When shopping for a heating and cooling system for your dwelling, it’s critical to choose one that balances efficiency, operation and the impact on your wallet. That’s why many homeowners use 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 option for both homes and businesses. They're highly energy efficient, reducing energy consumption and saving on utility bills, because they don't have the energy losses that can come with the ductwork found in traditional HVAC systems. They also permit users to tailor the temperature in each room, enhancing overall comfort while not wasting energy.

If you’re contemplating mini-split installation in Los Angeles, it’s important to first research 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 mechanism 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 an existing HVAC system.

A mini-split system consists of two primary components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling device. They are attached by a conduit housing 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 interior component brings 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 provide targeted cooling in specific rooms or zones of your home. They are outstanding for energy efficiency because they only heat or cool the areas you choose. However, they might not blend seamlessly into every room due to their wall-mounted indoor units.

Conversely, a central air system uniformly conditions your entire home, keeping consistent comfort levels throughout. Its ductwork is hidden away, preserving the appearance of your home. On the other hand, it might not be as energy efficient as a mini-split, especially in larger homes or residences where certain spots may not need constant conditioning.

Mini-Split vs. Window AC/Window Unit

Mini-splits are typically more energy efficient and less noisy than a window air conditioning unit and are capable of cooling multiple rooms. This is why mini-splits are a versatile alternative for many homeowners. They also operate using a kind of refrigerant that is more environment-friendly, limiting their environmental impact. These devices can even add value to your home due to their reliable nature and superior cooling capabilities. However, they come with a larger initial investment.

On the contrary, window air conditioners are less expensive to purchase. They might be a good fit for homes that can't accommodate a central AC system or for people 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, will depend on 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 key concern, a portable AC is less expensive.

Mini-Split vs. Gas Furnace

The choice between a mini-split system and a gas furnace depends on a range of factors including the climate in your city, home size, energy efficiency needs 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 targeted areas inside of your home, delivering custom climate control in targeted rooms. Mini-splits also are generally quieter and have a larger up-front cost, but their operating costs are usually smaller due to their greater energy efficiency.

Alternatively, a gas furnace can be an extremely effective heating remedy, particularly in colder climates where mini-split heat pumps may not be able to maintain comfort levels in the bitter cold. Even though they are less energy efficient than mini-splits, gas furnaces ordinarily are not as expensive. 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 principle of heat transfer. They are both energy efficient, but a heat pump's ductwork can be less efficient. That said, the choice between a mini-split and a heat pump often is based on on individual needs and circumstances.

By way of example, if you reside in a warmer climate and mostly need cooling, a mini-split system might be a good choice. But then again, if you require both heating and cooling and already have ductwork installed in your residence, a heat pump could 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 merits. However, for all around efficiency, versatility, comfort and safety, mini-splits come out on top. Mini-splits have superior energy efficiency because they deliver conditioned air right to different zones and can serve several rooms at once.

Space heaters are a great deal less expensive to buy but are typically recommended for heating a confined area or just one room. They also can be less energy efficient. Unlike mini-splits, space heaters do not provide cooling. The biggest drawback for space heaters is the chance of fire. Experts say some 1,700 fires annually involve space heaters.