When shopping for a heating and cooling system for your home, it’s crucial to choose one that balances efficiency, operation and finances. That’s why many property owners explore the possibility of mini-splits to heat and cool their home.
Mini-splits—often known as ductless mini-splits—offer a variety of advantages that make them a popular choice for both homes and businesses. They're highly energy efficient, decreasing energy consumption and saving on utility expenses, because they don't have the energy losses affiliated with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also enable users to tailor the temperature in each room, boosting overall comfort while conserving energy.
If you’re contemplating mini-split installation in Milwaukee, it’s worthwhile to first find out if these devices are the right solution for your living situation. Here, we’ll investigate how mini-splits stack up against other heating and cooling methods.
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 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 primary components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling component. The two are connected by a conduit carrying the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and a condensate drain.
Here's how it works: the outdoor compressor circulates the refrigerant necessary for heat exchange through the coils and the air handler. The in-house unit pulls 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 known for energy efficiency because they only condition the areas you choose. However, they may not blend seamlessly into every room due to the fact they have wall-mounted indoor units.
On the other hand, a central air system uniformly conditions your entire home, producing consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is out of sight, 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 rooms may not need nonstop conditioning.
Mini-Split vs. Window AC/Window Unit
Mini-splits are often 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 alternative for lots of homeowners. They also use a form of refrigerant that is more environment-friendly, limiting 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 purchase price.
On the contrary, window AC 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 homeowners with budget constraints. Despite 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, depends on your priorities. If your main considerations are energy efficiency and cooling capability, 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 range of factors such as the climate in your city, home size, energy efficiency preferences and spending plan.
A mini-split system most of the time is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool targeted areas within your home, supplying custom climate control in targeted rooms. Mini-splits also are for the most part quieter and have a larger up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually smaller due to their superior energy efficiency.
Alternatively, a gas furnace can be an extremely effective heating remedy, particularly in colder climates where mini-split heat pumps may fail to maintain comfort levels in the bitter cold. Even though they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces typically cost less. Having said that, their operating costs can be more costly, especially if natural gas prices rise.
Mini-Split vs. Heat Pump
Mini-splits and heat pumps operate using the concept of heat transfer. They are both energy efficient, but a heat pump's duct system can cause more energy usage. That said, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often relies on a family'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 good choice. However, 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 home, mini-splits and space heaters each have strengths and weaknesses. However, for all around efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits outperform space heaters. Mini-splits supply superior energy efficiency because they deliver conditioned air directly to different zones and can serve multiple 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 can be less energy efficient. In contrast to mini-splits, space heaters do not deliver cooling. The greatest drawback for space heaters is the danger of fire. Experts say some 1,700 fires per year involve space heaters.