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

When searching for a heating and cooling system for your residence, it’s essential 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 referred to as ductless mini-splits—have many advantages that make them an appealing option for both homes and businesses. They're highly energy efficient, decreasing energy consumption and saving on utility bills, because they eliminate the energy losses associated with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also allow users to tailor the temperature in each room, enhancing overall comfort while saving energy.

If you’re considering mini-split installation in Kankakee, 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 system that doesn't need ductwork to function. It's a popular choice 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 consists of two main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling device. These are connected by a conduit housing 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 within the coils and the air handler. The interior device 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 offer targeted cooling in particular rooms or zones of your household. They are known for energy efficiency because they only provide hot or cold air for the areas you choose. However, they sometimes don't blend seamlessly into every area due to the fact they have wall-mounted indoor units.

On the contrary, a central air system uniformly conditions your entire home, keeping consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is out of sight, preserving the interior design of your home. However, 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 usually 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 flexible alternative for many homeowners. They also use a form of refrigerant that is more environmentally safe, reducing their environmental impact. These units can even add value to your home due to their durable nature and remarkable cooling capabilities. However, they come with a higher up-front cost.

On the other hand, window air conditioning units are less expensive initially. They might be a good fit for homes that cannot accommodate a central Air conditioning system or for people with budget constraints. In spite of these advantages, window units can consume up to 40% more energy than ductless mini-split systems and typically make more noise.

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 considerations are energy efficiency and cooling capability, a mini-split is much more effective than a portable AC unit. However, if funding is a major 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 such as the climate in your city, home size, energy efficiency preferences and budget.

A mini-split system typically 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 normally quieter and have a higher up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually lower due to their greater energy efficiency.

However, a gas furnace can be a very effective heating remedy, particularly in colder climates where mini-split heat pumps may struggle to maintain comfort levels in the bitter cold. Although they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces likely cost less. Having said that, their operating costs can be higher, especially if natural gas prices jump up.

Mini-Split vs. Heat Pump

Mini-splits and heat pumps operate using the principle of heat transfer. They are both energy efficient, but a heat pump's ductwork can cause more energy usage. That said, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often relies on individual needs and circumstances.

Case in point, if you reside 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 in place, a heat pump could 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 advantages. However, for all around efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits come out on top. Mini-splits have 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 provide cooling. The biggest drawback for space heaters is the risk of fire. Authorities say some 1,700 fires each year involve space heaters.