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

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

Mini-splits—often known as ductless mini-splits—offer a variety of advantages that make them an appealing solution for both homes and businesses. They're very energy efficient, reducing 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 allow users to tailor the temperature in each room, enhancing overall comfort while saving energy.

If you’re contemplating mini-split installation in Boynton Beach, it’s necessary to first research 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 devices and appliances.

What a Mini-Split Is and How It Works

A mini-split, or ductless mini-split, is a heating and cooling mechanism that has no 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 the residence's existing HVAC system.

A mini-split system is made of two main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. The two are linked by a conduit carrying 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 in-house 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 offer targeted cooling in certain rooms or zones of your household. They are outstanding for energy efficiency because they only provide hot or cold air for the areas you desire. However, they may not blend seamlessly into every room because of their wall-mounted indoor units.

Conversely, a central air system uniformly conditions your entire home, keeping consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is tucked away in a mechanical room or closet, preserving the appearance of your home. But it will likely not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in larger homes or residences where certain areas may not need nonstop 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 flexible choice for many homeowners. They also use a kind of refrigerant that is more environment-friendly, decreasing their environmental impact. These units can even add value to your home due to their reliable nature and superior cooling capabilities. However, they come with a larger up-front cost.

On the other hand, window air conditioning units are less expensive to purchase. They might be a good fit for homes that are not able to accommodate a central AC system or for families with budget constraints. Despite these advantages, window units can use up to 40% more energy than ductless mini-split systems and are often noisier.

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 main concerns. If your main worries are energy efficiency and ability to quickly cool a room, a mini-split is considered far superior to a portable AC unit. However, if funding is a key concern, a portable AC costs less.

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 needs and how much you plan on spending.

A mini-split system typically is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool defined areas inside of your home, delivering custom climate control in specific 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.

However, 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 likely are not as expensive. But, their operating costs can be greater, especially if natural gas prices skyrocket.

Mini-Split vs. Heat Pump

Mini-splits and heat pumps use the concept of heat transfer. They are both energy efficient, but a heat pump's ductwork can use more power. That said, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often depends on individual needs and circumstances.

By way of example, if you live in a warmer climate and mostly 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 household, mini-splits and space heaters each have advantages. However, for overall efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits come out on top. Mini-splits have superior energy efficiency because they deliver conditioned air straight to different zones and can serve several rooms at once.

Space heaters are much less expensive to buy but are typically recommended for heating a limited area or an individual room. They also are usually less energy efficient. Unlike mini-splits, space heaters do not provide cooling. The greatest drawback for space heaters is the chance of fire. Industry experts say some 1,700 fires annually involve space heaters.