Mini Split System vs Central Air

6 years ago

We bought a house last year that is 13 years old and has the baseboard electric heating. It is a bi level home roughly 2100 sq ft. We weren't even living in our home this past winter and the heating bill was almost $500 a month for the winter (we were there fixing it up). My husband likes the idea of the mini split system but i hate the idea of having a unit placed on the walls...plus we were quoted btwn 18,000-22,000 for installation. I like the idea of having central air mainly bc we won't units on our walls plus I'd like to have an air purifier as an added component (not sure if that's available with the split system). What are the pros/cons of having either one of them. Does one really save more money then the other?

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Comments (5)

Cima Locert
6 years ago
Without any detail information, just for a 2100 sf house, the best choice will be Central AC with gas heat. Heat pump may also be considered depends on your location.
mike_home
6 years ago
Electric baseboard heat costs 2.5 - 3 times more to heat a house compared to the a mini split or a split system heat pump. The $500 heating bill would have been in the range of $167 - $200. It could possibly be more depending on your climate and the system you install.

Does this house have an attic? If so it may be possible to install a air handler in the attic and supply vents ceiling of the upper floor. Running duct work to the first floor may not be possible unless you are willing to open up walls. You could take a hybrid approach where you heat and cool the second floor with a heat pump, and use the electric baseboard on the first floor. It will same heating costs and keep the house comfortable in the summer.
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Gabriella
Original Author
6 years ago
Right we don't have any type of AC aside from ceiling fans in every room. It's a long house so if we did a head in the living room it wouldn't get to the back bedrooms. In the winter our first floor gets very cold...in the summer our 2nd floor (main living area, bedrooms) gets humid and hot while the 1st floor is manageable with ceiling fans. Would it be a good idea to do central on the 2nd floor and a split on the 1st floor? The heating bill was for at least 3-4 months. We definitely need some type of heating/cooling for the house as we live in Northeast Pennsylvania. What's the difference btwn a split heat pump and a mini split?
PRO
Austin Air Companie
6 years ago
What's the difference btwn a split heat pump and a mini split?

Some mini splits are cool only. If you buy a heat pump version of the mini split it provides heat as well as cooling modes.

A split system heat pump attached to duct work comes in larger capacity sizing than what is typical in a mini split form factor. Because you have the ability to run duct work the amount of equipment needed in conjunction with a split system heat pump is significantly reduced.

Heat pumps have cons to them. A run of the mill single speed heat pump will lose heat capacity once OAT's drop below freezing. Often times mini split performance will be better in terms of delivering heat at lower temps than a 'run of the mill' split system heat pump.

The magic happens when you pair an inverter split system heat pump. Then performance is on par / some cases better than mini split.

So realize this market is not a 'one size' fits all market. What is good for you ultimately depends on your climate & your comfort goals.

The better split system heat pumps cost more money. But with that they deliver better comfort, reduce amount of energy needed to operate.

If you are in a colder climate a 'run of the mill' single speed heat pump will require an additional 'back up' or emergency heat source. If your current heat source is electric strip heat --- then with that option a high light bill is still possible. (really cold weather takes out the heat pump / forces you to run the emergency heat)

I have an inverter heat pump at my home in Katy, Texas - this can deliver heat down to 5F. Due to my climate I probably will never require back up emergency heat. (Unless of course the heat pump breaks down.)
sktn77a
6 years ago
Minisplits start getting expensive in homes with several rooms (multiple head units). A tradiitonal split system (heat pump or AC with furnace) sounds like it would suit your needs better and at a much lower cost.