When looking for a heating and cooling system for your residence, it’s critical to choose one that balances efficiency, functionality and budget. That’s why many property owners use mini-splits to heat and cool their home.
Mini-splits—often known as ductless mini-splits—have many advantages that make them an appealing option for both homes and businesses. They're extremely energy efficient, lowering energy consumption and saving on utility costs, because they don't have the energy losses associated with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also allow users to tailor the temperature in each room, boosting overall comfort while conserving energy.
If you’re interested in mini-split installation in Covington, it’s necessary to first find out if these devices are the best fit 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 doesn't need ductwork to function. It's a popular choice in homes that don't have any 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 major components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling component. The two are linked by a conduit containing the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and a condensate drain.
Here's how it works: the outside compressor circulates the refrigerant necessary for heat exchange through the coils and the air handler. The indoor component pulls in air from the room, cools or heats it over the coils and sends the conditioned air back into the room.
Mini-Split vs. Central Air
Mini-splits provide targeted cooling in specific rooms or zones of your household. They are known for energy efficiency because they only provide hot or cold air for the areas you desire. However, they might not blend seamlessly into every area because of their wall-mounted indoor units.
On the contrary, a central air system uniformly chills 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. On the other hand, it will likely not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in bigger homes or residences where certain spots may not need continuous 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 capable of cooling multiple rooms. This is why mini-splits are a flexible option for lots of homeowners. They also use a kind of refrigerant that is more environmentally safe, limiting their environmental impact. These devices can even add value to your home due to their durable nature and exceptional cooling capabilities. However, they come with a larger up-front cost.
Having said that, window AC units are less expensive to purchase. They are often a good fit for homes that can't accommodate a central Air conditioning system or for people with budget constraints. Despite 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 focus is energy efficiency and performance, a mini-split is considered far superior to a portable AC unit. However, if budget is a major concern, a portable AC costs less.
Mini-Split vs. Gas Furnace
The choice between a mini-split system and a gas furnace depends on an assortment of factors including the climate in your city, home size, energy efficiency preferences and how much you plan on spending.
A mini-split system typically is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool targeted areas inside of your home, supplying custom climate control in individual rooms. Mini-splits also are normally quieter and have a greater up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually smaller due to their superior energy efficiency.
On the other hand, a gas furnace can be a very effective heating solution, particularly in colder climates where mini-split heat pumps may fail to maintain comfort levels in the bitter cold. While they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces typically 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 air ducts can use more power. This difference aside, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often relies on a homeowner's needs and circumstances.
By way of example, if you are living in a warmer climate and primarily need cooling, a mini-split system might be a better choice. However, if you want 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
When it comes to heating and cooling a household, mini-splits and space heaters each have advantages. However, for total efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits outperform space heaters. Mini-splits provide superior energy efficiency because they deliver conditioned air directly to different zones and can serve multiple rooms at once.
Space heaters are a great deal less expensive to buy but are typically recommended for heating a confined area or an individual room. They also can be less energy efficient. As opposed to mini-splits, space heaters do not supply cooling. The greatest drawback for space heaters is the danger of fire. Experts say some 1,700 fires each year involve space heaters.