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 homeowners use mini-splits for climate control in their home.
Mini-splits—often called ductless mini-splits—provide several advantages that make them an appealing solution for both homes and businesses. They're highly energy efficient, reducing energy consumption and saving on utility costs, because they avoid the energy losses that can come with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also enable users to control the temperature in each room, boosting overall comfort while saving energy.
If you’re thinking about mini-split installation in Ames, it’s worthwhile to first find out if these devices are the best fit for your living situation. Here, we’ll investigate how mini-splits stack up against other heating and cooling systems.
What a Mini-Split Is and How It Works
A mini-split, or ductless mini-split, is a heating and cooling device that doesn't need ductwork to function. 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 consists of two main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling device. 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 through the coils and the air handler. The in-house 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 offer targeted cooling in particular rooms or zones of your home. They are known for energy efficiency because they only heat or cool the areas you desire. However, they might not blend seamlessly into every location because of their wall-mounted indoor units.
Conversely, a central air system uniformly cools your entire home, producing consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is tucked away in a mechanical room or closet, preserving the aesthetics of your home. On the other hand, it will likely not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in quite sizeable homes or residences where certain spots may not need nonstop conditioning.
Mini-Split vs. Window AC/Window Unit
Mini-splits are often 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 countless homeowners. They also operate using a type of refrigerant that is more eco-friendly, decreasing their environmental impact. These devices can even add value to your home due to their durable nature and exceptional cooling capabilities. However, they come with a greater purchase price.
On the other hand, window air conditioning units are less expensive initially. They may be a good fit for homes that can't accommodate a central AC system or for families with budget constraints. In spite of 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, is dependent on your main concerns. 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 funding is a major 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 which can include the climate in your city, home size, energy efficiency preferences 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 inside of your home, delivering custom climate control in individual rooms. Mini-splits also are generally quieter and have a larger up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually less due to their superior energy efficiency.
Alternatively, a gas furnace can be a very effective heating source, particularly in colder climates where mini-split heat pumps may struggle to maintain comfort levels in the bitter cold. Although they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces typically cost less. But, 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 concept of heat transfer. They are both energy efficient, but a heat pump's air ducts can be less efficient. However, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often relies on individual needs and circumstances.
By way of example, if you live in a warmer climate and mainly need cooling, a mini-split system might be a good choice. But then again, if you require both heating and cooling and already have ductwork installed in your residence, a heat pump may 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 merits. However, for total efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits come out on top. Mini-splits supply superior energy efficiency simply because 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 used only for heating a confined area or just one room. They also can be less energy efficient. Unlike mini-splits, space heaters do not supply cooling. The most significant drawback for space heaters is the danger of fire. Experts say some 1,700 fires annually involve space heaters.