When searching for a heating and cooling system for your home, it’s crucial to choose one that balances efficiency, performance and the impact on your wallet. That’s why many families look to mini-splits to heat and cool their home.
Mini-splits—often referred to as ductless mini-splits—have a variety of advantages that make them a popular choice for both homes and businesses. They're highly energy efficient, lowering energy consumption and saving on utility expenses, because they avoid the energy losses that can come with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also make it possible for users to tailor the temperature in each room, improving overall comfort while not wasting energy.
If you’re contemplating mini-split installation in Siloam Springs, it’s necessary to first determine if these devices are the best fit for your living situation. Here, we’ll investigate how mini-splits compare to other heating and cooling methods.
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 existing air ducts and for homes with rooms that aren’t served well by the home's existing HVAC system.
A mini-split system is made of two main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling component. These are attached by a conduit housing the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and a condensate drain.
Here's how it works: the exterior compressor moves the refrigerant necessary for heat exchange throughout the coils and the air handler. The indoor 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 provide targeted cooling in specific rooms or zones of your home. They are outstanding for energy efficiency because they only heat or cool the areas you want. 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 conditions 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. But 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 less noisy than a window air conditioning unit and are useful for cooling air in multiple rooms. This is why mini-splits are a convenient alternative for many homeowners. They also use a form of refrigerant that is more earth-safe, limiting their environmental impact. These systems can even add value to your home due to their durable nature and superior cooling capabilities. However, they come with a higher purchase price.
Having said that, window air conditioners are less expensive initially. They might be a good fit for homes that cannot accommodate a central Air conditioning system or for families with budget constraints. Even with 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 goals. If your main focus is energy efficiency and ability to quickly cool a room, a mini-split is heads and shoulders better than a portable AC unit. However, if funding is a major concern, a portable AC has a lower initial investment.
Mini-Split vs. Gas Furnace
Choosing 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 spending plan.
A mini-split system usually 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 generally quieter and have a higher up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually lower due to their superior energy efficiency.
However, a gas furnace can be a very effective heating source, particularly in colder climates where mini-split heat pumps may not be able 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. However, 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 principle of heat transfer. They are both energy efficient, but a heat pump's air ducts can be less efficient. This difference aside, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often is based on on a family's needs and circumstances.
For instance, if you live in a warmer climate and mainly need cooling, a mini-split system might be a more effective choice. But then again, if you need both heating and cooling and already have ductwork in place, a heat pump could be a more efficient option.
Mini-Split vs. Space Heater
When it comes to heating and cooling a home, 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 supply superior energy efficiency simply because they deliver conditioned air straight to different zones and can serve numerous rooms at once.
Space heaters are much less expensive to buy but are typically reserved for heating a confined area or an individual room. They also are usually less energy efficient. Unlike mini-splits, space heaters do not supply cooling. The greatest drawback for space heaters is the danger of fire. Industry experts say some 1,700 fires per year involve space heaters.
