When searching for a heating and cooling system for your home, it’s essential to choose one that balances efficiency, operation and the impact on your wallet. That’s why many homeowners look to mini-splits for climate control in their home.
Mini-splits—often known as ductless mini-splits—offer several advantages that make them an attractive choice for both homes and businesses. They're highly energy efficient, reducing energy consumption and saving on utility expenses, because they avoid the energy losses that can come with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also make it possible for users to control the temperature in each room, improving overall comfort while not wasting energy.
If you’re contemplating mini-split installation in Dundas and Northfield, it’s necessary 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 methods.
What a Mini-Split Is and How It Works
A mini-split, or ductless mini-split, is a heating and cooling system that has no 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 home's existing HVAC system.
A mini-split system consists of two primary components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling device. These 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 throughout the coils and the air handler. The indoor 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 residence. They are known for energy efficiency because they only heat or cool the areas you choose. However, they sometimes don't blend seamlessly into every location because of their wall-mounted indoor units.
On the contrary, a central air system uniformly conditions your entire home, generating consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is out of sight, preserving the interior design of your home. But it might not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in larger homes or residences where certain spaces may not need nonstop 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 useful for cooling air in multiple rooms. This is why mini-splits are a flexible choice for lots of homeowners. They also operate using a form of refrigerant that is more eco-friendly, reducing their environmental impact. These units can even add value to your home due to their durable nature and remarkable cooling capabilities. However, they come with a higher up-front cost.
On the other hand, window air conditioning units are less expensive initially. They might be a good fit for homes that are not able to accommodate a central Air conditioning system or for people with budget constraints. In spite of these advantages, window units can utilize 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 focus is energy efficiency and performance, a mini-split is considered far superior to a portable AC unit. However, if finances is a major concern, a portable AC costs less.
Mini-Split vs. Gas Furnace
The choice between a mini-split system and a gas furnace depends on a range of factors which can include the climate in your city, home size, energy efficiency desires and budget.
A mini-split system typically is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool distinct areas inside of your home, delivering custom climate control in targeted rooms. Mini-splits also are generally quieter and have a larger up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually lower due to their better energy efficiency.
Alternatively, a gas furnace can be an extremely 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 cost less. However, their operating costs can be greater, especially if natural gas prices jump up.
Mini-Split vs. Heat Pump
Mini-splits and heat pumps function with the principle of heat transfer. They are both energy efficient, but a heat pump's ductwork can be less efficient. However, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often depends on a homeowner's needs and circumstances.
By way of example, if you reside in a warmer climate and mainly need cooling, a mini-split system might be a more effective choice. However, if you need both heating and cooling and already have ductwork in place, a heat pump might be a more efficient option.
Mini-Split vs. Space Heater
In regards to heating and cooling a household, mini-splits and space heaters each have merits. However, for overall efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits outperform space heaters. Mini-splits have superior energy efficiency simply because they deliver conditioned air straight to different zones and can serve several rooms at once.
Space heaters are far less expensive to buy but are typically used only for heating a limited area or a single room. They also are often less energy efficient. Unlike mini-splits, space heaters do not deliver cooling. The biggest drawback for space heaters is the chance of fire. Experts say some 1,700 fires each year involve space heaters.