When searching for a heating and cooling system for your residence, it’s crucial 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 referred to as ductless mini-splits—offer many advantages that make them an appealing option for both homes and businesses. They're extremely energy efficient, reducing energy consumption and saving on utility expenses, because they eliminate the energy losses associated with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also allow users to customize the temperature in each room, enhancing overall comfort while not wasting energy.

If you’re considering mini-split installation in Bend, 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 systems.

What a Mini-Split Is and How It Works

A mini-split, or ductless mini-split, is a heating and cooling device 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 residence's existing HVAC system.

A mini-split system has two major components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling device. These are linked 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 throughout the coils and the air handler. The in-house unit pulls in air from the room, cools or heats it over the coils and sends 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 household. They are known for energy efficiency because they only provide hot or cold air for the areas you choose. However, they may not blend seamlessly into every decor because of their wall-mounted indoor units.

On the contrary, a central air system uniformly chills your entire home, generating consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is out of sight, preserving the interior design of your home. But it might not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in bigger homes or residences where certain spaces may not need nonstop conditioning.

Mini-Split vs. Window AC/Window Unit

Mini-splits are typically more energy efficient and not as loud as a window air conditioning unit and are useful for cooling air in multiple rooms. This is why mini-splits are a convenient option for countless homeowners. They also use a type of refrigerant that is more environment-friendly, decreasing their environmental impact. These systems can even add value to your home due to their sturdy nature and superior cooling capabilities. However, they come with a larger up-front cost.

Having said that, window AC units are less expensive initially. They may be a good fit for homes that can't accommodate a central Air conditioning system or for families with budget constraints. Even with these advantages, window units can consume 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, depends on your main concerns. If your main considerations are energy efficiency and ability to quickly cool a room, a mini-split is considered far superior to a portable AC unit. However, if funding is a key concern, a portable AC costs less.

Mini-Split vs. Gas Furnace

The choice between a mini-split system and a gas furnace depends on a variety of factors such as the climate in your city, home size, energy efficiency preferences and budget.

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, supplying custom climate control in individual rooms. Mini-splits also are generally quieter and have a greater up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually less due to their better energy efficiency.

On the other hand, a gas furnace can be a very effective heating remedy, particularly in colder climates where mini-split heat pumps may fail to maintain comfort levels in the bitter cold. Although they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces likely have lower initial costs. However, their operating costs can be higher, especially if natural gas prices increase.

Mini-Split vs. Heat Pump

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

For example, if you live in a warmer climate and mostly need cooling, a mini-split system might be a more effective choice. On the other hand, if you require both heating and cooling and already have ductwork in place, a heat pump may 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 strengths and weaknesses. However, for all around efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits stand out. Mini-splits have superior energy efficiency because they deliver conditioned air right to different zones and can serve multiple rooms at once.

Space heaters are far less expensive to buy but are typically recommended for heating a limited area or a single room. They also are usually less energy efficient. Unlike mini-splits, space heaters do not deliver cooling. The greatest drawback for space heaters is the chance of fire. Authorities say some 1,700 fires per year involve space heaters.