The real question: Should we buy a mini-split or an electric heater for the winter?

Clearly, we are interested that the equipment we buy is economical and does not involve an excessive expenditure in our electricity consumption. Before giving you an answer, it is necessary that you know what are the differences between both equipments, and therefore, which one will adapt better to your home.

Differences between an electric heater and a mini-split hot/cold heater

On the one hand, an electric heater is a device that produces heat for the purpose of heating the environment, producing energy from electricity. This device is made up of an electric resistance, a radiator and a fan, the latter being the one that circulates the air to improve heat transmission.

On the other hand, a mini-split consists of a heat pump that transfers energy from the outside air. Generally, with the air conditioning function activated, the internal unit of the minisplit rotates in one direction to generate cold air into the home. Turning in the opposite direction is how it manages to activate the heating, expelling the cold air and generating hot air into the room. It is necessary that the air conditioning equipment has a heat pump, that is to say, that it is a cold/heat equipment (that has the "cool" and "heat" function).

Energy consumption and savings

Now, which equipment wastes less, a mini-split or an electric heater? The answer is simple: the minisplit. Air conditioning heat pumps work as an inverter compressor, which increases energy efficiency and reduces electricity consumption. Compared to an electric heater, the consumption of a minisplit with the heating on can be more efficient.

We recommend that if you decide to buy an air conditioner, also look for one with Inverter technology, or that has some energy saving certification.

Why choose a hot/cold minisplit to heat your home?

We already know that in terms of energy savings, the hot/cold minisplit is a better option than an electric heater. But for what other reasons should be more convenient to buy an air conditioner? Here are some of the advantages, in addition to the use of heating, which can give you the use of the minisplit:

• You will have a functional equipment for both winter and summer. The hot/cold minisplits will be useful for any season of the year, because they can generate a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere in your home at all times.

  
  

• You will feel a warm atmosphere sooner. As soon as you turn on the minisplit with the heating function, it will only take a few minutes for it to blow warm air and increase the temperature in your room. An electric heater usually takes longer to evenly heat the space where it is installed.

  
  

• It is easier to control the temperature at which you want your room to be kept. Generally, electric heaters have very limited functions. On the other hand, the minisplit, in addition to allowing you to select a specific temperature, can have functions that help you, in an intelligent way, to maintain an adequate temperature so that your stay at home is comfortable.