5 Common Questions About Ductless Heat Pumps Answered!
You might have heard about ductless heat pumps, but still have many questions about them. As the experts in the greater Portland and Vancouver region, let us help you understand what ductless heat pumps are and why they might be the right heating and cooling solution for your home.
What exactly is a ductless heat pump?
A ductless heat pump, also known as a ductless mini-split, is a heating and air conditioning system. It uses refrigerant (like the kind found in a refrigerator) that flows between the outdoor condenser unit to the indoor air handler, and back, to transfer heat energy.
This means that a ductless heat pump can heat or cool, depending on what you need and it doesn’t require ductwork to circulate air. Instead, it delivers heated or cooled air straight into your home’s living area via the air handler. A ductless heat pump’s lack of ductwork is what helps to make it a more energy efficient and healthy HVAC solution.
Why would I install a ductless mini-split heat pump?
Even if you already have a central air conditioner, furnace, or boiler, a ductless mini-split heat pump could help to keep your home more comfortable while also saving you money on your energy bills. A ductless heat pump can help to supplement an existing HVAC system or can be used as the standalone heating and air conditioning system.
Ductless mini-splits are a great option for additions or rooms that don’t ever seem to get warm or cool enough. If you’re particularly concerned about indoor air quality and keeping your home as energy efficient as possible, ductless heat pumps are the perfect all-in-one solution for both heating and cooling.
Isn’t a window AC the same thing as a ductless heat pump?
While there are some similarities, ductless heat pumps and window air conditioners are fundamentally different. A window AC can only cool, while a ductless heat pump can both cool and heat. A ductless heat pump can also connect multiple air handling units to serve multiple rooms or areas of your home offering zoning, while a window AC will only be able to cool that one room it’s located in. Finally, ductless heat pumps are significantly more energy efficient, are permanently fixed, and do not pose the threat of break-ins through unprotected windows.
How much does a ductless mini-split heat pump cost?
Like any type of HVAC equipment, the pricing of ductless heat pumps varies by brand, size, and efficiency. However, each unit will generally cost around $1,500 to $2,500 per ton of cooling capacity. So while the initial cost may be higher than a standard central air conditioner, since a ductless heat pump serves double duty as an AC and a heater, lasts longer than central HVAC systems, and is more energy efficient, it’s actually a wiser investment.
Can I install a ductless heat pump myself?
Although ductless heat pumps aren’t as complicated to install as an HVAC system that requires ductwork, they still require professional installation. From making sure the sizing of the unit is calculated, refrigerant lines length are installed are pressurized to the manufacturer’s specification, to the final placement, only after expert installation, will you be able to ensure you experience the complete comfort, efficiency, and indoor air quality benefits.
Get all of your ductless heat pump questions answered by the experts at Revival Energy Group. Our team specializes in installing ductless mini-split heat pumps for homes in Portland, Vancouver, and the surrounding areas.