When shopping for a heating and cooling system for your home, it’s essential to choose one that balances efficiency, performance and the impact on your wallet. That’s why many families use mini-splits for comfort in their home.
Mini-splits—often known as ductless mini-splits—have several advantages that make them an appealing option for both homes and businesses. They're highly energy efficient, lowering energy consumption and saving on utility costs, because they don't have the energy losses affiliated with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also make it possible for users to customize the temperature in each room, boosting overall comfort while conserving energy.
If you’re considering 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 investigate 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 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 main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling device. These are connected by a conduit carrying 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 through the coils and the air handler. The in-house device 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 particular rooms or zones of your home. They are outstanding for energy efficiency because they only condition the areas you desire. However, they may not blend seamlessly into every location due to their wall-mounted indoor units.
On the other hand, a central air system uniformly conditions your entire home, generating consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is tucked away in a mechanical room or closet, preserving the interior design of your ho