In recent years, heat pumps and mini-splits have become increasingly popular in El Paso, TX. Both are alternatives to traditional central air systems, offering improved comfort and greater energy efficiency. However, they have a few differences that may influence your decision regarding the ideal option for your home. Here’s everything you need to know.
All About a Mini-Split System
A mini-split is a compact HVAC system without ductwork. The outdoor and indoor units are connected via a conduit that houses refrigerant tubing, a condensate drain, electrical cables, and communication lines. This conduit can fit through a hole with a diameter of 2.5 to 3 inches in the wall, which allows the indoor and outdoor units to be installed anywhere within reasonable proximity.
Mini-splits lack a duct network. Instead, indoor air is filtered and conditioned by the indoor unit installed within the space. The key component in this process is called a refrigerant. Refrigerant is a highly volatile substance that can quickly absorb and release heat based on changes in pressure and temperature. It circulates through the indoor and outdoor coils, transferring heat to where it’s either released or absorbed.
The indoor unit uses fans to draw air from the room, passing it through a filter to remove airborne particles. The air then flows over the evaporator coil, where the refrigerant absorbs heat, cooling the air before it’s pumped back into the room. The refrigerant, now carrying the absorbed heat, travels through insulated lines to the outdoor unit, where the heat is released into the outside air.
All About a Heat Pump System
Heat pumps are similar in design and mode of operation. However, unlike mini-splits, heat pumps provide both heating and cooling and can be integrated with ductwork.
To provide heating and cooling, heat pumps include a special component called a reversing valve. Its job is to change the flow of the refrigerant depending on whether the system is set to heat or cool. In cooling mode, the heat pump works just like a ductless mini-split. However, in heating mode, the process reverses. The outdoor unit absorbs heat from the outdoor air by making the refrigerant a little bit cooler than the outdoor air, even when temperatures are near freezing.
After absorbing heat from the outdoor air, the compressor compresses the refrigerant, increasing its pressure and making it hotter. It becomes so hot that it turns into a gas. The now gaseous refrigerant is pumped to the indoor unit, where it releases its heat into the indoor air via evaporator coils.
It’s also worth noting that there are up to three main types of heat pumps. The one discussed above is called an air-source heat pump. Then there’s a geothermal heat pump, which absorbs or releases heat to the ground, and a water-source heat pump that uses water as its heat exchange medium.
When To Buy a Mini-Split Instead of a Heat Pump
Purchase a mini-split if you want a better cooling system. It’s highly efficient because it avoids heat gain common with ducted systems, especially in spaces like attics. Mini-splits also allow zoning, meaning you can control multiple indoor units independently, so you only cool the rooms you’re using. This saves energy and reduces the wear on your system.
Additionally, mini-splits offer improved comfort and air quality. Each room can be set to your preferred temperature, and the system filters air directly at each unit, helping to reduce dust, allergens, and pollutants.
When To Purchase a Heat Pump Over a Mini-Split
Install a heat pump for an energy-efficient system that provides both cooling and heating, usable all year round. It’s a good choice if your home has well-maintained ductwork, as HVAC technicians can easily integrate it into your existing system to distribute conditioned air evenly across multiple rooms.
Contact Us for More Information
Consult SoBellas Home Services for guidance on choosing the right system for your home. We are a leading HVAC service provider with over 17 years of industry experience and highly trained experts. We also back our installations with warranties, demonstrating our confidence in the durability and reliability of our products and workmanship. In addition to HVAC replacements, we offer maintenance and repair services.
Call SoBellas Home Services for a heat pump or mini-split installation in El Paso.
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