Which One? Mini-Splits vs. Other HVAC Systems

When searching for a heating and cooling system for your home, it’s critical to choose one that balances efficiency, functionality and the impact on your wallet. That’s why many families look to mini-splits for climate control in their home.

Mini-splits—often called ductless mini-splits—have several advantages that make them an appealing solution for both homes and businesses. They're extremely energy efficient, lowering energy consumption and saving on utility bills, because they eliminate the energy losses that can come with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also enable users to customize the temperature in each room, boosting overall comfort while saving energy.

If you’re considering mini-split installation in Des Moines, it’s worthwhile to first find out if these devices are recommended for your living situation. Here, we’ll examine 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 does not use 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 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 linked by a conduit containing the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and a condensate drain.

Here's how it works: the outdoor 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 provide targeted cooling in particular rooms or zones of your home. They are excellent for energy efficiency because they only condition the areas you desire. However, they may not blend seamlessly into every location because of their wall-mounted indoor units.

On the other hand, a central air system uniformly chills 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 will likely not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in quite sizeable homes or residences where certain rooms may not need continuous 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 capable of cooling multiple rooms. This is why mini-splits are a convenient choice for countless homeowners. They also utilize a form of refrigerant that is more environment-friendly, limiting their environmental impact. These devices can even add value to your home due to their sturdy nature and exceptional cooling capabilities. However, they come with a larger purchase price.

On the contrary, window air conditioners are less expensive initially. They are often a good fit for homes that can't accommodate a central Air conditioning system or for families with budget constraints. Despite these advantages, window units can consume 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, is dependent on your priorities. If your main focus is energy efficiency and performance, a mini-split is much more effective 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 an assortment 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 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 better energy efficiency.

Alternatively, a gas furnace can be a highly effective heating remedy, 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 likely are not as expensive. Having said that, 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 duct system can use more power. However, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often is based on on individual needs and circumstances.

Case in point, if you are living in a warmer climate and mainly need cooling, a mini-split system might be a more effective choice. But then again, if you require both heating and cooling and already have ductwork in your home, a heat pump may be a more efficient option.

Mini-Split vs. Space Heater

In regards to heating and cooling a home, mini-splits and space heaters each have advantages. However, for all around efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits stand out. Mini-splits provide superior energy efficiency because they deliver conditioned air straight to different zones and can serve numerous rooms at once.

Space heaters are far less expensive to buy but are typically recommended for heating a confined area or just one room. They also are usually less energy efficient. As opposed to mini-splits, space heaters do not deliver cooling. The greatest drawback for space heaters is the risk of fire. Experts say some 1,700 fires per year involve space heaters.