When looking for a heating and cooling system for your residence, it’s essential to choose one that balances efficiency, performance and finances. That’s why many property owners use mini-splits for climate control in their home.
Mini-splits—often called ductless mini-splits—have a variety of advantages that make them an appealing solution for both homes and businesses. They're very energy efficient, reducing energy consumption and saving on utility bills, because they eliminate the energy losses affiliated with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also permit users to customize the temperature in each room, boosting overall comfort while not wasting energy.
If you’re interested in mini-split installation in Siloam Springs, it’s important to first research if these devices are the best fit for your living situation. Here, we’ll explore how mini-splits measure up 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 a popular choice 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 has two major components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. 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 exterior compressor moves the refrigerant necessary for heat exchange throughout the coils and the air handler. The in-house device draws in air from the room, cools or heats it over the coils and pushes the conditioned air back into the room.
Mini-Split vs. Central Air
Mini-splits are good for targeted cooling in certain rooms or zones of your home. They are outstanding for energy efficiency because they only condition the areas you choose. However, they might not blend seamlessly into every area due to their wall-mounted indoor units.
On the contrary, a central air system uniformly cools your entire home, generating consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is tucked away in a mechanical room or closet, preserving the appearance of your home. But it may not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in quite sizeable homes or residences where certain spaces may not need nonstop conditioning.
Mini-Split vs. Window AC/Window Unit
Mini-splits are usually 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 numerous homeowners. They also operate using a form of refrigerant that is more earth-safe, decreasing their environmental impact. These systems can even add value to your home due to their long-lasting nature and exceptional cooling capabilities. However, they come with a larger initial investment.
Having said that, window air conditioning units are less expensive to purchase. They are often a good fit for homes that are not able to accommodate a central AC system or for people with budget constraints. Even with these advantages, window units can utilize up to 40% more energy than ductless mini-split systems and are often noisier.
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 focus is energy efficiency and performance, a mini-split is heads and shoulders better than a portable AC unit. However, if budget is a major concern, a portable AC has a lower initial investment.
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 desires and spending plan.
A mini-split system most of the time is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool defined 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 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 fail to maintain comfort levels in the bitter cold. Even though they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces likely have lower initial costs. But, their operating costs can be higher, especially if natural gas prices skyrocket.
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 ductwork can use more power. This difference aside, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often is based on on individual needs and circumstances.
By way of example, if you reside in a warmer climate and mostly need cooling, a mini-split system might be a more effective choice. However, if you require both heating and cooling and already have ductwork in your home, a heat pump could be a more efficient option.
Mini-Split vs. Space Heater
With regards to heating and cooling a household, mini-splits and space heaters each have merits. However, for overall efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits come out on top. Mini-splits provide superior energy efficiency due to the fact they deliver conditioned air right 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 small area or just one room. They also can be less energy efficient. As opposed to mini-splits, space heaters do not supply cooling. The biggest drawback for space heaters is the chance of fire. Industry experts say some 1,700 fires per year involve space heaters.
