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

When searching for a heating and cooling system for your residence, it’s crucial to choose one that balances efficiency, operation and budget. That’s why many families look to mini-splits for climate control in their home.

Mini-splits—often called ductless mini-splits—have a variety of advantages that make them a popular option for both homes and businesses. They're very energy efficient, reducing energy consumption and saving on utility bills, because they don't have the energy losses affiliated with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also make it possible for users to tailor the temperature in each room, boosting overall comfort while conserving energy.

If you’re contemplating mini-split installation in Northridge, it’s necessary to first determine if these devices are the right solution for your living situation. Here, we’ll explore how mini-splits compare to 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 device that has no ductwork. It's a good option in homes that don't have pre-existing air ducts and for homes with rooms that aren’t served well by an existing HVAC system.

A mini-split system has two primary components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. The two are attached by a conduit containing the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and a condensate drain.

Here's how it works: the exterior compressor moves the refrigerant necessary for heat exchange throughout the coils and the air handler. The indoor component pulls 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 provide targeted cooling in specific rooms or zones of your home. They are excellent for energy efficiency because they only heat or cool 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 other hand, a central air system uniformly conditions your entire home, generating consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is hidden away, preserving the interior design of your home. But it may not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in bigger homes or residences where certain spots may not need constant 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 capable of cooling multiple rooms. This is why mini-splits are a versatile choice for lots of homeowners. They also operate using a form of refrigerant that is more earth-safe, limiting their environmental impact. These units can even add value to your home due to their long-lasting nature and superior cooling capabilities. However, they come with a greater initial investment.

On the other hand, window air conditioning units are less expensive to purchase. They are often a good fit for homes that cannot accommodate a central Air conditioning 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 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, will depend on on your main concerns. If your main considerations are energy efficiency and cooling capability, a mini-split is considered far superior to a portable AC unit. However, if funding is a significant concern, a portable AC costs less.

Mini-Split vs. Gas Furnace

Deciding between a mini-split system and a gas furnace depends on an assortment of factors which can include the climate in your city, home size, energy efficiency desires and how much you plan on spending.

A mini-split system usually is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool targeted areas within your home, providing custom climate control in individual rooms. Mini-splits also are normally quieter and have a greater up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually less due to their better energy efficiency.

Alternatively, a gas furnace can be a very effective heating source, particularly in colder climates where mini-split heat pumps may not be able to maintain comfort levels in the bitter cold. While they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces ordinarily have lower initial costs. However, their operating costs can be greater, especially if natural gas prices skyrocket.

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. That said, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often is based on 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 good choice. On the other hand, 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

With regards to heating and cooling a residence, mini-splits and space heaters each have advantages. However, for total efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits stand out. Mini-splits provide superior energy efficiency due to the fact they deliver conditioned air straight to different zones and can serve numerous rooms at once.

Space heaters are far less expensive to buy but are typically reserved for heating a limited area or a single room. They also are often less energy efficient. In contrast to mini-splits, space heaters do not deliver cooling. The most significant drawback for space heaters is the danger of fire. Authorities say some 1,700 fires per year involve space heaters.