Which One? Mini-Splits vs. Other Home Comfort Systems

When shopping 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 use mini-splits for climate control in their home.

Mini-splits—often called ductless mini-splits—provide a variety of advantages that make them a popular choice for both homes and businesses. They're highly energy efficient, decreasing energy consumption and saving on utility expenses, because they eliminate the energy losses affiliated with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also enable users to customize the temperature in each room, improving overall comfort while not wasting energy.

If you’re contemplating mini-split installation in Los Angeles, it’s important to first research if these devices are the best fit 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 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 an existing HVAC system.

A mini-split system consists of two major components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. These are attached 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 throughout the coils and the air handler. The in-house 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 certain rooms or zones of your home. They are outstanding for energy efficiency because they only heat or cool the areas you choose. However, they sometimes don't blend seamlessly into every decor due to the fact they have wall-mounted indoor units.

Conversely, a central air system uniformly conditions your entire home, keeping consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is hidden away, preserving the appearance of your home. However, it may not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in larger homes or residences where certain areas 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 useful for cooling air in multiple rooms. This is why mini-splits are a flexible choice for lots of homeowners. They also operate using a form of refrigerant that is more environmentally safe, limiting their environmental impact. These units can even add value to your home due to their reliable nature and remarkable cooling capabilities. However, they come with a larger purchase price.

On the contrary, window air conditioners are less expensive initially. They might be a good fit for homes that are not able to accommodate a central Air conditioning 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 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, will depend on on your main concerns. If your main worries are energy efficiency and ability to quickly cool a room, a mini-split is considered far superior to a portable AC unit. However, if finances is a key concern, a portable AC costs less.

Mini-Split vs. Gas Furnace

The choice 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 preferences and how much you plan on spending.

A mini-split system usually is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool targeted areas within your home, delivering custom climate control in targeted rooms. Mini-splits also are generally quieter and have a larger up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually less due to their superior energy efficiency.

Alternatively, a gas furnace can be a very effective heating solution, 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 ordinarily have lower initial costs. Having said that, their operating costs can be more costly, especially if natural gas prices skyrocket.

Mini-Split vs. Heat Pump

Mini-splits and heat pumps use the principle of heat transfer. They are both energy efficient, but a heat pump's duct system can be less efficient. 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 live in a warmer climate and mainly need cooling, a mini-split system might be a good choice. On the other hand, if you require both heating and cooling and already have ductwork in your home, 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 strengths and weaknesses. However, for total efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits outperform space heaters. Mini-splits provide superior energy efficiency simply because they deliver conditioned air right to different zones and can serve multiple rooms at once.

Space heaters are much less expensive to buy but are typically recommended for heating a confined area or a single room. They also can be less energy efficient. In contrast to mini-splits, space heaters do not deliver cooling. The biggest drawback for space heaters is the danger of fire. Authorities say some 1,700 fires per year involve space heaters.