Ductless Air Source Heat Pumps

Also known as a mini-split heat pump

A ductless heat pump, also called a mini-split heat pump, is an efficient and convenient way for homeowners who don’t have ductwork to heat and cool their home. Unlike central air conditioning systems, which feed air through a system of ducts and vents, ductless systems are installed directly in the room they’re intended to heat or cool.

Single-zone mini split

The smallest and most basic ductless heat pumps are single-zone mini split heat pumps and include just one indoor unit and one outdoor unit.

Multi-split ductless system

You can install up to five indoor units to form a multi-split ductless system. This means you can heat or cool up to five spaces without ducts, making this mini split unit an easy and flexible solution to indoor temperature control.

Avoid energy loss

Minisplits have no ducts, so they avoid the energy losses associated with the ductwork of central forced air systems. Duct losses can account for more than 30% of energy consumption for space conditioning, especially if the ducts are in an unconditioned space such as an attic.

Advantages

The main advantages of minisplits are their small size and flexibility for zoning or heating and cooling individual rooms.

Disadvantages

The cost of installing minisplits can be higher than some systems, although lower operating costs and rebates or other financial incentives—offered in some areas—can help offset the initial expense.