When looking for a heating and cooling system for your residence, it’s crucial to choose one that balances efficiency, operation and the impact on your wallet. That’s why many families explore the possibility of mini-splits for climate control in their home.

Mini-splits—often referred to as ductless mini-splits—have many advantages that make them an attractive choice for both homes and businesses. They're very energy efficient, reducing energy consumption and saving on utility bills, because they avoid the energy losses associated with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also make it possible for users to customize the temperature in each room, boosting overall comfort while saving energy.

If you’re considering mini-split installation in Florissant and St. Charles, it’s necessary to first find out 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 devices and appliances.

What a Mini-Split Is and How It Works

A mini-split, or ductless mini-split, is a heating and cooling system that has no 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 major components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling device. The two 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 circulates the refrigerant necessary for heat exchange through the coils and the air handler. The indoor unit draws 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 provide targeted cooling in certain rooms or zones of your household. They are excellent for energy efficiency because they only provide hot or cold air for the areas you desire. However, they may not blend seamlessly into every decor due to their wall-mounted indoor units.

On the other hand, a central air system uniformly chills your entire home, generating consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is hidden away, preserving the appearance of your home. On the other hand, it will likely not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in bigger homes or residences where certain areas may not need constant conditioning.

Mini-Split vs. Window AC/Window Unit

Mini-splits are often more energy efficient and quieter than a window air conditioning unit and are able to cool multiple rooms. This is why mini-splits are a versatile alternative for lots of homeowners. They also utilize a type of refrigerant that is more earth-safe, limiting their environmental impact. These systems can even add value to your home due to their sturdy nature and remarkable cooling capabilities. However, they come with a higher purchase price.

On the contrary, window air conditioning units are less expensive up front. They may be a good fit for homes that cannot 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 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 goals. 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 key concern, a portable AC is less expensive.

Mini-Split vs. Gas Furnace

Deciding between a mini-split system and a gas furnace depends on a range of factors including the climate in your city, home size, energy efficiency desires 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 targeted areas within your home, delivering custom climate control in individual rooms. Mini-splits also are generally quieter and have a larger up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually less due to their greater energy efficiency.

However, a gas furnace can be an extremely effective heating remedy, 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 likely are not as expensive. Having said that, their operating costs can be higher, especially if natural gas prices skyrocket.

Mini-Split vs. Heat Pump

Mini-splits and heat pumps operate using the concept of heat transfer. They are both energy efficient, but a heat pump's duct system can cause more energy usage. However, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often relies on a homeowner'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 good choice. But then again, if you want both heating and cooling and already have ductwork in place, a heat pump might be a more efficient option.

Mini-Split vs. Space Heater

With regards to heating and cooling a residence, mini-splits and space heaters each have strengths and weaknesses. However, for all around efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits outperform space heaters. Mini-splits have superior energy efficiency because they deliver conditioned air directly to different zones and can serve several rooms at once.

Space heaters are far less expensive to buy but are typically reserved for heating a small area or a single room. They also are usually less energy efficient. As opposed to mini-splits, space heaters do not provide cooling. The biggest drawback for space heaters is the danger of fire. Experts say some 1,700 fires annually involve space heaters.