When shopping for a heating and cooling system for your home, it’s critical to choose one that balances efficiency, functionality and budget. That’s why many property owners use mini-splits for climate control in their home.
Mini-splits—often called ductless mini-splits—provide many advantages that make them an attractive option for both homes and businesses. They're extremely energy efficient, reducing energy consumption and saving on utility bills, because they don't have the energy losses that can come with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also make it possible for users to customize the temperature in each room, improving overall comfort while conserving energy.
If you’re thinking about mini-split installation in Houston, it’s important to first find out if these devices are the right solution for your living situation. Here, we’ll explore how mini-splits compare 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 mechanism 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 consists of 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 exterior compressor distributes the refrigerant necessary for heat exchange throughout the coils and the air handler. The interior unit brings 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 provide targeted cooling in specific rooms or zones of your home. They are outstanding for energy efficiency because they only condition the areas you want. However, they sometimes don't blend seamlessly into every location due to 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 tucked away in a mechanical room or closet, preserving the appearance of your home. But it may not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in quite sizeable homes or residences where certain rooms may not need nonstop conditioning.
Mini-Split vs. Window AC/Window Unit
Mini-splits are usually 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 versatile choice for countless homeowners. They also utilize a form of refrigerant that is more earth-safe, limiting their environmental impact. These units can even add value to your home due to their reliable nature and exceptional cooling capabilities. However, they come with a greater initial investment.
On the contrary, window air conditioning units are less expensive to purchase. They may be a good fit for homes that cannot 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 focus is energy efficiency and cooling capability, a mini-split is heads and shoulders better than a portable AC unit. However, if funding is a key concern, a portable AC is less expensive.
Mini-Split vs. Gas Furnace
The choice between a mini-split system and a gas furnace depends on a variety of factors such as the climate in your city, home size, energy efficiency desires and spending plan.
A mini-split system most of the time is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool distinct areas inside of your home, providing custom climate control in individual rooms. Mini-splits also are generally quieter and have a larger up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually smaller due to their greater energy efficiency.
Alternatively, a gas furnace can be a very effective heating solution, particularly in colder climates where mini-split heat pumps may not be able to maintain comfort levels in the bitter cold. Although they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces typically 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 operate using the principle of heat transfer. They are both energy efficient, but a heat pump's ductwork can use more power. This difference aside, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often depends on a family's needs and circumstances.
For example, if you reside in a warmer climate and primarily need cooling, a mini-split system might be a good choice. On the other hand, if you need both heating and cooling and already have ductwork in your home, a heat pump might 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 overall efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits stand out. Mini-splits supply superior energy efficiency due to the fact 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 reserved for heating a confined area or a single room. They also can be less energy efficient. Unlike mini-splits, space heaters do not deliver cooling. The most significant drawback for space heaters is the danger of fire. Authorities say some 1,700 fires per year involve space heaters.