When looking for a heating and cooling system for your home, it’s essential to choose one that balances efficiency, functionality and the impact on your wallet. That’s why many property owners explore the possibility of mini-splits for comfort in their home.
Mini-splits—often called ductless mini-splits—have a variety of advantages that make them an appealing choice for both homes and businesses. They're extremely energy efficient, reducing energy consumption and saving on utility expenses, because they avoid the energy losses associated with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also allow users to control the temperature in each room, improving overall comfort while conserving energy.
If you’re considering mini-split installation in Santa Clarita, it’s important to first research 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 does not use ductwork. It's a popular choice in homes that don't have any air ducts and for homes with rooms that aren’t served well by an 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 carrying 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 indoor 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 are good for targeted cooling in specific rooms or zones of your residence. They are known for energy efficiency because they only provide hot or cold air for the areas you desire. However, they sometimes don't 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 interior design of your home. However, it may not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in bigger homes or residences where certain spots may not need nonstop conditioning.
Mini-Split vs. Window AC/Window Unit
Mini-splits are typically more energy efficient and less noisy than a window air conditioning unit and are capable of cooling multiple rooms. This is why mini-splits are a versatile choice for many homeowners. They also operate using a type of refrigerant that is more environment-friendly, limiting their environmental impact. These devices can even add value to your home due to their long-lasting nature and exceptional cooling capabilities. However, they come with a higher initial investment.
On the contrary, window air conditioning units are less expensive initially. They are often a good fit for homes that cannot accommodate a central Air conditioning system or for families with budget constraints. Even with these advantages, window units can consume 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 priorities. If your main focus is energy efficiency and ability to quickly cool a room, a mini-split is heads and shoulders better than a portable AC unit. However, if budget is a key concern, a portable AC costs less.
Mini-Split vs. Gas Furnace
Deciding 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 preferences and spending plan.
A mini-split system typically is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool distinct areas in your home, providing custom climate control in specific rooms. Mini-splits also are for the most part quieter and have a larger up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually smaller due to their greater energy efficiency.
On the other hand, a gas furnace can be an extremely effective heating remedy, particularly in colder climates where mini-split heat pumps may fail to maintain comfort levels in the bitter cold. While they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces ordinarily are not as expensive. However, their operating costs can be more costly, especially if natural gas prices jump up.
Mini-Split vs. Heat Pump
Mini-splits and heat pumps use the principle of heat transfer. They are both energy efficient, but a heat pump's air ducts can cause more energy usage. That said, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often relies on individual needs and circumstances.
For instance, if you live in a warmer climate and mostly need cooling, a mini-split system might be a good choice. On the other hand, if you want 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 home, mini-splits and space heaters each have merits. However, for total efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits outperform space heaters. Mini-splits provide superior energy efficiency due to the fact they deliver conditioned air right to different zones and can serve multiple rooms at once.
Space heaters are far 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 supply cooling. The most significant drawback for space heaters is the risk of fire. Industry experts say some 1,700 fires per year involve space heaters.