What's Better? Mini-Splits vs. Other Home Comfort Systems

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

Mini-splits—often referred to as ductless mini-splits—offer several advantages that make them an attractive solution for both homes and businesses. They're highly energy efficient, decreasing energy consumption and saving on utility bills, because they eliminate the energy losses affiliated with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also permit users to tailor the temperature in each room, improving overall comfort while not wasting energy.

If you’re considering mini-split installation in Winnipeg, it’s worthwhile to first determine if these devices are recommended for your living situation. Here, we’ll explore how mini-splits stack up against 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 does not use ductwork. It's often used in homes that don't have any 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 major components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling component. The two are connected by a conduit housing the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and a condensate drain.

Here's how it works: the outside compressor moves the refrigerant necessary for heat exchange through 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 offer targeted cooling in particular rooms or zones of your household. They are excellent for energy efficiency because they only provide hot or cold air for 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 cools your entire home, generating consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is tucked away in a mechanical room or closet, preserving the appearance of your home. However, it might not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in larger homes or residences where certain spots may not need constant 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 versatile alternative for lots of homeowners. They also operate using a type of refrigerant that is more environmentally safe, reducing their environmental impact. These units can even add value to your home due to their sturdy nature and exceptional cooling capabilities. However, they come with a larger initial investment.

On the other hand, window AC units are less expensive initially. They may be a good fit for homes that cannot accommodate a central Air conditioning system or for homeowners with budget constraints. Even with these advantages, window units can use 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, is dependent on your priorities. If your main considerations are energy efficiency and performance, a mini-split is much more effective than a portable AC unit. However, if budget is a significant 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 range of factors including the climate in your city, home size, energy efficiency preferences and spending plan.

A mini-split system most of the time is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool targeted areas within your home, supplying 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 smaller due to their improved energy efficiency.

Alternatively, a gas furnace can be a highly effective heating solution, particularly in colder climates where mini-split heat pumps may struggle to maintain comfort levels in the bitter cold. While they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces ordinarily cost less. However, 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 process of heat transfer. They are both energy efficient, but a heat pump's air ducts can cause more energy usage. This difference aside, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often relies on individual needs and circumstances.

For instance, if you live in a warmer climate and mostly need cooling, a mini-split system might be a better choice. On the other hand, 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

When it comes 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 due to the fact they deliver conditioned air directly to different zones and can serve numerous rooms at once.

Space heaters are far less expensive to buy but are typically reserved for heating a limited area or an individual room. They also are often less energy efficient. Unlike mini-splits, space heaters do not deliver cooling. The most significant drawback for space heaters is the chance of fire. Industry experts say some 1,700 fires annually involve space heaters.