Are Ductless Mini-Split Systems More Efficient?

Ductless mini-splits are energy-efficient HVAC systems that provide both heating and cooling. They’re an all-in-one solution that removes the need for separate heating and AC systems. Ductless mini-splits also don’t require ductwork, making them great for smaller homes, home additions, and homes without ductwork. Heart of Ohio is here to explain how ductless mini-splits work and why they’re so efficient.

Choose Heart of Ohio for all your ductless HVAC system needs.

What Is a Ductless Mini-Split?

Ductless mini-splits run on electricity and use two main components — an outdoor condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. These two components are linked by refrigerant tubing, a condensate drain, and a conduit that houses the power cable. Ductless systems provide zoned heating and cooling, as you can install indoor units in different rooms throughout your home and control them individually for optimal comfort.

Other benefits of ductless mini-splits include:

• Small and flexible: These systems are compact and can be installed in the rooms of your choosing. Since they don’t require ductwork or separate heating/cooling units, they take up less space in your home.
• Easy installation: Mini-splits are much easier to install, only requiring a small hole through a wall for the conduit. The outdoor unit can also be installed up to 50 feet away from the indoor unit, making placement more flexible.
• Cost savings: Since these units are more efficient, they require less energy to function, saving you money on your electric bills.
• Improved comfort: Zoned heating and cooling means you can set different rooms to different temperatures to best meet your needs. Since they’re all-in-one systems, mini-splits are capable of keeping you comfortable no matter the season.

How Much Energy Do Ductless Mini-Splits Use?

The amount of energy a ductless mini-split consumes depends on factors such as the size of the unit (ensuring the unit is properly sized is key), its heating and cooling capacities, and the load calculations for the space being treated. The larger the area, the higher the heating or cooling capacity will be and the more powerful system you’ll need. Load calculations determine the amount of heating or cooling a space requires based on the size of the space, amount of insulation, and number of occupants.

On average, a mini-split uses 600 watts of electricity, but the exact consumption depends on how many rooms you’re treating, the temperature outside, and whether you’re heating or cooling a space. Ductless systems are more efficient than traditional systems for reasons such as reduced energy loss due to a lack of ductwork, and zoned heating/cooling is more efficient than one-size-fits-all temperature settings. Other facts that impact their energy efficiency include square footage, ceiling height, airflow restrictions, climate, and windows.

Why Are Mini-Splits So Efficient?

Ductless mini-splits are extremely energy-efficient systems because of factors such as:

• No duct leaks: Traditional HVAC systems rely on ductwork to distribute treated air, but energy losses associated with ductwork account for more than 30% of a traditional system’s energy consumption. Since mini-splits don’t use ductwork, you don’t need to worry about that energy waste.
• Uses ambient heat: Some traditional systems use a fuel source, while others rely on electricity to create heat. Mini-splits, however, use electricity to attract ambient heat harnessed from the sun and then moves that heat around. In the summer, heat is moved out of your home, while in the winter, heat is brought in.
• Zoning capabilities: You can use the different indoor units to control various rooms in your home. This means you don’t need to waste energy on heating or cooling rooms you’re not using.
• Higher SEER rating: SEER ratings tell you how much energy and money a system requires to run effectively throughout a single year. The less energy needed, the higher the SEER rating.

Get Help Today!

330-764-1011

Schedule NOw

Depend on Heart of Ohio for Energy-Efficient Home Heating and Cooling

At Heart of Ohio, we offer comprehensive ductless mini-split services, including installation, replacement, repair, and maintenance. Our technicians are here for all your energy-efficient home heating and cooling needs.

Choose Heart of Ohio for over 100 years of combined experience. Schedule services today!