What are the Differences Between Mini Splits And Central Air?

When deciding between mini split systems and central air systems, it’s important to understand their key differences. Below is a comparison based on several critical points:

Energy Efficiency

• Mini Splits: Mini splits are highly energy-efficient due to their ductless design, which eliminates energy loss through ducts. This makes them an excellent choice for reducing energy consumption and lowering electric bills. Additionally, multi-zone mini splits allow you to cool only the rooms in use, further enhancing efficiency.

• Central Air: Central air systems are less energy-efficient because they rely on ductwork, which often leads to energy losses due to leaks or poor insulation. This can result in higher electric bills, typically 20-30% more than mini splits.

Installation and Cost

• Mini Splits: The initial cost of mini splits can be higher, ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 or more for multi-zone systems, as it includes the outdoor unit, indoor air handlers, and installation labor. However, they are ideal for homes without existing ductwork and offer flexibility for retrofitting older homes or adding cooling to specific areas like basements.

• Central Air: Central air systems generally have a lower upfront cost, ranging from $3,500 to $7,500 for a standard-sized home, especially if ductwork is already in place. However, installing new ductwork can significantly increase costs and complexity.

Zoning and Temperature Control

• Mini Splits: Mini splits excel in zoning flexibility, allowing independent temperature control in each room. This is particularly useful for households with varying cooling needs in different areas.

• Central Air: Central air systems typically operate on a single thermostat, offering less zoning flexibility. This can lead to uneven cooling, with some rooms being too cold or too warm.

Aesthetics and Space

• Mini Splits: The indoor units of mini splits are mounted on walls or ceilings, which may not blend seamlessly with your home’s interior design. This can be a drawback for homeowners who prioritize aesthetics.

• Central Air: Central air systems use hidden ductwork, keeping living spaces free of visible units and maintaining a clean, unobtrusive appearance.

Maintenance and Longevity

• Mini Splits: Mini splits require minimal maintenance, typically costing $150 to $300 annually for tasks like cleaning filters and checking refrigerant levels. Their ductless design also reduces the need for extensive cleaning or repairs. They have a service life of 15 to 20 years.

• Central Air: Central air systems require more maintenance, including regular duct cleaning and inspections. Dirty or damaged ducts can reduce efficiency and increase repair costs over time.

Air Filtration

• Mini Splits: While mini splits have basic air filtration, they generally lack the advanced filtration capabilities of central air systems.

• Central Air: Central air systems often feature larger and more advanced filtration systems, including support for high-efficiency filters like HEPA filters. This makes them ideal for households with allergy sufferers or pets.

Do Mini Splits Use a Lot of Electricity?

Mini split systems are generally more energy-efficient than central air systems, which means they typically result in lower electricity bills. To give you a clearer picture, let’s compare the electricity costs of a mini split system and a central air system using the average electricity rate in California, which is around 30 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), as an example.

Mini Split System: A typical mini split system uses about 600 watts (0.6 kW) per hour when running. If you use the system for 8 hours a day during the summer, the daily energy consumption would be 4.8 kWh (0.6 kW x 8 hours). Over a month (30 days), this adds up to 144 kWh (4.8 kWh x 30 days). At 30 cents per kWh, the monthly electricity cost would be approximately 43.20 dollars (144 kWh x 0.30 dollars/kWh).

Central Air System: A central air system, on the other hand, uses significantly more energy. On average, a central air conditioner uses about 3,500 watts (3.5 kW) per hour. Running it for 8 hours a day results in a daily energy consumption of 28 kWh (3.5 kW x 8 hours). Over a month, this totals 840 kWh (28 kWh x 30 days). At the same electricity rate of 30 cents per kWh, the monthly cost would be around 252 dollars (840 kWh x 0.30 dollars/kWh).

As you can see, the mini split system consumes far less electricity, resulting in a monthly cost of 43.20 dollars compared to 252 dollars for the central air system. This makes mini splits a more cost-effective option for cooling, especially in regions with high electricity rates. Additionally, the ability to cool only the rooms you’re using further enhances their energy efficiency, helping you save even more on your electric bills.