Comparing Mini-Splits vs. Other Home Comfort Systems

When searching for a heating and cooling system for your dwelling, it’s crucial to choose one that balances efficiency, operation and finances. That’s why many homeowners use mini-splits for comfort in their home.

Mini-splits—often known as ductless mini-splits—have many advantages that make them an attractive choice for both homes and businesses. They're highly energy efficient, lowering energy consumption and saving on utility expenses, because they eliminate the energy losses associated with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also make it possible for users to customize the temperature in each room, improving overall comfort while saving energy.

If you’re interested in mini-split installation in Columbus, it’s worthwhile to first research if these devices are recommended for your living situation. Here, we’ll explore 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 device that does not use ductwork. It's often used in homes that don't have any 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. 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 outside compressor moves the refrigerant necessary for heat exchange through the coils and the air handler. The interior unit pulls in air from the room, cools or heats it over the coils and forces the conditioned air back into the room.

Mini-Split vs. Central Air

Mini-splits are good for targeted cooling in particular rooms or zones of your home. They are outstanding for energy efficiency because they only provide hot or cold air for the areas you choose. However, they might not 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 hidden away, preserving the appearance of your home. However, it may not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in larger homes or residences where certain spaces may not need continuous 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 capable of cooling multiple rooms. This is why mini-splits are a versatile choice for lots of homeowners. They also operate using a type of refrigerant that is more eco-friendly, reducing their environmental impact. These devices 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 up front. They may be a good fit for homes that can't accommodate a central air system or for homeowners with budget constraints. Despite 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 main concerns. If your main focus is energy efficiency and cooling capability, a mini-split is much more effective than a portable AC unit. However, if finances is a significant concern, a portable AC has a lower initial investment.

Mini-Split vs. Gas Furnace

Deciding 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 desires and how much you plan on spending.

A mini-split system typically is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool defined 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 less due to their superior 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. While they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces ordinarily cost less. But, their operating costs can be higher, especially if natural gas prices increase.

Mini-Split vs. Heat Pump

Mini-splits and heat pumps function with the concept of heat transfer. They are both energy efficient, but a heat pump's ductwork can be less efficient. However, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often depends on a homeowner's needs and circumstances.

By way of example, if you live in a warmer climate and mostly need cooling, a mini-split system might be a better choice. However, if you need both heating and cooling and already have ductwork in your home, a heat pump might be a more efficient option.

Mini-Split vs. Space Heater

With 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 supply superior energy efficiency simply because they deliver conditioned air directly to different zones and can serve several rooms at once.

Space heaters are much less expensive to buy but are typically used only for heating a confined area or just one room. They also are often less energy efficient. Unlike mini-splits, space heaters do not deliver cooling. The biggest drawback for space heaters is the danger of fire. Experts say some 1,700 fires annually involve space heaters.