When searching for a heating and cooling system for your home, it’s crucial to choose one that balances efficiency, operation and the impact on your wallet. That’s why many homeowners use mini-splits for climate control in their home.
Mini-splits—often known as ductless mini-splits—offer a variety of advantages that make them a popular option for both homes and businesses. They're very energy efficient, decreasing energy consumption and saving on utility expenses, because they don't have the energy losses affiliated with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also make it possible for users to customize the temperature in each room, boosting overall comfort while not wasting energy.
If you’re thinking about mini-split installation in Philadelphia, it’s important to first research if these devices are the right solution for your living situation. Here, we’ll examine how mini-splits stack up against other heating and cooling devices and appliances.
What a Mini-Split Is and How It Works
A mini-split, or ductless mini-split, is a heating and cooling system that does not use ductwork. 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 an existing HVAC system.
A mini-split system consists of two primary components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. The two are connected by a conduit containing the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and a condensate drain.
Here's how it works: the exterior compressor distributes the refrigerant necessary for heat exchange within the coils and the air handler. The interior unit brings 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 are good for targeted cooling in certain rooms or zones of your home. They are outstanding for energy efficiency because they only heat or cool the areas you choose. However, they sometimes don't blend seamlessly into every decor because of their wall-mounted indoor units.
On the contrary, a central air system uniformly cools your entire home, producing consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is tucked away in a mechanical room or closet, preserving the appearance of your home. But it will likely not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in quite sizeable homes or residences where certain areas 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 convenient choice for many homeowners. They also utilize a type of refrigerant that is more environment-friendly, limiting their environmental impact. These systems 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 AC units are less expensive initially. They may be a good fit for homes that can't accommodate a central AC system or for homeowners with budget constraints. Despite these advantages, window units can use up to 40% more energy than ductless mini-split systems and often are louder.
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 focus is energy efficiency and ability to quickly cool a room, a mini-split is much more effective than a portable AC unit. However, if funding is a major concern, a portable AC is less expensive.
Mini-Split vs. Gas Furnace
Deciding between a mini-split system and a gas furnace depends on a range of factors which can include the climate in your city, home size, energy efficiency preferences and how much you plan on spending.
A mini-split system most of the time is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool defined areas in your home, delivering custom climate control in targeted rooms. Mini-splits also are normally quieter and have a larger up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually lower due to their improved energy efficiency.
However, a gas furnace can be an extremely effective heating remedy, particularly in colder climates where mini-split heat pumps may struggle to maintain comfort levels in the bitter cold. Even though they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces ordinarily have lower initial costs. But, their operating costs can be greater, 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 ductwork can use more power. However, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often is based on on individual needs and circumstances.
Case in point, if you are living in a warmer climate and primarily need cooling, a mini-split system might be a better choice. However, if you need both heating and cooling and already have ductwork in your home, a heat pump may be a more efficient option.
Mini-Split vs. Space Heater
In regards to heating and cooling a household, mini-splits and space heaters each have strengths and weaknesses. However, for total efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits stand out. Mini-splits provide superior energy efficiency because they deliver conditioned air straight to different zones and can serve multiple rooms at once.
Space heaters are much less expensive to buy but are typically reserved for heating a limited area or an individual room. They also are usually less energy efficient. In contrast to mini-splits, space heaters do not provide cooling. The biggest drawback for space heaters is the chance of fire. Industry experts say some 1,700 fires each year involve space heaters.