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

Mini-splits—often called ductless mini-splits—have many advantages that make them a popular solution for both homes and businesses. They're very energy efficient, decreasing energy consumption and saving on utility costs, because they avoid the energy losses affiliated with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also allow users to tailor the temperature in each room, boosting overall comfort while conserving energy.

If you’re contemplating mini-split installation in Menomonie and western Wisconsin, it’s necessary to first determine if these devices are the right solution for your living situation. Here, we’ll investigate how mini-splits measure up to 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 mechanism 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 home's existing HVAC system.

A mini-split system has two primary components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. They are attached by a conduit housing 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 within the coils and the air handler. The in-house component draws 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 specific rooms or zones of your home. They are excellent for energy efficiency because they only heat or cool the areas you choose. However, they sometimes don't blend seamlessly into every decor because of their wall-mounted indoor units.

Conversely, a central air system uniformly conditions your entire home, generating consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is hidden away, preserving the appearance of your home. But it might not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in quite sizeable homes or residences where certain spaces 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 flexible option for many homeowners. They also use a form 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 purchase price.

On the contrary, window air conditioning units are less expensive to purchase. They are often a good fit for homes that are not able to accommodate a central air system or for people with budget constraints. Even with these advantages, window units can use up to 40% more energy than ductless mini-split systems and often are louder.

Mini-Split vs. Portable AC

The answer to what is better, a ductless mini-split or a portable air conditioning unit, depends on your priorities. If your main worries are energy efficiency and performance, a mini-split is considered far superior to a portable AC unit. However, if funding 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 variety of factors which can include 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 targeted areas within your home, providing custom climate control in individual rooms. Mini-splits also are generally quieter and have a higher up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually smaller due to their superior energy efficiency.

However, a gas furnace can be a highly effective heating remedy, 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 cost less. But, their operating costs can be higher, especially if natural gas prices jump up.

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 ductwork 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 better 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

In regards to heating and cooling a residence, mini-splits and space heaters each have merits. However, for all around efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits come out on top. Mini-splits have superior energy efficiency because they deliver conditioned air straight to different zones and can serve several 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 provide cooling. The biggest drawback for space heaters is the danger of fire. Experts say some 1,700 fires each year involve space heaters.