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

When shopping for a heating and cooling system for your dwelling, it’s critical to choose one that balances efficiency, functionality and the impact on your wallet. That’s why many property owners use mini-splits to heat and cool their home.

Mini-splits—often known as ductless mini-splits—provide many advantages that make them an attractive choice for both homes and businesses. They're highly energy efficient, lowering energy consumption and saving on utility expenses, because they don't have the energy losses that can come with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also permit users to control the temperature in each room, improving overall comfort while saving energy.

If you’re interested in mini-split installation in Marshalltown, it’s worthwhile to first determine if these devices are the best fit for your living situation. Here, we’ll examine 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 mechanism that does not use ductwork. It's often used in homes that don't have pre-existing air ducts and for homes with rooms that aren’t served well by the home's existing HVAC system.

A mini-split system has two primary components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. They are linked 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 device draws in air from the room, cools or heats it over the coils and forces the conditioned air back into the room.

Mini-Split vs. Central Air

Mini-splits offer targeted cooling in particular rooms or zones of your home. They are outstanding for energy efficiency because they only condition the areas you desire. However, they may not blend seamlessly into every area because of their wall-mounted indoor units.

Conversely, a central air system uniformly cools your entire home, producing consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is out of sight, preserving the interior design of your home. On the other hand, it will likely 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 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 flexible choice for countless homeowners. They also utilize a kind of refrigerant that is more environment-friendly, decreasing their environmental impact. These devices can even add value to your home due to their sturdy nature and superior cooling capabilities. However, they come with a greater initial investment.

On the other hand, window air conditioning units are less expensive up front. They may be 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 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, is dependent on your goals. If your main considerations are energy efficiency and performance, a mini-split is considered far superior to a portable AC unit. However, if budget 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 most of the time is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool targeted areas inside of your home, supplying custom climate control in targeted rooms. Mini-splits also are generally quieter and have a higher up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually smaller due to their better energy efficiency.

However, a gas furnace can be a highly effective heating source, 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 likely cost less. However, their operating costs can be greater, especially if natural gas prices rise.

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 duct system can cause more energy usage. That said, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often relies on a homeowner's needs and circumstances.

For instance, if you are living in a warmer climate and mostly need cooling, a mini-split system might be a better choice. On the other hand, if you want both heating and cooling and already have ductwork in place, a heat pump may be a more efficient option.

Mini-Split vs. Space Heater

When it comes to heating and cooling a residence, mini-splits and space heaters each have advantages. However, for all around efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits stand out. Mini-splits have superior energy efficiency because they deliver conditioned air right to different zones and can serve multiple rooms at once.

Space heaters are much less expensive to buy but are typically used only for heating a limited area or just one room. They also can be less energy efficient. In contrast 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 each year involve space heaters.