At One Hour Heating and Air, we hear this question all the time: “Does a mini split use a lot of electricity?”Homeowners see that little indoor unit on the wall and start wondering what it means for their power bill. Maybe you’re thinking about installing one, or maybe you’ve got one running and want to know if it’s quietly draining your wallet. Let’s clear the air — literally and financially.
The Short Answer: No, But Let’s Explain Why
Mini splits also called ductless mini split systems are surprisingly efficient. They don’t use as much electricity as most people assume. In fact, when installed correctly and used smartly, they can use less electricity than many traditional heating and cooling systems.
- Why? A few good reasons:
- They don’t waste air through ducts.
- They run on inverter technology.
- They heat and cool single zones.
A mini split doesn’t power up and down like an old-school furnace. Instead, it adjusts in real time, using only the energy it needs at that moment. Think of it like cruise control for your indoor temperature.
What Makes Mini Splits So Efficient?
We install mini splits all the time, and we’ve seen firsthand how they change the game — especially in homes with specific needs, like converted garages, upstairs bedrooms that never cool properly, or sunrooms that freeze in January.
Here’s how they keep energy use low:
No Ductwork Means No Loss
Traditional HVAC systems lose a big chunk of energy through ducts. Leaky joints, poor insulation, or long runs can waste up to 30% of your cooled or heated air. Mini splits skip all that by delivering air straight from the source.
Variable-Speed Compressor
This is where mini splits shine. Most systems operate like light switches — full blast or completely off. But mini splits use inverter-driven compressors that scale up or down. When your room hits the set temperature, the system coasts instead of shutting off. Less cycling means less power wasted.
Zoned Heating and Cooling
With a mini split, you don’t have to heat the whole house just to make your home office bearable. You control each zone separately, so you’re never paying to cool a room no one’s using.
How Much Electricity Does a Mini Split Actually Use?
It depends on the size of the unit, the number of zones, how often you run it, and the temperature you’re aiming for. But here’s a ballpark:
- A 12,000 BTU mini split (about right for a 400–600 sq. ft. space) might use 500 to 700 watts per hour on average.
- Compare that to a central air conditioner, which can use 2,000 to 5,000 watts when cooling the entire house.
Multiply those numbers by your rate per kilowatt-hour, and the savings start to show. If you’re running a mini split in just the rooms you’re using, you’re probably spending far less than someone running a whole-house system all day long.
When Should You Call a Professional?
A mini split can only work its magic if it’s installed and maintained correctly. We’ve walked into plenty of homes where someone tried to DIY their way through a ductless install and ended up with a system that blew more money than air.
Call us at One Hour Heating and Air if:
- You’re thinking about installing a mini split and want to make sure it’s sized and placed correctly.
- Your current unit is cycling too often or struggling to reach temperature.
- You hear odd sounds from the indoor or outdoor unit.
- Your power bill jumped after installation.
- The air coming out isn’t as cool or warm as it should be.
- It’s been more than a year since your last maintenance check.
What Our Mini Split Service Looks Like
We don’t just show up, poke around, and send a bill. When we work on your mini split, we look at every piece of the system and make sure it’s doing what it’s supposed to.
Step 1: Full System Inspection
We check both the indoor and outdoor units, the lines connecting them, and the electrical setup.
Step 2: Filter Cleaning or Replacement
Dirty filters slow things down and make your unit burn more electricity. We clean or replace them to keep the air flowing freely.
Step 3: Refrigerant Check
If your mini split is low on refrigerant, it works harder and uses more power. We check for leaks and recharge it if needed.
Step 4: Electrical and Sensor Testing
Loose wires or a misreading sensor can throw the whole system off. We tighten connections and test sensors to keep everything in sync.
Step 5: Performance Test
We run the unit, check the temperature difference, listen for any odd sounds, and make sure everything feels like it should.
FAQ
Do mini splits use more electricity than central air?
No. In most cases, they use significantly less — especially when you only need to condition a few rooms.
Can I leave my mini split running all day?
Yes, and it often uses less electricity doing that than stopping and starting multiple times a day.
How many mini splits do I need for a house?
That depends on the size and layout. We can help you figure out the best zoning setup to avoid overspending.
Are mini splits good for heating too?
Absolutely. Many models are heat pumps, which means they can both heat and cool efficiently.
How often should I have my mini split serviced?
Once a year is a good rule. Regular service keeps your system clean, efficient, and long-lasting.
Why Choose One Hour Heating and Air?
We’re not here to talk circles or sell systems you don’t need. We’re here to give you honest answers, smart installs, and clean service.
We show up when we say we will. We do the job right the first time. And we treat your home like our own. No loud clanging, no muddy boots, no guesswork. Just real help from folks who know what they’re doing. Because your home should feel comfortable and your energy bill shouldn’t give you sticker shock.
Ready to Cut Energy Costs Without Losing Comfort?
A mini split system could be the perfect fit. Whether you’re cooling an add-on, looking to zone your home, or replacing an old unit that eats electricity like candy we’ve got your back.
Call One Hour Heating and Air. We’ll size it, install it, and keep it running right. And if you already have one and think it’s not performing like it should, we’ll dig in and find the problem. Because comfort shouldn’t cost more than it has to. And with a mini split done right, it doesn’t.
