What's Better? Mini-Splits vs. Other Home Comfort Systems

When shopping for a heating and cooling system for your residence, it’s critical to choose one that balances efficiency, operation and budget. That’s why many families look to mini-splits to heat and cool their home.

Mini-splits—often known as ductless mini-splits—have many advantages that make them a popular option for both homes and businesses. They're highly energy efficient, decreasing energy consumption and saving on utility expenses, because they eliminate the energy losses that can come with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also permit users to customize the temperature in each room, boosting overall comfort while saving energy.

If you’re thinking about mini-split installation in Lexington, it’s worthwhile to first research if these devices are the right solution for your living situation. Here, we’ll explore 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 system that has no ductwork. It's a popular choice in homes that don't have pre-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 main 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 exterior compressor circulates the refrigerant necessary for heat exchange within the coils and the air handler. The in-house component draws 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 certain rooms or zones of your home. They are known for energy efficiency because they only heat or cool the areas you desire. However, they may not blend seamlessly into every decor due to their wall-mounted indoor units.

On the contrary, a central air system uniformly conditions your entire home, keeping consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is tucked away in a mechanical room or closet, preserving the aesthetics 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 often 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 convenient alternative for lots of homeowners. They also operate using a kind of refrigerant that is more eco-friendly, reducing their environmental impact. These units 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 contrary, window air conditioning units are less expensive to purchase. They might be a good fit for homes that are not able to accommodate a central AC system or for families 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 considerations are energy efficiency and cooling capability, a mini-split is heads and shoulders better 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 which can include the climate in your city, home size, energy efficiency desires and budget.

A mini-split system usually is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool defined areas inside of your home, delivering custom climate control in specific rooms. Mini-splits also are generally quieter and have a higher up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually smaller due to their superior energy efficiency.

On the other hand, a gas furnace can be a very effective heating solution, particularly in colder climates where mini-split heat pumps may not be able 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 greater, especially if natural gas prices increase.

Mini-Split vs. Heat Pump

Mini-splits and heat pumps operate using the process of heat transfer. They are both energy efficient, but a heat pump's air ducts can cause more energy usage. However, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often is based on on individual needs and circumstances.

Case in point, if you are living in a warmer climate and mostly need cooling, a mini-split system might be a better choice. However, 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

When it comes to heating and cooling a residence, mini-splits and space heaters each have merits. However, for overall efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits outperform space heaters. Mini-splits supply superior energy efficiency due to the fact they deliver conditioned air directly to different zones and can serve numerous rooms at once.

Space heaters are far less expensive to buy but are typically recommended for heating a limited area or an individual room. They also are usually less energy efficient. In contrast to mini-splits, space heaters do not deliver cooling. The most significant drawback for space heaters is the danger of fire. Authorities say some 1,700 fires per year involve space heaters.