When searching for a heating and cooling system for your home, it’s crucial to choose one that balances efficiency, performance and the impact on your wallet. That’s why many property owners use mini-splits for climate control in their home.

Mini-splits—often known as ductless mini-splits—offer a variety of advantages that make them an appealing solution for both homes and businesses. They're highly energy efficient, reducing energy consumption and saving on utility costs, because they eliminate the energy losses affiliated with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also permit users to customize the temperature in each room, improving overall comfort while saving energy.

If you’re contemplating mini-split installation in Florissant, it’s necessary to first find out if these devices are recommended for your living situation. Here, we’ll explore how mini-splits compare to other heating and cooling systems.

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 good option in homes that don't have existing air ducts and for homes with rooms that aren’t served well by the home's existing HVAC system.

A mini-split system consists of two primary components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. They are connected by a conduit carrying 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 through the coils and the air handler. The interior component draws 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 household. They are excellent for energy efficiency because they only condition the areas you desire. However, they sometimes don't blend seamlessly into every area due to the fact they have wall-mounted indoor units.

Conversely, a central air system uniformly conditions your entire home, producing consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is out of sight, preserving the appearance of your home. However, it may not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in quite sizeable homes or residences where certain areas may not need constant 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 capable of cooling multiple rooms. This is why mini-splits are a flexible option for lots of homeowners. They also utilize a type of refrigerant that is more environment-friendly, decreasing 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 higher purchase price.

On the contrary, window AC units are less expensive up front. They may be a good fit for homes that can't accommodate a central AC system or for people 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 goals. If your main focus is energy efficiency and ability to quickly cool a room, a mini-split is considered far superior to a portable AC unit. However, if funding is a major concern, a portable AC is less expensive.

Mini-Split vs. Gas Furnace

Choosing 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 how much you plan on spending.

A mini-split system typically is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool distinct areas in your home, supplying custom climate control in individual rooms. Mini-splits also are generally quieter and have a greater up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually smaller 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 struggle to maintain comfort levels in the bitter cold. Although they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces typically have lower initial costs. 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 air ducts can be less efficient. That said, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often relies on a family's needs and circumstances.

Case in point, if you reside in a warmer climate and mostly need cooling, a mini-split system might be a more effective choice. On the other hand, if you want both heating and cooling and already have ductwork in place, a heat pump could be a more efficient option.

Mini-Split vs. Space Heater

With regards to heating and cooling a household, mini-splits and space heaters each have advantages. However, for total efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits outperform space heaters. Mini-splits supply superior energy efficiency simply because they deliver conditioned air right to different zones and can serve several rooms at once.

Space heaters are a great deal less expensive to buy but are typically recommended for heating a limited area or just one room. They also can be less energy efficient. Unlike mini-splits, space heaters do not deliver cooling. The greatest drawback for space heaters is the danger of fire. Experts say some 1,700 fires per year involve space heaters.