When searching 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 called ductless mini-splits—provide many advantages that make them a popular choice for both homes and businesses. They're extremely energy efficient, lowering energy consumption and saving on utility expenses, because they avoid the energy losses affiliated with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also make it possible for users to tailor the temperature in each room, improving overall comfort while saving energy.
If you’re interested in mini-split installation in Wausau, it’s necessary to first research if these devices are the best fit for your living situation. Here, we’ll explore how mini-splits compare to 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 mechanism that does not use ductwork. It's often used 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 has two primary components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. These are linked by a conduit carrying the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and a condensate drain.
Here's how it works: the outside compressor circulates the refrigerant necessary for heat exchange within the coils and the air handler. The indoor device pulls 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 certain rooms or zones of your home. They are known for energy efficiency because they only heat or cool the areas you want. However, they may not blend seamlessly into every area because of their wall-mounted indoor units.
Conversely, a central air system uniformly chills 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. But it will likely not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in bigger homes or residences where certain spaces may not need nonstop conditioning.
Mini-Split vs. Window AC/Window Unit
Mini-splits are usually more energy efficient and quieter than a window air conditioning unit and are useful for cooling air in multiple rooms. This is why mini-splits are a convenient option for lots of homeowners. They also utilize a form of refrigerant that is more environment-friendly, reducing their environmental impact. These devices can even add value to your home due to their reliable nature and superior cooling capabilities. However, they come with a higher purchase price.
Having said that, window air conditioners are less expensive up front. They are often a good fit for homes that can't accommodate a central AC system or for families with budget constraints. In spite of these advantages, window units can consume up to 40% more energy than ductless mini-split systems and are often noisier.
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 priorities. If your main worries are energy efficiency and ability to quickly cool a room, a mini-split is much more effective than a portable AC unit. However, if finances is a significant 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 needs 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 specific rooms. Mini-splits also are normally quieter and have a higher up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually lower due to their superior energy efficiency.
On the other hand, a gas furnace can be an extremely effective heating source, particularly in colder climates where mini-split heat pumps may not be able to maintain comfort levels in the bitter cold. Even though they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces ordinarily cost less. But, their operating costs can be more costly, especially if natural gas prices rise.
Mini-Split vs. Heat Pump
Mini-splits and heat pumps use the concept of heat transfer. They are both energy efficient, but a heat pump's ductwork can use more power. That said, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often relies 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 better choice. But then again, 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
In regards to heating and cooling a home, mini-splits and space heaters each have advantages. However, for total efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits outperform space heaters. Mini-splits have superior energy efficiency due to the fact they deliver conditioned air right to different zones and can serve several rooms at once.
Space heaters are much less expensive to buy but are typically used only for heating a confined area or just one 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 danger of fire. Industry experts say some 1,700 fires each year involve space heaters.