerant levels. The outdoor unit also gets a coil cleaning and electrical check. If you have several heads, the total service cost can be higher than a single central system tune up, but the work per unit is usually quicker. Some homeowners choose to do basic cleaning themselves and only call a pro every two years. The key is that mini splits need attention to each head, while a central system has just one indoor air handler to service.
During heavy cooling season in Central Texas, aim to clean the washable filters every two to four weeks. If you run the unit daily for many hours, every two weeks is best. In milder weather once a month is fine. Just rinse with water, let them dry completely, and slide them back in. No replacements needed.
It depends on your home. Mini splits require more frequent filter cleaning (on each head) but no duct cleaning. Central AC has simpler filter changes (just one) but needs expensive duct cleaning every few years. For professional yearly service, a central system is usually one visit, while a multi head mini split may cost more because each head is serviced separately. Many homeowners find mini split maintenance easier because it is mostly DIY and there are no ducts to worry about.
In most homes, yes, especially in the Austin area where dust and humidity are high. Over time, ducts collect debris that can reduce airflow, spread dust, and even host mold if moisture is present. Professional duct cleaning every three to five years is a good investment. If you have pets, allergies, or recent renovations, you might need it sooner. Mini split owners skip this entirely.
Yes. You can also clean the visible parts of the indoor unit's plastic casing and the front panel with a soft cloth and mild cleaner. Some models let you access the blower wheel and evaporator coil for light dusting, but deep cleaning of the coil is best left to a pro. Keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves, grass, and debris, and trim bushes at least two feet away. For refrigerant checks or electrical work, always call a trained technician.
Ready to ditch the ducts? Call Jester Climate at (512) 297-7493 to book a standard flat rate install for $2,400. A $400 deposit holds your install day, and you pay the rest after you see the system running.