Hi. We are planning to add AC to the split level home that we recently bought. Two different hvac companies gave us have two different options: (1) add a heat pump to cover the whole house. Use the existing
ductwork in the house. (2) add a ductless heat pump upstairs in the main living area. That way the AC upstairs should cool down the top floor (with doors opened) and the lower floor would naturally be cooler. If the bedrooms need more cooking, add a smaller unit.

I haven't lived in a split level before and don't know what is the optimum option for this house.

Anyone can share your experience cooling a split level home? What works for an efficiency perspective since one floor will be used more frequently than the other? What about maintenance?