When shopping for a heating and cooling system for your dwelling, it’s critical to choose one that balances efficiency, operation and the impact on your wallet. That’s why many homeowners look to mini-splits for climate control in their home.
Mini-splits—often called ductless mini-splits—have several advantages that make them an attractive choice for both homes and businesses. They're very energy efficient, reducing 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 tailor the temperature in each room, enhancing overall comfort while saving energy.
If you’re interested in mini-split installation in Bartlesville, it’s worthwhile to first research if these devices are recommended 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 device that does not use ductwork. It's a popular choice in homes that don't have pre-existing air ducts and for homes with rooms that aren’t served well by the residence's existing HVAC system.
A mini-split system has two primary components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. They are linked 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 within the coils and the air handler. The interior device brings 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 offer targeted cooling in particular rooms or zones of your residence. They are outstanding for energy efficiency because they only provide hot or cold air for the areas you want. However, they sometimes don't blend seamlessly into every location because of their wall-mounted indoor units.
On the contrary, a central air system uniformly chills your entire home, generating consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is out of sight, 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 rooms may not need constant conditioning.
Mini-Split vs. Window AC/Window Unit
Mini-splits are typically more energy efficient and quieter than a window air conditioning unit and are capable of cooling multiple rooms. This is why mini-splits are a flexible option for countless homeowners. They also operate using a form of refrigerant that is more eco-friendly, reducing their environmental impact. These units can even add value to your home due to their durable nature and remarkable cooling capabilities. However, they come with a higher initial investment.
On the other hand, window air conditioning units are less expensive up front. They might be a good fit for homes that cannot accommodate a central AC 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 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 cooling capability, a mini-split is heads and shoulders better than a portable AC unit. However, if funding 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 an assortment of factors such as the climate in your city, home size, energy efficiency desires and budget.
A mini-split system usually is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool defined areas within your home, supplying custom climate control in targeted rooms. Mini-splits also are generally quieter and have a greater up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually lower due to their improved energy efficiency.
Alternatively, 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. Although they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces ordinarily have lower initial costs. Having said that, their operating costs can be higher, especially if natural gas prices increase.
Mini-Split vs. Heat Pump
Mini-splits and heat pumps operate using the principle of heat transfer. They are both energy efficient, but a heat pump's air ducts can cause more energy usage. However, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often is based on on individual needs and circumstances.
For instance, if you live in a warmer climate and mostly need cooling, a mini-split system might be a more effective choice. On the other hand, if you need both heating and cooling and already have ductwork in place, a heat pump may 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 advantages. However, for all around efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits come out on top. Mini-splits provide superior energy efficiency simply 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 limited area or a single room. They also are often less energy efficient. Unlike mini-splits, space heaters do not deliver cooling. The most significant drawback for space heaters is the chance of fire. Experts say some 1,700 fires each year involve space heaters.