Mini-Splits vs. Heat Pumps

Are you looking for a reliable, affordable home comfort system? If electricity is your best or only alternative, a central heat pump or ductless mini-split can be a practical choice. Both electric-powered systems offer year-round comfort in heating and cooling modes. Which will it be: a mini-split or a heat pump? If you're still considering reading up on each HVAC system, choose a make and model.

How Are Heat Pumps Operated?

A heat pump is a central climate control system. A heat pump is different from a furnace because it doesn't burn fuel to heat the house. Instead, it moves heat from one place to another. Throughout the winter, it stores heat energy from the outside air. Afterward, a built-in reversing valve in the summer will allow it to work backward like an air conditioner to transfer heat and humidity from interior air and exhaust it outdoors.

How Are Mini-Splits Operated?

The operating system of a heat pump is identical to that of a mini-split. It performs similarly to a heat pump, despite not requiring ductwork. Because of this, the system is referred to as "ductless." A mini-split is an air handler-integrated wall- or ceiling-mounted unit. This inside component is immediately connected to an exterior condensing unit by a small hole drilled in the wall. Without the need for ducting, a single outdoor unit can be connected to some interior units to provide whole-home comfort.

Making a Choice

These are important things to think about when deciding between a heat pump and a mini-split for your North American home.

Ductwork and installation

The ducting infrastructure is already there if you already have a standard furnace and air conditioner to heat and cool your home. Therefore, setting up a heat pump might be the most cost-effective choice.

If you live in an older home or one that has been expanded, you might need access to ductwork to use that room all year. In this case, installing a mini-split is far simpler and less expensive than installing the ductwork necessary for a heat pump.

Object Command

Like most other central heating and cooling systems, heat pumps are controlled by a thermostat mounted on the wall in the right place. On the other hand, ductless mini-splits use a remote control that lets you operate each wall-mounted unit from anywhere in the room.

Zoning

If you are happy with using a single thermostat to control the temperature in the whole house, you may not need to zone. If so, heating and cooling different rooms separately will make your home more comfortable and use less energy.

This kind of "zoned" temperature control is possible with a central heat pump system thanks to many thermostats and ducting dampers. Even if a room is heated and cooled by a central HVAC system, it may be easier and more practical to install mini-splits where the temperature needs to be just right.

Modularity in Design

Heat pumps place a low priority on flexibility. They can also replace your current furnace and air conditioner and employ an air duct system to provide whole-house comfort as an option.

Mini-splits give the unit more flexibility in terms of location. Homeowners can install one in a particular area where it would be challenging to maintain a comfortable temperature otherwise. You can put one in a garage conversion or other house addition without putting in new ductwork. A mini-split air handler can be put in each house room and connected to the outdoor condensing unit for it to work well.

Power Savings

Heat pumps in the modern era are even more efficient than before. There are even variations for colder climates that operate better in chilly circumstances.

However, ductless mini-splits are often more energy-efficient because they minimize the energy losses connected with ducting brought on by leaks. Due to inadequate insulation or airtightness, a typical home loses more than 20% of the air that moves through the ductwork. A mini-split will produce the same warm or cool air for less money.

Appearance

Heat pumps resemble traditional air conditioners in appearance. The outside cabinet looks almost identical to the inside air handler, hidden in a utility closet or another basement part.

However, mini-splits are easier to spot. The air handlers have sleek, unobtrusive jackets, but they are still easy to spot because they are mounted on the wall or ceiling of any room.

Plan to install a mini-split or a heat pump.

HVAC Repair Guide Experts can do the thorough installation you need for whichever system you decide is the best match for your home. The superior products and services our professionals provide are guaranteed by a one-year, 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you have any additional questions concerning heat pumps vs. mini-splits or would like a price quote for installation, get in touch with your nearby HVAC Repair Guide Expert's office as soon as possible.