When shopping for a heating and cooling system for your dwelling, it’s crucial to choose one that balances efficiency, functionality and budget. That’s why many property owners look to mini-splits for climate control in their home.
Mini-splits—often referred to as ductless mini-splits—have a variety of advantages that make them an appealing solution for both homes and businesses. They're very energy efficient, decreasing energy consumption and saving on utility bills, because they eliminate the energy losses affiliated with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also permit users to control the temperature in each room, boosting overall comfort while saving energy.
If you’re considering mini-split installation in Des Moines, it’s worthwhile to first find out if these devices are the right solution for your living situation. Here, we’ll examine how mini-splits compare 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 mechanism that has no ductwork. It's often used in homes that don't have existing air ducts and for homes with rooms that aren’t served well by the residence's existing HVAC system.
A mini-split system has two major components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. 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 outdoor compressor circulates 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 are good for targeted cooling in specific rooms or zones of your household. They are known 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 location because of their wall-mounted indoor units.
Conversely, a central air system uniformly cools your entire home, generating consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is out of sight, preserving the appearance of your home. On the other hand, it might not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in quite sizeable homes or residences where certain areas may not need continuous 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 able to cool multiple rooms. This is why mini-splits are a convenient option for countless homeowners. They also use a form of refrigerant that is more earth-safe, limiting their environmental impact. These systems can even add value to your home due to their long-lasting nature and remarkable cooling capabilities. However, they come with a higher up-front cost.
On the other hand, window AC units are less expensive initially. They may be a good fit for homes that cannot 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 are often noisier.
Mini-Split vs. Portable AC
The answer to what is better, a ductless mini-split or a portable air conditioning unit, will depend on on your goals. If your main focus is energy efficiency and ability to quickly cool a room, a mini-split is heads and shoulders better than a portable AC unit. However, if funding 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 range of factors including the climate in your city, home size, energy efficiency needs 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, 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 improved energy efficiency.
However, a gas furnace can be a very effective heating remedy, particularly in colder climates where mini-split heat pumps may fail to maintain comfort levels in the bitter cold. Even though they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces likely have lower initial costs. But, 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 ductwork can cause more energy usage. This difference aside, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often is based on on a family's needs and circumstances.
For example, if you are living 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
With regards 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 provide superior energy efficiency due to the fact they deliver conditioned air straight to different zones and can serve multiple rooms at once.
Space heaters are much less expensive to buy but are typically reserved for heating a limited area or a single room. They also are usually less energy efficient. In contrast to mini-splits, space heaters do not supply cooling. The greatest drawback for space heaters is the risk of fire. Experts say some 1,700 fires per year involve space heaters.