When searching for a heating and cooling system for your residence, it’s critical to choose one that balances efficiency, performance and finances. That’s why many property owners look to mini-splits to heat and cool their home.
Mini-splits—often referred to as ductless mini-splits—offer several advantages that make them a popular solution for both homes and businesses. They're extremely energy efficient, reducing energy consumption and saving on utility bills, because they don't have the energy losses that can come with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also enable users to tailor the temperature in each room, improving overall comfort while conserving energy.
If you’re considering mini-split installation in Philadelphia, it’s worthwhile to first research if these devices are the right solution for your living situation. Here, we’ll explore how mini-splits measure up to 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 mechanism that does not use ductwork. It's a good option in homes that don't have any 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 device. They are linked 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 throughout the coils and the air handler. The indoor component 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 provide 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 might not 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 out of sight, preserving the aesthetics of your home. However, it might not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in quite sizeable homes or residences where certain spots may not need constant conditioning.
Mini-Split vs. Window AC/Window Unit
Mini-splits are usually more energy efficient and quieter than a window air conditioning unit and are useful for cooling air in multiple rooms. This is why mini-splits are a versatile choice for numerous homeowners. They also use a kind of refrigerant that is more environmentally safe, reducing their environmental impact. These devices can even add value to your home due to their long-lasting nature and remarkable cooling capabilities. However, they come with a larger initial investment.
On the contrary, window air conditioners are less expensive to purchase. They may be a good fit for homes that can't accommodate a central AC system or for families with budget constraints. In spite of these advantages, window units can utilize 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, depends on your goals. If your main considerations are energy efficiency and performance, a mini-split is much more effective than a portable AC unit. However, if finances is a key 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 such as the climate in your city, home size, energy efficiency preferences and spending plan.
A mini-split system most of the time is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool targeted areas within your home, supplying custom climate control in targeted rooms. Mini-splits also are for the most part quieter and have a higher up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually lower due to their greater energy efficiency.
However, a gas furnace can be an extremely effective heating source, particularly in colder climates where mini-split heat pumps may struggle to maintain comfort levels in the bitter cold. While they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces likely have lower initial costs. Having said that, their operating costs can be higher, especially if natural gas prices jump up.
Mini-Split vs. Heat Pump
Mini-splits and heat pumps operate using the process of heat transfer. They are both energy efficient, but a heat pump's duct system can be less efficient. This difference aside, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often relies on a family's needs and circumstances.
Case in point, if you reside in a warmer climate and primarily need cooling, a mini-split system might be a good choice. On the other hand, if you want 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 residence, mini-splits and space heaters each have merits. However, for overall efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits stand out. Mini-splits have 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 far less expensive to buy but are typically reserved for heating a confined area or an individual room. They also are often less energy efficient. Unlike mini-splits, space heaters do not deliver cooling. The biggest drawback for space heaters is the danger of fire. Industry experts say some 1,700 fires annually involve space heaters.