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

When looking for a heating and cooling system for your residence, it’s essential to choose one that balances efficiency, functionality and finances. That’s why many families look to 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 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 enable users to customize the temperature in each room, improving overall comfort while not wasting energy.

If you’re contemplating mini-split installation in Phoenix, it’s important to first determine if these devices are recommended 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 device that doesn't need ductwork to function. It's a good option in homes that don't have pre-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 unit. They are attached by a conduit containing the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and a condensate drain.

Here's how it works: the exterior compressor moves the refrigerant necessary for heat exchange through the coils and the air handler. The interior component draws in air from the room, cools or heats it over the coils and forces the conditioned air back into the room.

Mini-Split vs. Central Air

Mini-splits provide targeted cooling in specific rooms or zones of your residence. They are excellent for energy efficiency because they only provide hot or cold air for the areas you choose. However, they may not blend seamlessly into every decor because of their wall-mounted indoor units.

On the contrary, a central air system uniformly cools your entire home, producing consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is out of sight, preserving the appearance of your home. On the other hand, it may 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 less noisy than a window air conditioning unit and are useful for cooling air in multiple rooms. This is why mini-splits are a flexible option for many homeowners. They also use a form of refrigerant that is more environment-friendly, reducing their environmental impact. These units can even add value to your home due to their sturdy nature and superior cooling capabilities. However, they come with a greater initial investment.

On the other hand, window air conditioning units are less expensive up front. They are often 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 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, is dependent on your main concerns. If your main considerations are energy efficiency and performance, a mini-split is heads and shoulders better than a portable AC unit. However, if finances is a major 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 an assortment of factors which can include the climate in your city, home size, energy efficiency needs and budget.

A mini-split system most of the time is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool targeted areas in your home, supplying custom climate control in individual rooms. Mini-splits also are normally quieter and have a higher up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually smaller due to their superior 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. While they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces likely have lower initial costs. But, their operating costs can be greater, especially if natural gas prices rise.

Mini-Split vs. Heat Pump

Mini-splits and heat pumps function with the concept 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 relies on a homeowner's needs and circumstances.

For example, if you live in a warmer climate and mainly need cooling, a mini-split system might be a better 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

When it comes to heating and cooling a home, mini-splits and space heaters each have advantages. However, for total efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits stand out. 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 a great deal less expensive to buy but are typically used only for heating a confined area or an individual room. They also are often less energy efficient. Unlike mini-splits, space heaters do not provide cooling. The greatest drawback for space heaters is the chance of fire. Authorities say some 1,700 fires per year involve space heaters.