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

Mini-splits—often called ductless mini-splits—offer many advantages that make them an attractive choice for both homes and businesses. They're extremely energy efficient, decreasing energy consumption and saving on utility bills, because they don't have the energy losses associated with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also permit users to control the temperature in each room, improving overall comfort while not wasting energy.

If you’re thinking about 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 explore how mini-splits measure up to 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 doesn't need ductwork to function. It's a popular choice in homes that don't have existing air ducts and for homes with rooms that aren’t served well by the home's existing HVAC system.

A mini-split system has two major components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling component. The two are attached by a conduit containing 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 interior 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 particular rooms or zones of your residence. They are known for energy efficiency because they only condition the areas you want. However, they sometimes don't blend seamlessly into every room because of 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 hidden away, preserving the appearance of your home. On the other hand, it will likely not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in larger homes or residences where certain spots may not need constant 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 useful for cooling air in multiple rooms. This is why mini-splits are a convenient alternative for countless homeowners. They also operate using a kind of refrigerant that is more environment-friendly, reducing their environmental impact. These systems can even add value to your home due to their durable 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 may be a good fit for homes that can't accommodate a central Air conditioning system or for homeowners with budget constraints. In spite of these advantages, window units can consume 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, will depend on on your goals. If your main considerations are energy efficiency and cooling capability, a mini-split is much more effective than a portable AC unit. However, if budget 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 an assortment of factors including the climate in your city, home size, energy efficiency preferences and budget.

A mini-split system typically is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool distinct areas within your home, supplying custom climate control in specific rooms. Mini-splits also are normally quieter and have a larger up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually less due to their better energy efficiency.

However, a gas furnace can be a very effective heating solution, particularly in colder climates where mini-split heat pumps may fail to maintain comfort levels in the bitter cold. Although they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces ordinarily have lower initial costs. Having said that, their operating costs can be greater, especially if natural gas prices increase.

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 ductwork can cause more energy usage. However, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often relies on a homeowner's needs and circumstances.

For example, if you reside in a warmer climate and mainly need cooling, a mini-split system might be a better choice. On the other hand, if you need both heating and cooling and already have ductwork installed in your residence, a heat pump might be a more efficient option.

Mini-Split vs. Space Heater

When it comes to heating and cooling a residence, mini-splits and space heaters each have merits. However, for overall efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits come out on top. Mini-splits provide superior energy efficiency due to the fact they deliver conditioned air directly 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 limited area or an individual room. They also can be less energy efficient. Unlike mini-splits, space heaters do not deliver cooling. The greatest drawback for space heaters is the danger of fire. Authorities say some 1,700 fires per year involve space heaters.