While ductless mini-splits are popular in most of the developed world, they have only recently become more so in the US. Originally invented in Japan in the late 1950s, mini-split HVAC systems offer greater efficiency than traditional models. Mini-splits are ideal for residential use and for additions when homeowners don’t want to run additional ductwork to the space.
One advancement in mini-split technology is the mini-split inverter. Inverter technology increases the efficiency of mini-split systems and offers quieter operation. Here’s some information about traditional mini-splits vs inverter mini-splits, how they work, and why an inverter mini split is the better choice.
What are Traditional Mini-Splits?
Traditional mini-splits are heating and air conditioning systems that don’t require ductwork. Instead, small indoor units called air handlers can be installed in each room and are connected to an outdoor unit consisting of a condenser and compressor by refrigerant lines, drain tubes, and power cables.
Mini-splits offer zoned heating and air conditioning by allowing you to set different temperatures in different areas of your home. Since they don’t rely on ductwork, they can be used in older or historic homes in which installing ductwork would be expensive or problematic. With the ability to control temperatures by zones, they also offer greater energy efficiency than traditional HVAC systems.
How do Traditional Mini-Splits Work?
With a traditional mini-split system, the outdoor condenser and compressor unit is connected to individual air handler units by refrigerant lines, drain tubes, and power cables. The refrigerant line is used to carry refrigerant to transfer heat and allow the air handler to reach the thermostat’s temperature setting.
Traditional mini-splits use rotary compressors. These compressors only have an on or off setting. When you set the thermostat to your desired temperature, the standard compressor will come on and work at full capacity until the temperature matches the setting. Then, the compressor will turn off.
It won’t come back on until room sensors indicate the compressor should come on again to return to the desired temperature. This means the mini-split system will turn on and off frequently to maintain the indoor temperature.
What is an Inverter Mini-Split?
An inverter mini-split is a type of mini-split that has an inverter switch in its compressor. Instead of running at full capacity, inverter compressors run at an optimal speed for the thermostat’s setting. An inverter is a device that allows variable speeds instead of the binary speeds used by traditional mini-split compressors.
How Does an Inverter Mini-Split Work?
Like traditional mini-split systems, inverter mini-splits include an outdoor compressor/condenser unit connected to individual air handlers by refrigerant lines, power cables, and drain tubes. When you set your thermostat and turn the system on, the compressor will operate at the speed necessary to bring the temperature to your thermostat’s setting.
Once the temperature reaches your setting, the compressor doesn’t shut off. Instead, it goes to a lower idle speed until it needs to increase to maintain the indoor temperature. Microcontrollers sample the air and vary the speed to maintain a consistent temperature.
Advantages of Inverter Mini-Splits vs Traditional Mini-Splits
Inverter mini-splits and traditional mini-splits both offer pros and cons. Which you choose depends on your needs and budget.
Pros of Inverter Mini-Splits
Inverter mini-splits offer the following advantages over traditional mini-splits:
- Variable speed compressor – Operating at variable speeds allows the compressor to operate at the speed necessary to reach and maintain the air temperature rather than shutting on and off.
- Quieter operation – Since the inverter mini-split doesn’t shut on and off to meet the temperature setting and instead continues blowing at optimal speeds to match the temperature load, it operates more quietly than a traditional system.
- Increased energy efficiency – Binary systems that turn off and on to reach the temperature setting are less efficient because they use more energy to turn off and on. By contrast, inverter mini-splits do not turn off and on frequently and use less energy overall, resulting in lower utility bills.
- Longer lifespan – Switching on and off increases wear and tear on components. Since inverter minisplits have variable speeds and do not shut on and off frequently, they experience reduced wear and tear, resulting in a longer lifespan with regular maintenance.
- Rapid heating and cooling – Since inverter mini-splits constantly vary their speed to maintain consistent temperatures based on the room’s temperature load, they can heat or cool a room faster when necessary as compared to traditional mini-split systems.
Cons of Inverter Mini-Splits
The cons of inverter mini-splits include the following:
- Higher upfront costs – Inverter mini-splits are more expensive to install than standard mini-split systems. However, since they are more efficient, their operating costs can be lower, resulting in lower ongoing utility bills.
- Increased complexity – Inverter mini-splits have more potential points of failure than standard systems since they have air handlers, microprocessors, inverters, and variable speed compressors.
Pros of Standard Mini-Splits
Standard mini-splits offer the following advantages over inverter systems:
- Lower upfront cost – Standard mini-splits cost less money up front than inverter systems. However, since they aren’t as efficient, they come with higher operating costs and utility bills.
- Less complex – Standard mini-splits have fewer components, which means they have fewer points of failure.
Cons of Standard Mini-Splits
Standard mini-splits have the following disadvantages compared to inverter systems:
- Binary speed compressor – Standard mini-splits have compressors that only turn on and off without having variable speeds.
- Louder operation – Since standard mini-splits turn off and on frequently to meet your temperature demands, they are louder than inverter mini-splits.
- Less efficient – Standard mini-splits are less efficient than inverter mini-splits, so your utility bills will be higher.
- Shorter lifespan – While a standard mini-split system can last a long time if properly maintained, it won’t last as long as an inverter system because of increased wear and tear caused by frequently turning on and off.
Contact Our HVAC Experts
If you’re considering a mini-split system, it might make the most sense to choose an inverter mini-split rather than a standard system. Our friendly HVAC technicians can help you choose a system that meets your needs and will install it according to your schedule.
At One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating, we’re on time or you don’t pay a dime! Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
