Heat Pumps vs. Mini-Splits

Are you looking for a dependable, reasonably priced home comfort system? If electricity is your best or only choice, a central heat pump or ductless mini-split can be a good choice. Both electric-powered systems provide comfortable heating and cooling throughout the year. Which will it be: a heat pump or a mini-split? If you're still debating, research each HVAC system before selecting a make and model.

How do heat pumps work?

One type of central climate control system is a heat pump. A heat pump moves heat from one place to another. This is different from a furnace, which heats the home by burning fuel. It retains heat energy drawn from the outside air throughout the winter. After that, a built-in reversing valve will enable it to function backward, acting like an air conditioner in the summer to transfer heat and humidity from internal air and exhaust it outdoors.

How do mini-split systems work?

A heat pump and a mini-split have the same operating system. Despite not requiring ducting, it operates similarly to a heat pump. The system is referred to as "ductless" as a result. A mini-split is a wall- or ceiling-mounted unit with an integrated air handler. This interior component is immediately connected to an exterior condensing unit through a small hole made in the wall. To provide whole-home comfort, a single outdoor unit can be connected to some inside units without ducting.

Making a Decision

When deciding between a heat pump and a mini-split for your North American house, you must consider these factors.

Installation and Ductwork

The ductwork is already there if you have a normal furnace and air conditioner to heat and cool your home. Installing a heat pump is the most economical move.

You might need access to ductwork to use that area year-round if you live in an older house or one that has been enlarged. Installing a mini-split is easier and less expensive than building the ductwork that a heat pump needs.

Object Order

Like most other central heating and cooling systems, heat pumps are controlled by a thermostat mounted on the wall and placed in the right place. Contrarily, ductless mini-splits employ a remote control that enables you to manage each wall-mounted unit from any location in the room.

Zoning

Zoning is optional if you're happy controlling the temperature in the whole house with just one thermostat. If so, separately controlling the heating and cooling of different rooms will improve comfort at home and save energy.

This kind of "zoned" temperature control is possible with a central heat pump system using multiple thermostats and ducting dampers. Even if a room is already heated and cooled by a central HVAC system, installing a mini-split may be easier and more useful in places where the temperature needs to be just right.

Adaptability in Design

Flexibility is not a top priority for heat pumps. They can also swap out your old furnace and air conditioner and use an air duct system to offer whole-house comfort.

Mini-splits increase the locational flexibility of the unit. Homeowners can install one in a space where otherwise it would be difficult to maintain a suitable temperature. Without installing new ductwork, you can install one in a garage conversion or other home addition. Each room in a house can have a mini-split air handler put in it and connected to the outdoor condensing unit. This makes for efficient operation.

Energy Savings

Modern heat pumps are even more effective than they once were. There are even adaptations that work better in frigid conditions for colder climates.

But ductless mini-splits are often more energy-efficient because they don't lose as much energy through leaks in the ducting. Over 20% of the air that passes through the ductwork in a typical home is lost due to insufficient insulation or airtightness. A mini-split will produce the same hot or cold air for less money.

Appearance

• Heat pumps look similar to conventional air conditioners. The internal air handler, hidden in a utility closet or another part of the basement, looks almost the same as the external cabinet.

• Mini-splits, however, is simpler to see. The air handlers are fixed on the wall or ceiling of any space and come in sleek jackets that are intended to be discreet, though they are still quite noticeable.

Consider installing a heat pump or a mini-split.

Whatever system you determine is the greatest fit for your house, HVAC Installation and Repair Guide experts can do the full installation you want. Our specialists offer a one-year, 100% satisfaction guarantee on the excellent goods and services they deliver. Please contact your local HVAC Installation and Repair Guide Experts office as soon as possible if you have any additional questions about heat pumps vs. mini-splits or would like an installation quote.