Ductless Mini Splits VS Space Heaters

During the coldest months of the year, you want to come home to a warm, cozy space. The problem is, not every space in the home is always comfortable. We talk to lots of homeowners who say they still use space heaters to compensate for different parts of the house. There may be some cold spaces that never seem to stay as warm as the rest of the home, and a space heater is a quick, easy solution. 

In this article, we are going to talk about the differences between space heaters and ductless mini splits. These are both solutions that help warm a space, but they have a lot of differences as well. 

We’ve been working in the Havertown area for years, and know that not all of these houses are designed the same. All around our community, from the Main Line to Ardmore, Rosemont, and Radnor, we see homes that have challenges keeping every space warm in the winter. This is where the space heaters come in. 

In this article, we’ll go over the pros and cons of space heaters vs ductless mini splits, to see which would fit your space better. 

The Pros Of Space Heaters

Space heaters have been used for years, and are far older than ductless mini splits. People are more familiar with them, and the chances are, you’ve seen them at some point in your life. Even though they are dwindling in popularity due to the advancement in HVAC technology, there are still some benefits to having them around. 

Cost-Effective 

Space heaters don’t cost much to purchase. They usually cost between $30 – $300, with most falling in the hundred-dollar range. The fact that these are not very expensive makes it easy for homeowners to have a few on hand in case they are needed. 

Portable 

Space heaters are easily movable. This means you can put it into storage, and then when you need it, place it in the space you want warmed up. This gives you some flexibility with your comfort, being able to move the heat around to your desired space. 

Cons Of Space Heaters

Space heaters are cheap and easy, but there is usually a reason something is cheap and easy, and that’s because it has some drawbacks as well. Here are some of the cons of using space heaters. 

Inefficient 

The biggest disadvantage would likely be energy efficiency, combined with heating inefficiency. Newer models do a decent job of conserving energy while heating a space, but if you run these continuously throughout the day, they can consume a lot of energy. On average, if you were to run these 8 hours a day, it’s going to cost an extra $40-$75 on your monthly energy bills. 

Another issue is the heat that is provided. If you need a single space heated for a short amount of time, this is the most effective way to use a space heater. If you need to heat multiple spaces, rooms, and people, it can become more difficult. Suppose you want to heat a living room while people are watching TV. It’s usually a bit more difficult, as whoever is closest to the heater is hotter, and those further away are cooler. These space heaters have a hard time or permeating the heat throughout a space. 

Dangerous

Space heaters can become a safety hazard. These systems are designed to heat up, and if they get too hot, they can burn kids, pets, and anyone who brushes against them accidentally. Older space heaters also run the risk of falling over and causing a fire. Luckily, today many new space heaters are designed with safety precautions that will shut the system off if it falls over. But, if someone accidentally tosses clothing or flammable materials around it, there could be cause for concern.

Pros Of Ductless Mini Splits

Now that we’ve talked a bit about space heaters, let’s get into ductless mini splits. These systems are newer compared to space heaters, and as you’ll see, have a lot more advanced technology. Here are some of the pros of ductless mini splits. 

Energy Efficient 

Ductless mini splits are more energy efficient than space heaters. They also do a much better job of dispersing the warm air throughout a room, and not just to a particular space. These systems work using heat pump technology, and through that process, are able to run at a lower cost throughout the season. 

Better Comfort

Ductless mini splits are able to provide more precise temperatures, and disperse the air throughout a space more effectively. A space heater usually makes one space VERY warm, and the rest of the room gets cooler as you get away from it. With a ductless mini split, the entire room is going to be warmed to the same temperature, making it a more evenly comfortable space. 

Ductless mini splits also use inverter technology to run at a low speed and maintain a particular temperature. This helps save energy, and prevent swings in temps. 

Ability To Heat And Cool 

Ductless mini splits were originally designed to just cool, but over the years, they have been developed to heat as well! Unlike space heaters, ductless mini-splits can be used for year-round comfort. They provide cool air in the summer, and warm air in the winter. We’ve seen many homeowners who now use mini splits throughout their entire homes, making them the only HVAC system they own. 

We have also seen many homeowners who install a single-zone ductless mini split to supplement their current HVAC system, and make a particular space more comfortable. This is usually a bedroom or a basement that never seems to stay comfortable. We’ve also seen people who want to make their garage or shed a workspace that’s usable year-round, so they install a mini split instead of adding ductwork or replacing the whole HVAC system. 

This ability to both heat and cool has made these systems extremely popular for homes and businesses as well! 

Adds Value To Home

Installing a ductless mini split system in your home adds value to it. This is a serious investment that makes your home more appealing and will add value to your home if you ever decide to sell it! 

Cons Of Ductless Mini Splits

For the most part, we really only have great things to say about mini splits. We love to install these systems for homeowners and businesses in the area, and we know how much the customer loves the end result. Here are the cons for ductless mini splits. 

Cost Of Installation

The largest obstacle for a mini split is the cost. These systems range in the thousands of dollars, and they are going to be far more expensive than purchasing a simple space heater. This is the biggest drawback of a mini split compared to a space heater. 

Now, these systems provide much more than a space heater, and are a permanent solution for your home. They provide comfort year-round, and also increase the value of your home. 

Not Portable

When a mini split is installed, it’s a permanent fixture. This mini split treats the entire space where it’s located, usually an entire room, or floor, depending on the size of the space. There is no moving them or storing them away, or placing them in different locations. 

For this reason, if people want to treat multiple spaces, they usually install a multi-zone ductless system, with different units in different spaces. 

Do You Need A Ductless Mini Split Or A Space Heater? 

Now that you’ve read a bit about both systems, it’s time to decide what you want for your home! Here are a few questions that may help you decide which system fits your needs best: 

• • Are you using this as a permanent heating solution?
    A ductless mini split would be better, as it costs less to run, and is a permanent fixture that provides better heat. 
  • Do you need a little heat here and there?
    If you just want a little heat to improve comfort here and there for small amounts of time, a space heater is likely a better fit. If you find you use it all the time, maybe consider a mini split later on. 

• Do you use window AC units in the summer too? 

If you are using space heaters in the winter, and window units in the summer for AC, you are likely a candidate for a more permanent solution, whether that’s a mini split, a heat pump, or a full AC/Furnace combo. Either way, if you want to replace your space heaters, talk to a professional for a recommendation. 

Schedule A Free Mini Split Consultation

If you want to schedule a free consultation for a mini split, look no further! The experts here at John Cipollone Inc. can inspect your home, and let you know what the best solution is to make the space comfortable. Give us a call at (610) 446-7877, or contact us online!