Enter your mini-split's BTU rating, efficiency, and daily runtime to see real cooling or heating cost.
Mini-splits typically run at much higher SEER/HSPF ratings than central systems, which is why they're often noticeably cheaper to run per BTU than an older central AC or electric resistance heat.
Ductless mini-splits are heat pumps at their core — the same technology covered in our heat pump vs furnace comparison — which is why they often run more efficiently per BTU than older central systems or baseboard resistance heat, in both cooling and heating mode. Since one unit's SEER (cooling) and HSPF (heating) ratings differ, this calculator lets you check either mode separately with the correct rating.
Often yes, especially against an older central system — modern mini-splits commonly reach SEER ratings well above older central AC units, translating directly into lower wattage for the same cooling output.
A mini-split's cooling efficiency (SEER) and heating efficiency (HSPF) are measured differently and are usually different numbers on the spec sheet — using the correct one for the mode you're calculating gives an accurate result.