Mini-Splits vs. Gas Furnaces or Baseboard Electric Heat
When you're remodeling for sustainability and cost efficiency, HVAC systems are one of the biggest opportunities to make a difference. And yet, many homes still rely on outdated gas furnaces or baseboard electric heat—systems that are inefficient, expensive to run, and harmful to both indoor and environmental health.
One of the best upgrades we’ve found?
Ditch the ducts. Go mini-split.
❌ NOT THAT: Gas Furnaces or Baseboard Electric
Gas furnaces and baseboard heat have been around for decades. They’re familiar, and they work. But they come with serious downsides:
Gas systems rely on fossil fuels, contributing to carbon emissions
Baseboard electric is inefficient and expensive to run
Ducted systems lose up to 30% of energy through leaks
Gas furnaces produce indoor combustion byproducts
No cooling benefit—you’ll need a separate A/C system
Maintenance and replacement costs are high
In one of our remodels in Wilmington, NC, we were quoted $20,000 to replace an aging gas HVAC system.
✅ USE THIS: Electric Mini-Split Heat Pumps
Instead, we chose mini-split heat pumps—compact, efficient units that handle both heating and cooling with ease. The total cost? Just $6,000 per unit.
That’s a 70% upfront savings over traditional HVAC.
But the real savings came in monthly bills. Before the upgrade, our tenants were paying around $300/month to heat the home in the winter. After the mini-split system was installed, that dropped to under $50/month.
That’s a savings of over 80% on monthly heating costs.
💡 Why Mini-Splits Make Sense
For your pocketbook:
✅ Lower upfront cost than full HVAC systems
✅ Dual function: heats in winter, cools in summer
✅ Extremely energy-efficient (SEER ratings in the 20s+)
✅ Zoned control = no wasted energy
For the planet:
🌍 Runs on electricity—no gas, no combustion
🌍 Reduces carbon emissions and improves indoor air quality
🌍 Qualifies for rebates, tax credits, and energy incentives
For the people living there:
Cleaner air
Better comfort
Dramatically lower bills
Quiet, compact design with no ductwork needed
🔋 More Than a Heater. It’s a Smarter System.
Mini-splits aren’t just the modern choice—they’re the better choice. They offer flexibility, comfort, savings, and sustainability all in one system. Whether you're remodeling a single-family home or upgrading a rental portfolio, this is one investment that pays for itself fast.
Skip the gas. Ditch the baseboard.
Go mini-split.
Thoughtfully remaking homes for people and the planet,
Jake