When looking for a heating and cooling system for your residence, it’s essential to choose one that balances efficiency, operation and finances. That’s why many families look to mini-splits to heat and cool 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 expenses, because they avoid the energy losses associated with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also enable users to tailor the temperature in each room, enhancing overall comfort while conserving energy.
If you’re contemplating mini-split installation in Wilmington, it’s worthwhile to first determine if these devices are the right solution 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 has no ductwork. It's a popular choice 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 major components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling component. The two are attached 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 unit pulls 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 provide targeted cooling in particular rooms or zones of your home. They are excellent for energy efficiency because they only provide hot or cold air for the areas you desire. However, they sometimes don't blend seamlessly into every decor due to their wall-mounted indoor units.
Conversely, a central air system uniformly conditions your entire home, generating consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is out of sight, preserving the aesthetics of your home. But it may not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in larger homes or residences where certain spaces may not need nonstop conditioning.
Mini-Split vs. Window AC/Window Unit
Mini-splits are typically more energy efficient and not as loud as a window air conditioning unit and are capable of cooling multiple rooms. This is why mini-splits are a flexible option for many homeowners. They also operate using a type of refrigerant that is more eco-friendly, decreasing their environmental impact. These systems can even add value to your home due to their sturdy nature and superior cooling capabilities. However, they come with a greater purchase price.
On the other hand, window air conditioning units are less expensive initially. They might be a good fit for homes that are not able to accommodate a central air system or for families with budget constraints. Despite these advantages, window units can consume 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 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 funding is a key 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 a range of factors such as 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 targeted rooms. Mini-splits also are normally quieter and have a higher up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually less due to their greater energy efficiency.
On the other hand, 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 typically cost less. Having said that, their operating costs can be higher, especially if natural gas prices rise.
Mini-Split vs. Heat Pump
Mini-splits and heat pumps function with the process of heat transfer. They are both energy efficient, but a heat pump's air ducts can cause more energy usage. That said, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often depends on a family's needs and circumstances.
By way of example, if you reside in a warmer climate and mainly need cooling, a mini-split system might be a more effective choice. But then again, if you want both heating and cooling and already have ductwork in place, a heat pump might 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 provide superior energy efficiency 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 used only for heating a limited area or an individual room. They also are often less energy efficient. In contrast to mini-splits, space heaters do not deliver cooling. The greatest drawback for space heaters is the danger of fire. Experts say some 1,700 fires annually involve space heaters.