Ductless Vs. Ducted Heat Pumps

What’s a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is an HVAC system that basically moves heat from one location to another. Instead of burning fuel, which is what happens in a furnace, a heat pump is a more eco-friendly option that doesn’t rely on fuel combustion. Additionally, a heat pump is a more affordable system compared to a furnace.

As we mentioned earlier, a heat pump provides both heating and cooling power. But while this system relies on transferring heat, they don’t perform well in areas with limited warmth. That said, very cold, harsh locations aren’t best for a heat pump system. These areas are better suited for a powerful furnace.

Mini Split vs Heat Pump

The mini split vs heat pump debate has been going on for quite some time. While some people really enjoy not having any ducts, others don’t mind them.

Let’s now take a look at the pros and cons of each option:

Ductless (Mini Split)

These efficient systems work by moving either cold or warm air into a room. However, as these units have trouble cooling or heating large buildings, they’re better suited for smaller spaces.

Pros

There are many instances where a heat pump should be the preferred HVAC system. One key benefit of these units involves how they’re minimally intrusive. In fact, only one small hole in your wall is needed to install a ductless mini split. Also, since no ducts are required, this dramatically reduces installation, repairs, and maintenance costs.

Another key aspect of ductless units is that they can easily be customized to change the desired temperature for any room. One other top benefit is that these systems are incredibly efficient.

Cons

If you’re looking to condition a specific room in your home, you may consider a window air conditioner or a ductless system. While a mini split tends to look a little better, they’re still pretty bulky and obtrusive. Additionally, since the installation process is highly important, this can make it expensive. That’s because a ductless unit must be installed by an experienced, licensed technician. Since you need the correct size to have an efficient unit, it must be installed by a trusted expert.

Ducted Heat Pump

A ducted heat pump transports air from the outdoors to the indoors, and vice versa. After a heat pump gathers its energy, the conditioned air is pushed through ducts to the indoor environment.

Pros

One reason why people love ducted heat pump models is that they’re very dependable and efficient. In fact, an air-source heat pump is able to produce up to three times more heat energy than the electric power it uses. While it may be a disadvantage for some, the ductwork is a strong benefit for others. They allow you to extend ducts to other areas of a building, making one system work for an entire home or office space.

Another plus is that the ductwork is typically hidden behind walls, so there isn’t any bulky equipment to deal with. Also, as this is the common style of heat pump, most service professionals should be well-versed in installations, repairs, maintenance, and more.

Cons

If you have allergies or other upper respiratory issues, a ducted heat pump may not be suitable for you. As dust and other debris can accumulate in your ductwork, forced air can push these particles throughout your home, which could heighten allergy symptoms. Another downfall is that these ducts can have leaks, leading to poor energy efficiency and a huge hassle.

When it comes to ductless vs. ducted heat pumps, both options are very efficient. After reading this post, you should have full confidence when choosing the right heat pump for your specific needs.