Looking for a way to maximize comfort and minimize energy costs in your home? A ductless heat pump may be just the solution you are looking for. Ductless heat pumps have become quite popular among homeowners, given that they not only offer improved energy efficiency over using space heaters and portable or window A/Cs, but they are cost-effective and straightforward to install. 

What are ductless heat pumps? How do they work? What kind of maintenance do they need? Whether you want to upgrade your current system or install one in your new home, we’ll provide you with the information you’re looking for. We’ll be looking to answer these questions and much more in this post. 

What is a Ductless Heat Pump?

Also known as mini-split heat pumps, ductless heat pumps are some of the most innovative appliances you can use to heat and cool your home. They consist of one or more small, wall-mounted indoor unit(s) and an outdoor compressor. 

One of the most significant advantages of using a ductless heat pump is that you can heat and cool your home with the same equipment. The next best thing is that it’s not necessary to break open your walls just to install it. You just need a hole small enough to fit the control wire, the condensation drain hose, and refrigerant lines to connect the indoor and outdoor units.

How Does It Heat and Cool a Home?

Some models of ductless mini-split system are meant to operate only as an air conditioner, while others can both heat and cool your home.

The mechanisms of a ductless heat pump are quite simple. Essentially, what this appliance does is move heat from outside to inside your home and vice versa to cool it. The outdoor compressor uses a refrigerant that pulls ambient heat from the air outside, then moves it to the heating unit inside your home. When you want cool air, it draws heat from inside your home and pumps it out, cooling your home in the process. 

Why Choose a Ductless System?

There are many types of HVAC systems, but given that the system is ductless, it can be far more energy-efficient and cost-effective compared to some traditional heating systems. If, for instance, you use a regular oil or gas-fired forced-air furnace, heat energy can be lost as it goes through the ducts. Here are several advantages of ductless heat pump systems.

1. Low Operating Costs

Ductless heating systems are generally very energy-efficient, and they require very little power to keep running. These models feature inverter technology, which allows the compressors to work at variable speeds. This makes it very easy for you to maintain consistent indoor temperatures. 

2. Easy Installation

A ductless heat pump can be significantly easier to install compared to other HVAC systems. As long as you drill three holes to connect the indoor unit to the outdoor compressor, you’re good to go. It’s imperative you determine the best location for both units as the need to be close to each other. With the right technician, this is a process that will take a little bit of your time. 

3. No ducts

What does ductless even mean? It means just that: No ducts are necessary. This is quite convenient if your home does not have ducts already, like if you have radiator heating but want to add an air conditioning system. A ductless A/C can be a great option. Besides, ductwork is notorious for leaking and can reduce efficiency by as much as 30 percent. This makes ductless heat pumps very convenient, as energy loss and messy installation are less of a concern. 

4. Flexibility

Ductless heat pumps are sleek appliances that will look good in your home. Most of them are no more than seven inches deep, and they are easy to mount high up on a wall. Their small profiles won’t distract your interior decor and they are small enough to install in any location in your home. You won’t need to worry about which wall to compromise just to install an HVAC system in your home. 

Remote Controlled Operation

Most ductless heat pumps come with remote controllers since they are installed in hard-to-reach places. This makes it easy to adjust room temperatures regardless of where you are. Mini-split systems are so convenient that you don’t have to worry about cold spots in your home or having certain rooms warmer than the others. 

What Are the Downsides?

While the energy efficiency – especially with an ENERGY STAR model – and easy installation as a major plus, some of these systems are not as powerful as other traditional HVAC systems. While they may do an excellent job for most climates, if you live in an area that often goes to -15 or more during winter, you may need a more robust backup heating system. Still, some companies have hyper-heat ductless systems, and you may check whether these could work for those low temperatures. 

That being said, cooling only models or ductless A/Cs are a great option if you’re only looking for a summer cooling system.

The Installation Process

Once you’re ready to purchase your ductless heat pump split system, you need to hire a professional technician from a reputable company. Finding one may not be as easy as you’d like, so conduct some research. Read ductless heat pump reviews online from different companies, compare installation costs, and ensure they are certified and skilled enough. 

With the right HVAC technician, the installation process will start with an inspection of your home. This will be to figure out the best location for both units. Once you locate a nice spot, the installation will be simple and could take less than a day, which will save you both time and labor costs. 

How Easy Are They to Maintain?

Like other major appliances in your home, your ductless heat pump system will require regular maintenance. You may conduct regular maintenance, such as checking filters and coils to ensure they are clean, but you’ll still need periodic check-ups from professionals. Technicians will check all the elements of the system, going from the thermostat to the compressor and everything else in between the do repairs or replacements where necessary. 

Get a Free Quote on Ductless Heat Pump System Installation

If you’d like to know more about ductless heat pumps or how much they cost, feel free to contact us, and we’ll be glad to answer all your questions. We’ll provide you with a free estimate that reflects your needs, which may vary depending on the size and configuration of your home. 

You may also check out our website for more information that will help you come up with a decision regarding heating and cooling systems.