When looking for a heating and cooling system for your dwelling, it’s critical to choose one that balances efficiency, operation and budget. That’s why many families explore the possibility of mini-splits to heat and cool their home.

Mini-splits—often referred to as ductless mini-splits—provide many advantages that make them an appealing choice for both homes and businesses. They're very energy efficient, reducing energy consumption and saving on utility costs, because they eliminate the energy losses affiliated with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also allow users to control the temperature in each room, boosting overall comfort while conserving energy.

If you’re contemplating mini-split installation in Highlands Ranch, it’s important to first find out if these devices are the best fit for your living situation. Here, we’ll explore 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 device that has no ductwork. It's often used 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. They are connected by a conduit housing 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 throughout 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 provide targeted cooling in particular rooms or zones of your residence. They are outstanding for energy efficiency because they only provide hot or cold air for the areas you want. However, they might not blend seamlessly into every area due to their wall-mounted indoor units.

Conversely, a central air system uniformly chills your entire home, keeping consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is out of sight, preserving the appearance of your home. On the other hand, it might not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in bigger homes or residences where certain spaces 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 capable of cooling multiple rooms. This is why mini-splits are a flexible alternative for countless homeowners. They also use a kind of refrigerant that is more earth-safe, reducing their environmental impact. These systems can even add value to your home due to their sturdy nature and exceptional cooling capabilities. However, they come with a higher initial investment.

On the contrary, window AC units are less expensive to purchase. 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. Despite these advantages, window units can utilize 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, is dependent on your priorities. If your main considerations are energy efficiency and performance, a mini-split is considered far superior to a portable AC unit. However, if budget is a significant concern, a portable AC costs less.

Mini-Split vs. Gas Furnace

Choosing between a mini-split system and a gas furnace depends on a range of factors such as the climate in your city, home size, energy efficiency preferences and how much you plan on spending.

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

On the other hand, a gas furnace can be an extremely effective heating remedy, particularly in colder climates where mini-split heat pumps may struggle to maintain comfort levels in the bitter cold. Even though they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces typically are not as expensive. Having said that, their operating costs can be greater, especially if natural gas prices rise.

Mini-Split vs. Heat Pump

Mini-splits and heat pumps function with the principle of heat transfer. They are both energy efficient, but a heat pump's air ducts can use more power. However, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often depends 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. However, if you need both heating and cooling and already have ductwork in place, 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 strengths and weaknesses. However, for all around efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits stand out. Mini-splits provide superior energy efficiency simply because they deliver conditioned air right to different zones and can serve several rooms at once.

Space heaters are much less expensive to buy but are typically recommended for heating a confined area or an individual room. They also are often less energy efficient. As opposed to mini-splits, space heaters do not provide cooling. The greatest drawback for space heaters is the chance of fire. Industry experts say some 1,700 fires each year involve space heaters.