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

When searching for a heating and cooling system for your dwelling, it’s crucial to choose one that balances efficiency, functionality and budget. That’s why many property owners look to mini-splits to heat and cool their home.

Mini-splits—often called ductless mini-splits—have many advantages that make them an appealing solution for both homes and businesses. They're very energy efficient, lowering energy consumption and saving on utility expenses, because they avoid the energy losses associated with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also enable users to control the temperature in each room, improving overall comfort while saving energy.

If you’re considering mini-split installation in Crystal and Twin Cities, it’s important to first determine if these devices are the right solution for your living situation. Here, we’ll explore 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 system that does not use ductwork. It's often used in homes that don't have any 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 primary components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling component. They are attached by a conduit carrying the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and a condensate drain.

Here's how it works: the outside compressor distributes the refrigerant necessary for heat exchange throughout the coils and the air handler. The interior device brings 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 offer targeted cooling in particular rooms or zones of your home. They are outstanding for energy efficiency because they only provide hot or cold air for the areas you choose. However, they might not blend seamlessly into every location because of their 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 might not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in quite sizeable homes or residences where certain spaces may not need continuous 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 useful for cooling air in multiple rooms. This is why mini-splits are a convenient choice for lots of homeowners. They also operate using a form of refrigerant that is more earth-safe, reducing their environmental impact. These units can even add value to your home due to their sturdy nature and remarkable cooling capabilities. However, they come with a larger purchase price.

On the contrary, window air conditioning units are less expensive initially. They are often a good fit for homes that cannot accommodate a central AC system or for families with budget constraints. Even with 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 performance, a mini-split is much more effective than a portable AC unit. However, if funding is a significant 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 variety of factors including 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 defined areas within 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 lower 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. Even though they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces typically have lower initial costs. Having said that, their operating costs can be higher, especially if natural gas prices rise.

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

For example, if you are living 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 installed in your residence, a heat pump could be a more efficient option.

Mini-Split vs. Space Heater

When it comes to heating and cooling a home, mini-splits and space heaters each have merits. However, for all around efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits stand out. Mini-splits have superior energy efficiency simply 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 reserved for heating a confined area or a single room. They also are usually less energy efficient. As opposed to mini-splits, space heaters do not deliver cooling. The biggest drawback for space heaters is the danger of fire. Industry experts say some 1,700 fires per year involve space heaters.