When searching for a heating and cooling system for your dwelling, it’s crucial to choose one that balances efficiency, functionality and the impact on your wallet. That’s why many property owners explore the possibility of mini-splits to heat and cool their home.
Mini-splits—often known as ductless mini-splits—offer a variety of advantages that make them an appealing solution for both homes and businesses. They're highly energy efficient, lowering energy consumption and saving on utility costs, because they eliminate the energy losses that can come with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also allow users to tailor the temperature in each room, enhancing overall comfort while not wasting energy.
If you’re thinking about mini-split installation in Phoenix, it’s important to first research 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 does not use ductwork. 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 primary components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling device. These are attached 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 through the coils and the air handler. The in-house device brings 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 residence. They are excellent for energy efficiency because they only condition the areas you desire. However, they may not blend seamlessly into every area due to their wall-mounted indoor units.
On the contrary, 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 appearance of your home. But it may not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in bigger homes or residences where certain spaces may not need constant 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 able to cool multiple rooms. This is why mini-splits are a versatile option for numerous homeowners. They also use a type of refrigerant that is more environment-friendly, limiting their environmental impact. These devices can even add value to your home due to their reliable nature and exceptional cooling capabilities. However, they come with a larger up-front cost.
On the contrary, window air conditioning units are less expensive to purchase. They are often a good fit for homes that can't accommodate a central Air conditioning system or for families with budget constraints. Despite these advantages, window units can utilize up to 40% more energy than ductless mini-split systems and are often noisier.
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 heads and shoulders better than a portable AC unit. However, if funding is a key concern, a portable AC is less expensive.
Mini-Split vs. Gas Furnace
Choosing 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 spending plan.
A mini-split system typically is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool defined areas inside of your home, providing custom climate control in targeted rooms. Mini-splits also are for the most part quieter and have a greater up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually smaller due to their superior energy efficiency.
However, a gas furnace can be an extremely effective heating remedy, 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 likely cost less. But, their operating costs can be higher, especially if natural gas prices skyrocket.
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 use more power. This difference aside, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often relies on individual needs and circumstances.
By way of example, if you are living in a warmer climate and mainly need cooling, a mini-split system might be a better choice. But then again, 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
When it comes to heating and cooling a home, mini-splits and space heaters each have advantages. However, for total efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits stand out. Mini-splits provide superior energy efficiency because they deliver conditioned air directly to different zones and can serve multiple rooms at once.
Space heaters are a great deal less expensive to buy but are typically recommended for heating a confined area or just one room. They also are often less energy efficient. As opposed to mini-splits, space heaters do not deliver cooling. The most significant drawback for space heaters is the risk of fire. Authorities say some 1,700 fires per year involve space heaters.
