When looking for a heating and cooling system for your home, it’s essential to choose one that balances efficiency, operation and finances. That’s why many property owners use mini-splits for climate control in their home.
Mini-splits—often known as ductless mini-splits—provide many advantages that make them a popular option for both homes and businesses. They're extremely energy efficient, lowering energy consumption and saving on utility costs, because they eliminate the energy losses associated with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also enable users to control the temperature in each room, enhancing overall comfort while not wasting energy.
If you’re contemplating mini-split installation in Northridge, it’s important to first determine if these devices are the right solution for your living situation. Here, we’ll examine how mini-splits measure up to other heating and cooling devices and appliances.
What a Mini-Split Is and How It Works
A mini-split, or ductless mini-split, is a heating and cooling device that doesn't need ductwork to function. It's often used in homes that don't have existing air ducts and for homes with rooms that aren’t served well by an existing HVAC system.
A mini-split system is made of two major components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling component. The two are connected by a conduit housing the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and a condensate drain.
Here's how it works: the outside compressor moves the refrigerant necessary for heat exchange through the coils and the air handler. The in-house unit 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 household. They are excellent for energy efficiency because they only provide hot or cold air for the areas you desire. However, they might not blend seamlessly into every decor due to 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 out of sight, preserving the appearance of your home. However, it will likely not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in bigger homes or residences where certain areas may not need constant conditioning.
Mini-Split vs. Window AC/Window Unit
Mini-splits are typically 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 convenient option for numerous homeowners. They also use a form of refrigerant that is more environment-friendly, reducing their environmental impact. These units can even add value to your home due to their durable nature and exceptional cooling capabilities. However, they come with a larger purchase price.
Having said that, window air conditioning units are less expensive initially. They are often a good fit for homes that are not able to accommodate a central Air conditioning system or for people with budget constraints. In spite of these advantages, window units can utilize 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, is dependent on your goals. If your main considerations are energy efficiency and ability to quickly cool a room, a mini-split is much more effective than a portable AC unit. However, if funding is a significant concern, a portable AC is less expensive.
Mini-Split vs. Gas Furnace
Choosing between a mini-split system and a gas furnace depends on a range of factors which can include the climate in your city, home size, energy efficiency needs and budget.
A mini-split system usually 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 for the most part quieter and have a greater up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually less due to their greater energy efficiency.
Alternatively, a gas furnace can be a highly effective heating remedy, particularly in colder climates where mini-split heat pumps may struggle to maintain comfort levels in the bitter cold. Even though they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces typically are not as expensive. Having said that, their operating costs can be more costly, especially if natural gas prices jump up.
Mini-Split vs. Heat Pump
Mini-splits and heat pumps function with the principle of heat transfer. They are both energy efficient, but a heat pump's ductwork can be less efficient. That said, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often depends on a family's needs and circumstances.
For example, if you are living in a warmer climate and primarily need cooling, a mini-split system might be a good choice. On the other hand, if you need both heating and cooling and already have ductwork in place, a heat pump might 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 supply superior energy efficiency due to the fact they deliver conditioned air right to different zones and can serve numerous rooms at once.
Space heaters are far less expensive to buy but are typically used only for heating a small area or just one room. They also can be less energy efficient. In contrast to mini-splits, space heaters do not provide cooling. The biggest drawback for space heaters is the chance of fire. Industry experts say some 1,700 fires per year involve space heaters.
