Mini-split vs. central heat pump
Both are heat pumps. A mini-split blows air from heads mounted in each room; a central system pushes it through ducts. Here is how they compare on every ENERGY STAR certified model.
Certified ratings side by side
| Mini-split | Central heat pump | |
|---|---|---|
| Certified models | 2,415 | 1,568 |
| Median SEER2 (cooling) | 22.0 | 17.0 |
| Median EER2 (95°F) | 12.5 | 11.7 |
| Median HSPF2 (heating) | 10.0 | 9.0 |
| Cold-climate certified | 82% | 63% |
Running cost: 24,000 BTU mini-split vs. 2-ton central
Median model of each, same capacity, local electricity prices.
| Climate | Mini-split / yr | Central / yr |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix · hot and dry | $658 | $774 |
| Houston · hot and humid | $591 | $693 |
| Atlanta · mixed | $616 | $703 |
| Chicago · cold | $1,216 | $1,367 |
| Minneapolis · very cold | $1,257 | $1,407 |
Which one fits your home
Mini-split is better if…
- The house has no ducts, or the ducts run through a hot attic.
- You want to heat or cool a few rooms, an addition or a garage.
- You want room-by-room temperature control.
Central is better if…
- You already have good ductwork from a furnace or AC.
- Many small rooms need even temperatures.
- You prefer no indoor units on the walls.
24,000 BTU mini-splits · 2-ton central heat pumps · Size calculator
Questions
- Is a mini-split more efficient than a central heat pump?
- On certified ratings, yes: the median mini-split is rated 22.0 SEER2 and 10.0 HSPF2, against 17.0 and 9.0 for central (ducted split) heat pumps. Ductless units also avoid duct leakage: ENERGY STAR estimates typical ducts lose 20-30% of the air moving through them.
- Which is cheaper to run, a 24,000 BTU mini-split or a 2-ton central heat pump?
- With median models of each, the mini-split costs $658 vs. $774 in Phoenix, $591 vs. $693 in Houston, $616 vs. $703 in Atlanta, $1,216 vs. $1,367 in Chicago, $1,257 vs. $1,407 in Minneapolis a year. The gap comes from the higher typical efficiency of mini-splits.
- When is a central heat pump the better choice?
- When the house already has good ductwork, needs to condition many rooms evenly, or you want filtration and fresh-air ventilation through the ducts. Replacing an old furnace and AC with a ducted heat pump is usually the simplest swap.