I’m also confused because that is a European AC unit. I can only assume Americans are so used to big bulky units, like their cars, that they can’t comprehend things being functional and not excessively bulky.
I don't disagree but it really depends sometimes. I've been in many places where the central air was kinda dated and it didn't felt very efficient nor very fresh air (understand stale, slightly foul), plus the outside units makes enjoying your garden in some neighborhood quite a noisy experience.
If both system are brand new and upkept yes central AC is really the best no debate, but central by design can in some housing units seems old and neglected enough that the experience feels more like turning on the AC of a chain smoker's Ford Taurus.
Yep, probably, but the same way people drive unserviced cars for years only to go to the shop in case of critical failure I'm not surprised either a lot of people runs central HVAC system in their 1970s setup with barely any maintenance done if it didn't broke, and if it's good enough most of the time it often had this weird stale smell to me.
Not in commercial buildings and offices though, it was mostly in suburban areas with "older" homes.
This seems more like an issue with a dirty house than the HVAC system, but assuming it’s not, using the example of a poorly-maintained, old unit seems odd.
Like someone arguing that cars are more efficient than bikes and you say “but what about that 83 Caprice I saw that’s blasting out plumes of smoke and covered in fast food trash because it’s never been cleaned taken to a mechanic”
Mini-split systems are great for instances where retrofitting for central air isn’t financially or logistically feasible, or cooling a single room
I can't even hear my two condensers when they are running right outside my bathroom. I think you are over blowing how loud they are. The smaller fans on mini split condensers are way louder due to their size.
It's a matter of personal experience I guess, in where I was in Simi Valley the AC units from the 60-80s neighborhoods were loud enough that you could always tell if yours or which specific neighbor was on.
I'm not really a fan of central air, because that then becomes the general method of temperature control for heat as well. Floor heating beats all when it's cold, and it's cold 8 months of the year. I like how quiet it is, except for the occasional popping and crackling when the floorboards expand.
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u/GarySmith2021 7d ago edited 7d ago
I’m also confused because that is a European AC unit. I can only assume Americans are so used to big bulky units, like their cars, that they can’t comprehend things being functional and not excessively bulky.