Comparing Mini-Splits vs. Other Home Comfort Systems

When looking for a heating and cooling system for your home, it’s critical to choose one that balances efficiency, performance and budget. That’s why many property owners explore the possibility of mini-splits for climate control in their home.

Mini-splits—often called ductless mini-splits—offer several advantages that make them an appealing option for both homes and businesses. They're extremely energy efficient, reducing energy consumption and saving on utility expenses, because they avoid the energy losses affiliated with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also make it possible for users to customize the temperature in each room, enhancing overall comfort while conserving energy.

If you’re thinking about mini-split installation in Carpentersville, it’s important to first determine if these devices are the right solution for your living situation. Here, we’ll examine how mini-splits stack up against 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 device that does not use 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 home's existing HVAC system.

A mini-split system consists of two major components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling device. They 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 through the coils and the air handler. The indoor component draws 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 are good for targeted cooling in specific rooms or zones of your residence. They are excellent for energy efficiency because they only heat or cool the areas you desire. However, they sometimes don't blend seamlessly into every decor because of their wall-mounted indoor units.

Conversely, 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 appearance of your home. However, it might 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 usually 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 convenient alternative for many homeowners. They also operate using a type of refrigerant that is more earth-safe, reducing their environmental impact. These systems can even add value to your home due to their reliable nature and remarkable cooling capabilities. However, they come with a greater up-front cost.

Having said that, window air conditioners are less expensive up front. They might be a good fit for homes that can't accommodate a central Air conditioning system or for homeowners with budget constraints. Even with 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 focus is energy efficiency and cooling capability, a mini-split is heads and shoulders better than a portable AC unit. However, if budget is a key concern, a portable AC is less expensive.

Mini-Split vs. Gas Furnace

Deciding between a mini-split system and a gas furnace depends on a variety of factors including the climate in your city, home size, energy efficiency needs and spending plan.

A mini-split system usually is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool targeted areas in your home, providing custom climate control in targeted rooms. Mini-splits also are for the most part quieter and have a larger up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually less 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 struggle 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 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 use more power. That said, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often relies on individual needs and circumstances.

For example, if you live in a warmer climate and mostly 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 installed in your residence, a heat pump could be a more efficient option.

Mini-Split vs. Space Heater

In regards to heating and cooling a residence, mini-splits and space heaters each have strengths and weaknesses. However, for all around efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits stand out. Mini-splits supply superior energy efficiency simply because they deliver conditioned air directly 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 confined 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 danger of fire. Experts say some 1,700 fires each year involve space heaters.