When searching for a heating and cooling system for your home, it’s essential to choose one that balances efficiency, functionality and budget. That’s why many homeowners explore the possibility of mini-splits to heat and cool 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 extremely energy efficient, lowering 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 control the temperature in each room, improving overall comfort while not wasting energy.
If you’re contemplating mini-split installation in Menomonie and western Wisconsin, it’s necessary to first find out if these devices are recommended 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 device that does not use ductwork. It's often used in homes that don't have existing air ducts and for homes with rooms that aren’t served well by the home's existing HVAC system.
A mini-split system has two main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling component. These are connected by a conduit carrying the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and a condensate drain.
Here's how it works: the outside compressor moves the refrigerant necessary for heat exchange within the coils and the air handler. The in-house component 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 provide targeted cooling in particular rooms or zones of your household. They are excellent for energy efficiency because they only heat or cool the areas you desire. However, they might not blend seamlessly into every area due to the fact they have wall-mounted indoor units.
Conversely, a central air system uniformly cools your entire home, keeping consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is hidden away, preserving the appearance of your home. But it might not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in bigger homes or residences where certain rooms may not need constant conditioning.
Mini-Split vs. Window AC/Window Unit
Mini-splits are often more energy efficient and quieter than a window air conditioning unit and are able to cool multiple rooms. This is why mini-splits are a versatile option for countless homeowners. They also operate using a form of refrigerant that is more earth-safe, decreasing their environmental impact. These units can even add value to your home due to their durable nature and superior cooling capabilities. However, they come with a larger purchase price.
On the contrary, window air conditioning units are less expensive up front. They may 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, will depend on on your priorities. If your main considerations are energy efficiency and cooling capability, a mini-split is heads and shoulders better than a portable AC unit. However, if budget is a key concern, a portable AC is less expensive.
Mini-Split vs. Gas Furnace
The choice 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 desires and spending plan.
A mini-split system typically is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool targeted areas in your home, providing custom climate control in individual rooms. Mini-splits also are normally quieter and have a higher up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually lower due to their better energy efficiency.
On the other hand, a gas furnace can be a very effective heating remedy, 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 likely are not as expensive. Having said that, their operating costs can be greater, 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 cause more energy usage. That said, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often is based on on individual needs and circumstances.
For example, if you are living in a warmer climate and mostly need cooling, a mini-split system might be a better choice. However, if you require both heating and cooling and already have ductwork installed in your residence, a heat pump might 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 simply because they deliver conditioned air straight to different zones and can serve multiple rooms at once.
Space heaters are far less expensive to buy but are typically recommended for heating a limited area or a single room. They also are often less energy efficient. In contrast to mini-splits, space heaters do not supply cooling. The biggest drawback for space heaters is the danger of fire. Industry experts say some 1,700 fires annually involve space heaters.
