When searching for a heating and cooling system for your residence, it’s essential to choose one that balances efficiency, operation and budget. That’s why many homeowners use mini-splits to heat and cool their home.

Mini-splits—often known as ductless mini-splits—have several advantages that make them an appealing option for both homes and businesses. They're highly energy efficient, reducing energy consumption and saving on utility bills, because they don't have 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, boosting overall comfort while not wasting energy.

If you’re thinking about mini-split installation in Florissant and St. Charles, 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 device that has no 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 home's existing HVAC system.

A mini-split system is made of two primary components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling device. They are linked by a conduit carrying the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and a condensate drain.

Here's how it works: the outdoor 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 pushes the conditioned air back into the room.

Mini-Split vs. Central Air

Mini-splits offer targeted cooling in certain rooms or zones of your home. They are known 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 conditions your entire home, keeping consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is tucked away in a mechanical room or closet, preserving the aesthetics of your home. However, it may not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in quite sizeable homes or residences where certain spots may not need continuous conditioning.

Mini-Split vs. Window AC/Window Unit

Mini-splits are typically 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 convenient alternative for lots of homeowners. They also operate using a type of refrigerant that is more earth-safe, limiting their environmental impact. These units can even add value to your home due to their long-lasting nature and superior cooling capabilities. However, they come with a greater initial investment.

On the other hand, window AC units are less expensive to purchase. They are often a good fit for homes that can't accommodate a central Air conditioning system or for people with budget constraints. In spite of these advantages, window units can utilize 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, depends 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 significant concern, a portable AC costs less.

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 preferences and spending plan.

A mini-split system usually is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool defined areas in your home, providing custom climate control in individual rooms. Mini-splits also are normally 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 highly effective heating solution, particularly in colder climates where mini-split heat pumps may fail to maintain comfort levels in the bitter cold. Although they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces typically are not as expensive. Having said that, their operating costs can be higher, especially if natural gas prices increase.

Mini-Split vs. Heat Pump

Mini-splits and heat pumps operate using the process of heat transfer. They are both energy efficient, but a heat pump's duct system can be less efficient. This difference aside, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often is based on on a homeowner'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. But then again, if you want 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

With regards to heating and cooling a home, mini-splits and space heaters each have merits. However, for overall efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits come out on top. Mini-splits have superior energy efficiency because they deliver conditioned air directly to different zones and can serve multiple 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. As opposed to mini-splits, space heaters do not supply cooling. The greatest drawback for space heaters is the risk of fire. Experts say some 1,700 fires each year involve space heaters.