When searching for a heating and cooling system for your home, it’s essential to choose one that balances efficiency, functionality and the impact on your wallet. That’s why many families use mini-splits for climate control in their home.
Mini-splits—often referred to as ductless mini-splits—provide several advantages that make them an appealing option for both homes and businesses. They're highly energy efficient, lowering energy consumption and saving on utility expenses, 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 not wasting energy.
If you’re contemplating mini-split installation in Bend, it’s important to first find out if these devices are the right solution 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 system that does not use ductwork. It's a popular choice in homes that don't have any air ducts and for homes with rooms that aren’t served well by an existing HVAC system.
A mini-split system has two main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling device. They are linked by a conduit carrying 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 indoor component 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 particular rooms or zones of your home. They are known for energy efficiency because they only condition the areas you desire. However, they sometimes don't blend seamlessly into every decor because of their wall-mounted indoor units.
On the contrary, a central air system uniformly cools your entire home, keeping consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is hidden away, preserving the aesthetics of your home. On the other hand, it may not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in quite sizeable homes or residences where certain spaces may not need constant conditioning.
Mini-Split vs. Window AC/Window Unit
Mini-splits are typically more energy efficient and not as loud as a window air conditioning unit and are able to cool multiple rooms. This is why mini-splits are a flexible alternative for lots of homeowners. They also operate using a form of refrigerant that is more earth-safe, decreasing their environmental impact. These devices can even add value to your home due to their reliable nature and superior cooling capabilities. However, they come with a greater initial investment.
On the contrary, window air conditioning units are less expensive up front. They may be a good fit for homes that can't accommodate a central air system or for homeowners with budget constraints. In spite of these advantages, window units can consume 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 worries are energy efficiency and cooling capability, a mini-split is heads and shoulders better than a portable AC unit. However, if funding is a significant 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 range of factors including 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 distinct areas within your home, supplying custom climate control in individual rooms. Mini-splits also are normally quieter and have a larger up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually smaller due to their better energy efficiency.
On the other hand, 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. Although they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces likely cost less. However, 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 use more power. That said, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often depends on a homeowner's needs and circumstances.
For example, if you live in a warmer climate and mainly need cooling, a mini-split system might be a more effective choice. However, if you require both heating and cooling and already have ductwork in your home, a heat pump may be a more efficient option.
Mini-Split vs. Space Heater
In regards to heating and cooling a household, mini-splits and space heaters each have merits. However, for overall efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits outperform space heaters. Mini-splits have superior energy efficiency simply because they deliver conditioned air directly to different zones and can serve numerous rooms at once.
Space heaters are much less expensive to buy but are typically reserved for heating a small area or just one room. They also can be less energy efficient. Unlike mini-splits, space heaters do not deliver cooling. The greatest drawback for space heaters is the risk of fire. Authorities say some 1,700 fires each year involve space heaters.