What's Better? Mini-Splits vs. Other HVAC Systems

When looking for a heating and cooling system for your home, it’s critical to choose one that balances efficiency, performance and finances. That’s why many property owners look to mini-splits for comfort in their home.

Mini-splits—often referred to as ductless mini-splits—have a variety of advantages that make them an attractive solution for both homes and businesses. They're very energy efficient, lowering energy consumption and saving on utility costs, because they avoid the energy losses associated with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also allow users to control the temperature in each room, enhancing overall comfort while not wasting energy.

If you’re considering mini-split installation in Wilkes Barre and Scranton, it’s necessary to first find out if these devices are recommended for your living situation. Here, we’ll examine how mini-splits measure up 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 device that doesn't need ductwork to function. It's often used in homes that don't have pre-existing air ducts and for homes with rooms that aren’t served well by the home'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 attached by a conduit housing the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and a condensate drain.

Here's how it works: the outdoor compressor circulates the refrigerant necessary for heat exchange within the coils and the air handler. The in-house device draws in air from the room, cools or heats it over the coils and pushes the conditioned air back into the room.

Mini-Split vs. Central Air

Mini-splits provide targeted cooling in particular rooms or zones of your home. They are excellent for energy efficiency because they only heat or cool the areas you desire. However, they might not blend seamlessly into every room due to their wall-mounted indoor units.

On the other hand, a central air system uniformly chills your entire home, keeping consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is out of sight, preserving the aesthetics of your home. However, it will likely not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in larger homes or residences where certain rooms may not need constant 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 option for countless homeowners. They also use a form of refrigerant that is more environment-friendly, reducing their environmental impact. These units can even add value to your home due to their durable nature and exceptional cooling capabilities. However, they come with a higher up-front cost.

On the other hand, window air conditioning units are less expensive initially. They might be a good fit for homes that can't accommodate a central air system or for homeowners with budget constraints. In spite of these advantages, window units can utilize up to 40% more energy than ductless mini-split systems and are often noisier.

Mini-Split vs. Portable AC

The answer to what is better, a ductless mini-split or a portable air conditioning unit, depends on your goals. If your main considerations are energy efficiency and ability to quickly cool a room, a mini-split is much more effective than a portable AC unit. However, if finances is a significant concern, a portable AC has a lower initial investment.

Mini-Split vs. Gas Furnace

Deciding between a mini-split system and a gas furnace depends on an assortment of factors which can include the climate in your city, home size, energy efficiency needs and how much you plan on spending.

A mini-split system usually is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool targeted areas within your home, providing custom climate control in specific rooms. Mini-splits also are generally quieter and have a greater up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually smaller due to their superior energy efficiency.

However, a gas furnace can be a very effective heating source, particularly in colder climates where mini-split heat pumps may struggle to maintain comfort levels in the bitter cold. Although they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces ordinarily cost less. But, their operating costs can be more costly, especially if natural gas prices jump up.

Mini-Split vs. Heat Pump

Mini-splits and heat pumps use the concept of heat transfer. They are both energy efficient, but a heat pump's ductwork can be less efficient. However, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often relies on a family's needs and circumstances.

By way of example, if you live in a warmer climate and mainly need cooling, a mini-split system might be a more effective choice. However, if you want both heating and cooling and already have ductwork in your home, a heat pump could be a more efficient option.

Mini-Split vs. Space Heater

In regards to heating and cooling a residence, mini-splits and space heaters each have strengths and weaknesses. However, for overall efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits come out on top. Mini-splits provide superior energy efficiency due to the fact they deliver conditioned air directly to different zones and can serve several rooms at once.

Space heaters are a great deal less expensive to buy but are typically reserved for heating a limited area or an individual room. They also are usually less energy efficient. As opposed to mini-splits, space heaters do not deliver cooling. The biggest drawback for space heaters is the danger of fire. Authorities say some 1,700 fires per year involve space heaters.