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

Mini-splits—often referred to as ductless mini-splits—offer 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 costs, because they avoid the energy losses affiliated with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also make it possible for users to tailor the temperature in each room, enhancing overall comfort while conserving energy.

If you’re contemplating mini-split installation in Des Moines, it’s important to first determine if these devices are the best fit for your living situation. Here, we’ll examine how mini-splits compare 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 system that doesn't need ductwork to function. It's often used in homes that don't have any air ducts and for homes with rooms that aren’t served well by an existing HVAC system.

A mini-split system has two major components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling component. These are attached by a conduit containing the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and a condensate drain.

Here's how it works: the outside compressor distributes the refrigerant necessary for heat exchange throughout the coils and the air handler. The interior component brings 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 are good for targeted cooling in particular rooms or zones of your residence. They are outstanding for energy efficiency because they only heat or cool the areas you desire. However, they may not blend seamlessly into every room because of 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 out of sight, preserving the appearance of your home. However, it will likely not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in quite sizeable homes or residences where certain spots may not need continuous conditioning.

Mini-Split vs. Window AC/Window Unit

Mini-splits are usually more energy efficient and less noisy than a window air conditioning unit and are able to cool multiple rooms. This is why mini-splits are a versatile option for numerous homeowners. They also operate using a form of refrigerant that is more environment-friendly, limiting their environmental impact. These devices can even add value to your home due to their sturdy nature and superior cooling capabilities. However, they come with a larger purchase price.

On the other hand, window AC 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 utilize 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, is dependent on your main concerns. If your main focus is energy efficiency and performance, a mini-split is considered far superior to a portable AC unit. However, if finances is a major concern, a portable AC is less expensive.

Mini-Split vs. Gas Furnace

Choosing between a mini-split system and a gas furnace depends on an assortment of factors including the climate in your city, home size, energy efficiency desires and spending plan.

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

However, a gas furnace can be a very effective heating source, 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 are not as expensive. But, their operating costs can be greater, especially if natural gas prices increase.

Mini-Split vs. Heat Pump

Mini-splits and heat pumps operate using the process of heat transfer. They are both energy efficient, but a heat pump's duct system can be less efficient. That said, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often relies on a family's needs and circumstances.

Case in point, if you live in a warmer climate and mostly need cooling, a mini-split system might be a better choice. But then again, 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 all around efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits outperform space heaters. Mini-splits supply superior energy efficiency due to the fact they deliver conditioned air right to different zones and can serve numerous rooms at once.

Space heaters are much less expensive to buy but are typically recommended for heating a limited area or an individual room. They also can be less energy efficient. Unlike mini-splits, space heaters do not deliver cooling. The most significant drawback for space heaters is the risk of fire. Authorities say some 1,700 fires each year involve space heaters.