When you’re looking at your HVAC options, you might notice that heat pumps and ductless mini-splits are becoming increasingly common. Both types of nontraditional HVAC systems are getting a lot of praise for their efficiency and convenience. However, their similarities can make it tricky to choose between them. If you’re on the fence about whether to install a heat pump or ductless mini-split, here’s what you need to know.
Heat Pump vs. Ductless Mini-Split: What’s the Difference?
Before determining which style is better, it’s helpful to clear up some misconceptions about these two types of air conditioners. Technically speaking, a ductless mini-split is a type of heat pump. However, not all heat pumps are ductless mini-splits.
A heat pump is any HVAC system that works by transferring heat. It cools your house by removing heat from the interior and releasing it outdoors, and it heats your house by concentrating heat from the outdoors and sending it inside. Heat pumps come in all sizes and shapes. Most are designed to be central HVAC systems, by which a single unit sends cooled or warmed air through ducts to every part of the house.
Ductless mini-splits take basic heat-pump technology and add their own spin. In addition to working by transferring heat, ductless mini-splits eliminate the need for ductwork. They have their own individual air handlers in multiple parts of the house, so treated air flows directly into the desired room.
The Pros and Cons of Heat Pumps and Mini-Splits
Both styles of HVAC have their own benefits and disadvantages. Here’s how heat pumps and mini-splits measure up to each other.
Efficiency
When it comes to efficiency, ductless mini-splits beat heat pumps. The ductless design of a mini-split means that treated air isn’t traveling through ducts to get into your house. You don’t have to worry about uninsulated ducts affecting air temperature or leaky ducts losing treated air. Since the air is delivered straight into your home, you get the full impact of your HVAC system.
However, even if a mini-split is a little more efficient than a central heat pump, keep in mind that heat pumps are still reasonably efficient. Their method of producing heat often uses less energy than heaters that burn fuel especially when you consider the fact that Hillsboro, OR has fairly mild winters. Therefore, you’ll be saving money on energy bills no matter which style you pick.
Comfort Levels
For many homeowners, a great thing about a mini-split is that the temperature doesn’t have to be the same in every part of the house. Instead, you can adjust your settings to meet the preferences of everyone who lives there. Someone who feels hot can set their bedroom temperature lower, while someone who wants more warmth can have it. This makes it much easier for everyone to stay comfortable in the house.
Having a zoned heating and cooling system is technically possible with a heat pump. However, you’ll need to have your HVAC technicians add dampers to the system, and this can add extra time and expense to your installation. So, if you love the idea of being able to control various parts of your home independently, a mini-split may be the way to go.
Aesthetic Considerations
It’s hard to judge which HVAC model is more attractive because this is such a subjective matter. Overall, most homeowners seem to prefer the look of central heat pump systems. With a ductless mini-split, you’ll have an air handler that needs to be mounted in each room. Though these air handlers aren’t bulky, they can take up some space and potentially cause decorating challenges.
Keep in mind that, even though central heat pumps have a more streamlined design, they come with their own potential concerns. For example, if you have a historic home in the Downtown or Orenco neighborhoods, altering its structure to add ductwork and vents might be tricky. Homeowners who have to choose between visible ductwork on their ceilings or a few air handlers might find that the air handlers for a mini-split actually look better.
Installation and Maintenance Needs
The majority of heating and cooling systems are central HVAC systems. For this reason, more technicians are trained to work on central heat pumps, and installation for a heat pump is often quicker. You might find it a little easier to schedule service visits and repairs for a more traditionally designed system. While there are plenty of companies, like Pro Heating and Cooling, Inc., that work on mini-splits, it’s still important to consider that central HVAC systems tend to be more straightforward.
While the design of a ductless mini-split isn’t quite as familiar and simple to work with, it does have some perks. You don’t have to maintain ductwork, so you can skip things like duct cleanings. Also, in situations where a dwelling doesn’t have ducts, installing a mini-split is actually faster and simpler than installing a central heat pump.
Costs
If budget is a concern, central heat pumps are usually the smarter choice. The median price of a heat pump is around $12,000. The price of a ductless mini-split can be higher or lower than this depending on the number of zones. If your home is larger, you’ll need more air handlers, and this cost can add up over time. Installation costs for mini-splits are also higher because there are more parts to mount.
Mini-splits do provide cost savings in certain situations, though. If you don’t already have HVAC ducts in your house, it can save you money to avoid the price of adding ductwork to your property. Mini-splits also tend to save you money in the long run since they are more energy-efficient to operate.
Should You Choose a Heat Pump or a Ductless Mini-Split?
Ultimately, the right choice for you will come down to your personal needs. Both styles can work well in certain environments, so your decision will depend on what you prioritize. Homeowners who want maximum efficiency and zoned temperature control might prefer a mini-split; those who prioritize a streamlined look and a traditional HVAC setup might enjoy a central heat pump.
The condition of your property also plays a big role in your decision. Mini-splits are a popular choice in homes without ducts because they let you skip duct installation. They’re also a helpful way of augmenting HVAC systems if you have accessory dwelling units, add-ons, or detached spaces. But if your home already has an air duct system in place, you might prefer to take advantage of it and go with central HVAC.
If you’d like more help installing the right AC or heating system for your property, our experts at Pro Heating and Cooling, Inc. will be happy to take a look at your home and help you find the type of HVAC that will suit your cooling and heating needs and preferences. We’re available to assist you with every stage of HVAC installation from choosing a model to mounting it inside your house.
For more information, contact Pro Heating and Cooling, Inc. of Hillsboro now.
