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

When looking for a heating and cooling system for your home, it’s essential to choose one that balances efficiency, performance and the impact on your wallet. That’s why many families use mini-splits to heat and cool their home.

Mini-splits—often called ductless mini-splits—provide several advantages that make them an appealing option for both homes and businesses. They're extremely energy efficient, reducing energy consumption and saving on utility costs, because they avoid the energy losses associated with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also permit users to customize the temperature in each room, boosting overall comfort while conserving energy.

If you’re considering mini-split installation in Newark, it’s worthwhile to first research if these devices are the right solution for your living situation. Here, we’ll investigate how mini-splits compare 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 system that does not use ductwork. It's a good option 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 primary components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. They are attached by a conduit housing 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 within the coils and the air handler. The indoor device 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 offer targeted cooling in specific rooms or zones of your home. They are known for energy efficiency because they only heat or cool the areas you desire. However, they might not blend seamlessly into every decor because of their wall-mounted indoor units.

Conversely, a central air system uniformly conditions your entire home, generating consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is tucked away in a mechanical room or closet, preserving the appearance of your home. However, it may not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in larger homes or residences where certain areas may not need continuous conditioning.

Mini-Split vs. Window AC/Window Unit

Mini-splits are often 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 convenient alternative for numerous homeowners. They also utilize a type of refrigerant that is more eco-friendly, reducing their environmental impact. These systems can even add value to your home due to their sturdy nature and remarkable cooling capabilities. However, they come with a larger initial investment.

On the contrary, window AC units are less expensive initially. They may 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 use 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 priorities. 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 key 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 variety of factors which can include the climate in your city, home size, energy efficiency desires and spending plan.

A mini-split system usually is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool targeted areas inside of your home, providing custom climate control in targeted rooms. Mini-splits also are for the most part quieter and have a higher up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually lower due to their better energy efficiency.

Alternatively, a gas furnace can be a highly effective heating remedy, 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 more costly, 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 air ducts can use more power. This difference aside, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often relies on a homeowner's needs and circumstances.

Case in point, if you reside in a warmer climate and mainly need cooling, a mini-split system might be a better choice. But then again, if you need 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 household, mini-splits and space heaters each have merits. However, for total efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits stand out. Mini-splits supply superior energy efficiency because they deliver conditioned air straight 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 a single room. They also are often less energy efficient. In contrast to mini-splits, space heaters do not provide cooling. The greatest drawback for space heaters is the danger of fire. Experts say some 1,700 fires each year involve space heaters.