When shopping for a heating and cooling system for your dwelling, it’s critical to choose one that balances efficiency, functionality and the impact on your wallet. That’s why many families use mini-splits to heat and cool their home.
Mini-splits—often called ductless mini-splits—provide many advantages that make them a popular choice for both homes and businesses. They're extremely energy efficient, reducing energy consumption and saving on utility bills, because they don't have the energy losses that can come with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also make it possible for users to customize the temperature in each room, enhancing overall comfort while not wasting energy.
If you’re contemplating mini-split installation in Wilmington, it’s important to first find out if these devices are recommended for your living situation. Here, we’ll examine how mini-splits stack up against 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 doesn't need ductwork to function. It's a good option 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 consists of two main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. They are connected by a conduit housing the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and a condensate drain.
Here's how it works: the outdoor compressor distributes the refrigerant necessary for heat exchange throughout the coils and the air handler. The interior device 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 particular rooms or zones of your household. They are known for energy efficiency because they only provide hot or cold air for the areas you choose. However, they sometimes don't blend seamlessly into every decor due to their wall-mounted indoor units.
Conversely, a central air system uniformly cools your entire home, producing consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is hidden away, preserving the aesthetics of your home. But it might not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in quite sizeable homes or residences where certain spots may not need continuous conditioning.
Mini-Split vs. Window AC/Window Unit
Mini-splits are usually 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 versatile alternative for numerous homeowners. They also use a form of refrigerant that is more environment-friendly, decreasing their environmental impact. These units can even add value to your home due to their sturdy nature and superior cooling capabilities. However, they come with a greater purchase price.
Having said that, window air conditioning units are less expensive to purchase. They are often a good fit for homes that cannot accommodate a central air system or for people with budget constraints. Despite these advantages, window units can use up to 40% more energy than ductless mini-split systems and often are louder.
Mini-Split vs. Portable AC
The answer to what is better, a ductless mini-split or a portable air conditioning unit, depends on your priorities. If your main focus is energy efficiency and ability to quickly cool a room, a mini-split is much more effective than a portable AC unit. However, if budget is a significant 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 variety of factors including the climate in your city, home size, energy efficiency preferences and how much you plan on spending.
A mini-split system most of the time is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool defined areas in your home, providing custom climate control in targeted rooms. Mini-splits also are generally quieter and have a higher up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually lower due to their better energy efficiency.
However, a gas furnace can be a very 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 are not as expensive. Having said that, their operating costs can be more costly, especially if natural gas prices increase.
Mini-Split vs. Heat Pump
Mini-splits and heat pumps function with the principle of heat transfer. They are both energy efficient, but a heat pump's duct system can be less efficient. However, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often is based on on a homeowner's needs and circumstances.
For example, if you are living in a warmer climate and mostly need cooling, a mini-split system might be a good choice. On the other hand, if you want both heating and cooling and already have ductwork in place, a heat pump could be a more efficient option.
Mini-Split vs. Space Heater
With regards to heating and cooling a home, mini-splits and space heaters each have merits. However, for total efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits outperform space heaters. Mini-splits have superior energy efficiency because they deliver conditioned air straight to different zones and can serve several rooms at once.
Space heaters are much less expensive to buy but are typically reserved for heating a limited area or just one room. They also can be less energy efficient. As opposed to mini-splits, space heaters do not provide cooling. The most significant drawback for space heaters is the danger of fire. Experts say some 1,700 fires each year involve space heaters.