Selecting the right air conditioner can significantly affect your comfort and electricity costs. The two most popular cooling systems are central air conditioners and mini-splits. Both systems effectively keep homes cool but operate in slightly different ways.
Many homeowners install mini-splits for their efficiency. Do they use less electricity than central air conditioners? Cool Power LLC in Ronkonkoma, NY, educates customers about air conditioner options. We can help you decide if a mini-split is right for your cooling needs.
Understanding How Each System Works
It helps to know how each one works before learning why mini-splits use less electricity than central air conditioners. We are always here to answer questions and guide you in your selections.
Central Air Conditioners
Central air conditioners work with one thermostat and one air handler. They cool the air and distribute it through ductwork to each room in your home. Unfortunately, there is no way to shut off rooms that are not in use, so your central air conditioner can waste energy.
Ductless Mini-Splits
Ductless mini-splits consist of one or more air handlers connected to an outdoor compressor. Each indoor unit controls the temperature in that room, allowing you to save money by shutting off units for rooms not in use.
Ductwork and Energy Loss
One of the most significant inefficiencies in central air conditioning is ductwork. According to the US Department of Energy, duct systems can cause up to 30% of cooling energy loss. The loss comes from leaks, poor insulation, and unsealed joints.
Energy loss becomes more of a problem in older homes with poorly designed ductwork or a system in disrepair. Many homes have ducts that move through unconditioned spaces, such as basements and attics, further increasing energy loss.
In contrast, ductless mini-splits deliver air into each room without requiring ductwork. Their direct cooling is much more efficient than that of central air conditioners.
Zone-Based Cooling
One of the most significant advantages of ductless mini-splits is their zone-based cooling. Each indoor mini-split operates independently. You can turn on the systems in the rooms you want cooled and leave the others off to save money. Depending on your family’s schedule, zoned cooling can dramatically decrease your cooling costs.
For instance, if you spend much of the day in the living room, you can cool that part of the house and leave the bedrooms off. At night, turn the bedrooms on and the living room area off.
Central air conditioners rarely offer this level of customization without investing in expensive zoning modifications. Many homeowners in Ronkonkoma rely on mini-splits because of their convenience and efficiency.
Inverter Technology and Variable-Speed Compressors
Many ductless mini-split systems use inverter-driven compressors. These compressors automatically adjust the cooling output to help maintain a more consistent temperature. In contrast, central air conditioners operate with a fixed-speed compressor, intermittently turning on and off throughout the day, often wasting energy.
Frequent cycling causes spikes in energy usage and increased wear on system components. Inverter systems help you save money by gradually adjusting their power output.
It is important to note that some central air conditioners come with variable-speed compressors but are usually more expensive. They also still experience energy losses due to ductwork.
Installation Flexibility and Cost
From an installation perspective, ductless mini-splits are often more affordable and less invasive. Installing new ductwork frequently requires significant remodeling, which can add to central air conditioner installation costs.
A central air conditioner may still be the right choice if your existing ductwork is in good shape. Ronkonkoma homeowners who prefer a single unit to handle their cooling needs will want to select a central system. If reducing your electricity costs is the top priority, consider mini-splits.
Mini-Splits and Monthly Energy Consumption
Can mini-split systems reduce your electric bills? The answer is usually yes and often dramatically. This is good news for homeowners, with electricity rates rising in New York.
By eliminating duct losses and using inverter technology and zoning, ductless mini-splits often use 20% to 30% less energy than their central counterparts. Your actual savings will vary, depending on several factors.
- Home layout
- Occupancy usage
- Insulation and air sealing
- Climate and seasonal temperatures
- The efficiency of your current system
You may experience even greater gains if you currently have an improperly sized system or an older and less efficient one. We can help you determine which system will offer the most significant savings for your home.
How Climate Plays a Role
The local climate plays a significant role in the efficiency of your cooling system. For instance, Ronkonkoma’s warm season is from June to September, with an average daily high of around 73. A mini-split can offer substantial savings because we don’t have extremely hot summers like the South, which drive up costs.
Maintenance and Longevity
Routine maintenance can impact energy efficiency over time. Ductless mini-split systems are typically easier to maintain than central AC units. Because they do not rely on extensive ductwork, they do not accumulate as much dirt and debris. With regular filter and outdoor unit cleaning, mini-splits are easy to maintain and efficient.
Central AC units require professional duct cleaning and more frequent inspections and maintenance than ductless mini-splits. Dirty ducts can strain a central system and cause it to become less efficient over time.
Ductless systems tend to last longer than central air units. With fewer repairs and replacements, these systems offer long-term value.
Energy Efficient Ratings
The best way to compare ductless mini-splits and central air units is to look at their SEER2 ratings. This number represents the cooling output during a typical cooling season divided by the total energy output.
The goal is to purchase the highest SEER2 rating you can afford. The SEER2 rating requirement for Ronkonkoma is at least 14.3. Many ductless mini-splits have SEER ratings that rise above 20.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
A ductless mini-split reduces your household’s carbon footprint by consuming less electricity. Lower energy usage means less demand for fossil fuels and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Ductless systems are a wise choice for households that prioritize sustainability and encourage green home updates.
When Central AC Still Makes Sense
Despite the advantages of ductless mini-split systems, there are still times when central AC units make sense. A central air conditioner may be best for larger homes with intact and well-insulated ductwork. Homes with high occupancy may also benefit more from one.
Is a Ductless Mini-Split Right For You?
In most cases, ductless mini-split systems use less electricity than central AC units. The improved energy retention comes from no duct losses, zone-specific cooling, inverter technology, and higher SEER2 ratings. This translates to lower monthly operating costs.
Cool Power LLC is here to help you make the best decision for your home. Founded in 1975, we continue to put our customers first in everything we do. We are committed to doing the job right 100% of the time.
We are among the top 25 Lennox dealerships, but we offer services for all makes and models. Our team also provides 24/7 emergency repairs for heating and cooling systems. We stand behind our work 100% to ensure your complete satisfaction.
Call our knowledgeable HVAC technicians at Cool Power LLC if you are ready to install a ductless mini-split in Ronkonkoma.
