When looking for a heating and cooling system for your home, it’s critical to choose one that balances efficiency, functionality and the impact on your wallet. That’s why many families use mini-splits for climate control 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 don't have 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, improving overall comfort while not wasting energy.

If you’re contemplating mini-split installation in Portland, it’s necessary to first determine if these devices are the best fit for your living situation. Here, we’ll examine how mini-splits measure up to other heating and cooling devices and appliances.

What a Mini-Split Is and How It Works

A mini-split, or ductless mini-split, is a heating and cooling mechanism that does not use ductwork. It's a good option in homes that don't have pre-existing air ducts and for homes with rooms that aren’t served well by an existing HVAC system.

A mini-split system has two primary components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling device. These are connected by a conduit housing the