If you’re considering a new air conditioner, it’s worth exploring the many different styles available. Thanks to modern air conditioning technology, property owners aren’t just stuck with standard central ACs anymore. New designs, like ductless mini-splits, promise unparalleled convenience, comfort, and energy efficiency. Do mini-splits actually live up to all the hype? Explore this guide to see how mini-split energy consumption compares to a central AC’s energy use.

What Is a Ductless Mini-split?

Before discussing which style is more energy efficient, it’s useful to define a mini-split. While most people are familiar with standard central air conditioning units, mini-splits are a little less common. This modern style of air conditioner divides your air handler into multiple, smaller units. Instead of one big air handler that blows cool air through vents pre-installed in your walls or ceilings, a mini-split has small air handlers that blow air directly into your home. They look like small units with a fan mounted somewhere on your ceiling or wall.

Each air handler has its own controls and delivers cool air straight into your room. A small pipe that contains a drain line and other mechanical components then connects each mini-split handler to a large outdoor unit that takes care of the process of cooling refrigerant and expelling excess heat outside your home.

Energy Consumption Rates for Mini-splits vs. Central ACs

Comparing energy consumption rates for these two types of air conditioners seems like a fairly straightforward way to see which is more energy efficient. However, you have to keep in mind that they are two drastically different styles of air conditioners. Looking at the energy usage of a standard central AC unit is as easy as checking the energy usage rate on the label. Ductless mini-splits offer more variety. Some homes might use one air handler, while other homes might use three or four, so that can affect overall energy usage. Furthermore, running a central AC and a ductless mini-split system for the same amount of time won’t necessarily add the same amount of cool air to your space.

To analyze energy usage, there are a few different metrics we can consider. First of all, the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) tool is a handy rating. The SEER rating looks at the amount of cool air a system outputs over the typical summer and compares that to the amount of energy it uses. A higher SEER rating means a system is more efficient. SEER ratings vary by model and unit size, of course, but on average, ductless mini-splits have higher SEERs. The typical mini-split has a SEER of 20 or more. Meanwhile, most central AC SEERs sit at around 15 to 18.

While SEER provides a helpful look at cooling capacity over a long period, another useful factor to consider is how much energy each style of system uses in an hour. The average central AC unit, which is around 12,000 BTU to 18,000 BTU in size, uses roughly 3,000 watts to 3,500 watts of electricity per hour. Meanwhile, ductless mini-splits have a wider range. The typical 12,000 BTU to 18,000 BTU unit uses somewhere between 800 watts and 2,000 watts per hour.

Ultimately, all these numbers mean that ductless mini-splits are the more efficient choice. Cooling the same size of house to the same temperature with a mini-split will use less energy than a central air conditioner. Furthermore, if you run both units for the same amount of time, a ductless mini-split will use less electricity. The typical homeowner who switches to a ductless mini-split will save around 30% to 40% on their cooling bill each year.

Why Are Ductless Mini-splits More Energy Efficient?

To better understand how ductless mini-splits save you so much energy, it’s useful to take a look at how they operate. There are several reasons behind the impressive data on ductless mini-split energy consumption.

Less Ductwork Results in Less Energy Loss

One of the big perks of ductless mini-splits is that they eliminate the traditional duct system. The practice of pushing pre-cooled air along a duct is surprisingly inefficient. Not only does the air warm up as it moves along the duct, but many ducts have small leaks and gaps that allow cold air to escape into your attic or walls. Home efficiency experts estimate that around 25% to 40% of a central AC’s energy is lost in the ductwork. Meanwhile, ductless ACs deposit their freshly cooled air straight into your home.

The cooled air cannot escape through gaps or warm up as it travels through uninsulated spaces. Thus, without having to transfer the air over long distances, you save quite a lot of energy.

Mini-splits Let You Use Zoned Cooling

If you choose a ductless mini-split with zoned cooling, you end up with even greater savings. This style of mini-split allows you to run each air handler independently. It’s a very common feature because the mechanics of ductless mini-splits make zoning quite straightforward. The benefit of zoning is that you don’t have to use energy to cool unused parts of your home. If you have a guest room or game room that is often empty, you can turn off the AC in that part of the house and save electricity.

You can also save energy if one person in your household prefers cooler temperatures than everyone else. A zoned system lets you keep their room cool while maintaining other parts of the house at a warmer, more energy-efficient temperature.

Mini-splits Have Variable Speed Compressors

Ductless mini-splits are typically made with a variable-speed compressor. This type of HVAC component allows your mini-split system to adjust its cooling speed based on how much cool air you need. When you’re trying to cool the whole home on a hot, sunny day, the compressor will run at a faster rate than it would to lower your temperature by a degree on a mild night. Meanwhile, standard central ACs still use a single-speed compressor. This device runs at the same level all the time, no matter what the temperature is.

Variable-speed compressors save energy because they don’t run at full power for small changes. Ultimately, this results in great energy savings for homeowners.

Buehler Air Conditioning & Plumbing Is Your Local Ductless Mini-split Expert

If you’re interested in finding out more about ductless mini-split ACs, Buehler Air Conditioning & Plumbing is happy to help you. Our company has been open since 2010, and we can discuss your options and help you find the right AC installation that suits your home and budget. We have plenty of experience installing these highly efficient AC units in Jacksonville homes. Our team also provides many other HVAC services, including air quality services, traditional air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnace installation, repairs, and maintenance. We also offer plumbing services, from general plumbing repairs and installations to tank and tankless water heaters, water filtration systems, and much more.

To schedule your next ductless mini-split appointment, contact Buehler Air Conditioning & Plumbing today.

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