When looking for a heating and cooling system for your dwelling, it’s essential to choose one that balances efficiency, operation and finances. That’s why many property owners look to mini-splits for comfort in their home.

Mini-splits—often called ductless mini-splits—have several advantages that make them a popular choice for both homes and businesses. They're very energy efficient, reducing energy consumption and saving on utility expenses, because they avoid the energy losses that can come with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also allow users to tailor the temperature in each room, boosting overall comfort while not wasting energy.

If you’re thinking about mini-split installation in Jefferson City, it’s worthwhile to first determine if these devices are the best fit for your living situation. Here, we’ll investigate how mini-splits measure up 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 has no 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 residence's existing HVAC system.

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

Here's how it works: the outdoor compressor moves the refrigerant necessary for heat exchange through the coils and the air handler. The indoor device brings 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 are good for targeted cooling in certain rooms or zones of your household. They are excellent for energy efficiency because they only heat or cool the areas you want. However, they sometimes don't blend seamlessly into every decor because of their wall-mounted indoor units.

On the other hand, a central air system uniformly chills your entire home, keeping consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is hidden away, preserving the interior design of your home. However, it may not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in quite sizeable homes or residences where certain spaces may not need nonstop conditioning.

Mini-Split vs. Window AC/Window Unit

Mini-splits are usually more energy efficient and not as loud as a window air conditioning unit and are able to cool multiple rooms. This is why mini-splits are a flexible alternative for countless homeowners. They also use a type of refrigerant that is more eco-friendly, limiting their environmental impact. These units can even add value to your home due to their long-lasting nature and remarkable cooling capabilities. However, they come with a higher initial investment.

On the contrary, window air conditioners are less expensive initially. They are often a good fit for homes that cannot accommodate a central AC system or for families with budget constraints. Despite 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, will depend on on your priorities. If your main worries are energy efficiency and performance, a mini-split is much more effective than a portable AC unit. However, if finances is a major concern, a portable AC is less expensive.

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 budget.

A mini-split system typically is more energy efficient than a gas furnace. It can heat and cool targeted areas in your home, supplying 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 lower due to their greater energy efficiency.

However, a gas furnace can be an extremely effective heating solution, particularly in colder climates where mini-split heat pumps may fail to maintain comfort levels in the bitter cold. While they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces typically are not as expensive. But, their operating costs can be more costly, especially if natural gas prices skyrocket.

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 depends 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. On the other hand, if you need both heating and cooling and already have ductwork installed in your residence, a heat pump may be a more efficient option.

Mini-Split vs. Space Heater

When it comes to heating and cooling a residence, mini-splits and space heaters each have advantages. However, for total 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 a great deal less expensive to buy but are typically reserved for heating a confined area or an individual room. They also are usually less energy efficient. Unlike mini-splits, space heaters do not deliver cooling. The biggest drawback for space heaters is the chance of fire. Industry experts say some 1,700 fires per year involve space heaters.