When shopping for a heating and cooling system for your dwelling, it’s essential to choose one that balances efficiency, operation and finances. That’s why many homeowners explore the possibility of mini-splits to heat and cool their home.
Mini-splits—often referred to as ductless mini-splits—provide a variety of advantages that make them an attractive option for both homes and businesses. They're extremely energy efficient, decreasing energy consumption and saving on utility costs, because they eliminate the energy losses associated with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also enable users to control the temperature in each room, improving overall comfort while not wasting energy.
If you’re contemplating mini-split installation in Wilkes Barre and Scranton, it’s important to first find out if these devices are the best fit for your living situation. Here, we’ll investigate how mini-splits compare to other heating and cooling systems.
What a Mini-Split Is and How It Works
A mini-split, or ductless mini-split, is a heating and cooling system that doesn't need ductwork to function. It's a popular choice in homes that don't have existing air ducts and for homes with rooms that aren’t served well by the residence's existing HVAC system.
A mini-split system consists of two main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. They are connected by a conduit carrying the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and a condensate drain.
Here's how it works: the outdoor compressor moves the refrigerant necessary for heat exchange throughout the coils and the air handler. The interior component pulls in air from the room, cools or heats it over the coils and forces the conditioned air back into the room.
Mini-Split vs. Central Air
Mini-splits offer targeted cooling in specific rooms or zones of your residence. They are outstanding for energy efficiency because they only heat or cool the areas you want. However, they sometimes don't blend seamlessly into every room because of their wall-mounted indoor units.
Conversely, a central air system uniformly cools your entire home, keeping consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is tucked away in a mechanical room or closet, preserving the appearance of your home. However, it may not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in larger homes or residences where certain rooms may not need nonstop conditioning.
Mini-Split vs. Window AC/Window Unit
Mini-splits are typically more energy efficient and not as loud as a window air conditioning unit and are useful for cooling air in multiple rooms. This is why mini-splits are a versatile alternative for many homeowners. They also utilize a type of refrigerant that is more eco-friendly, reducing their environmental impact. These devices can even add value to your home due to their long-lasting nature and superior cooling capabilities. However, they come with a higher initial investment.
On the other hand, window AC units are less expensive up front. They may be a good fit for homes that cannot accommodate a central AC system or for homeowners with budget constraints. Despite these advantages, window units can consume up to 40% more energy than ductless mini-split systems and typically make more noise.
Mini-Split vs. Portable AC
The answer to what is better, a ductless mini-split or a portable air conditioning unit, is dependent on your priorities. If your main focus is energy efficiency and ability to quickly cool a room, a mini-split is considered far superior to a portable AC unit. However, if budget is a key concern, a portable AC costs less.
Mini-Split vs. Gas Furnace
Choosing between a mini-split system and a gas furnace depends on a range of factors including the climate in your city, home size, energy efficiency needs and budget.
A mini-split system usually is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool targeted areas in your home, delivering custom climate control in individual rooms. Mini-splits also are normally quieter and have a larger up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually smaller due to their improved energy efficiency.
Alternatively, a gas furnace can be a highly effective heating remedy, particularly in colder climates where mini-split heat pumps may fail to maintain comfort levels in the bitter cold. Even though they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces typically have lower initial costs. But, their operating costs can be higher, especially if natural gas prices skyrocket.
Mini-Split vs. Heat Pump
Mini-splits and heat pumps use the process of heat transfer. They are both energy efficient, but a heat pump's air ducts can cause more energy usage. This difference aside, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often is based on on a homeowner's needs and circumstances.
Case in point, if you live in a warmer climate and mostly need cooling, a mini-split system might be a better choice. On the other hand, if you require both heating and cooling and already have ductwork in place, a heat pump might be a more efficient option.
Mini-Split vs. Space Heater
When it comes to heating and cooling a home, mini-splits and space heaters each have strengths and weaknesses. However, for total efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits come out on top. Mini-splits supply superior energy efficiency simply because they deliver conditioned air right to different zones and can serve several rooms at once.
Space heaters are far less expensive to buy but are typically recommended for heating a confined area or an individual room. They also are often less energy efficient. In contrast to mini-splits, space heaters do not deliver cooling. The greatest drawback for space heaters is the chance of fire. Experts say some 1,700 fires each year involve space heaters.