When looking for a heating and cooling system for your home, it’s essential to choose one that balances efficiency, performance and finances. That’s why many property owners use mini-splits to heat and cool their home.
Mini-splits—often called ductless mini-splits—provide a variety of advantages that make them an attractive choice for both homes and businesses. They're very energy efficient, decreasing energy consumption and saving on utility costs, 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 tailor the temperature in each room, boosting overall comfort while saving energy.
If you’re interested in mini-split installation in Oxford, it’s worthwhile to first research if these devices are recommended for your living situation. Here, we’ll investigate 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 system 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 home's existing HVAC system.
A mini-split system has two primary components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling component. They are connected by a conduit housing 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 throughout the coils and the air handler. The interior unit draws 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 provide targeted cooling in particular rooms or zones of your residence. They are outstanding for energy efficiency because they only heat or cool the areas you choose. However, they might not blend seamlessly into every room due to their wall-mounted indoor units.
On the contrary, a central air system uniformly conditions your entire home, producing consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is tucked away in a mechanical room or closet, preserving the aesthetics of your home. However, it might not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in larger homes or residences where certain areas may not need constant conditioning.
Mini-Split vs. Window AC/Window Unit
Mini-splits are typically 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 convenient alternative for many homeowners. They also operate using a kind of refrigerant that is more environment-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 initial investment.
On the other hand, window air conditioners are less expensive initially. They might be a good fit for homes that are not able to accommodate a central AC system or for people with budget constraints. Even with these advantages, window units can use 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 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 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 variety 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, providing custom climate control in targeted rooms. Mini-splits also are normally quieter and have a higher up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually smaller due to their better energy efficiency.
On the other hand, 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 ordinarily are not as expensive. But, their operating costs can be higher, 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 ductwork can cause more energy usage. However, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often is based on on a family's needs and circumstances.
For instance, if you live in a warmer climate and mostly need cooling, a mini-split system might be a more effective choice. However, 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 residence, mini-splits and space heaters each have advantages. However, for all around efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits come out on top. Mini-splits provide superior energy efficiency simply because they deliver conditioned air directly to different zones and can serve multiple rooms at once.
Space heaters are far less expensive to buy but are typically recommended for heating a confined area or an individual room. They also can be less energy efficient. As opposed to mini-splits, space heaters do not deliver cooling. The most significant drawback for space heaters is the danger of fire. Industry experts say some 1,700 fires per year involve space heaters.