6 Reasons to Get a Mini-Split Heat Pump

Mini-split heat pumps are effective heating and cooling solutions that don’t use ducts to deliver conditioned air. While you can add one as a backup or to serve a home addition, it can also serve as your primary heating system. There are two main components. Similar to other HVAC systems, a mini-split has an outdoor compressor/condenser unit and an indoor air handler. They’re connected by a single conduit with refrigerant tubing and a suction line, power cable, and condensate drain.

There are several possible advantages of installing a mini-split heat pump. Here are six reasons you should consider supplementing or replacing your existing AC system with one:

1. Easy to Install

The absence of ductwork makes for a faster, less intensive installation process (no wall or ceiling panels need to be removed). For the most part, mini-splits require a single connection to the outdoor unit via a three-inch hole. Conduits are available in various lengths. The indoor and outdoor units can be as much as 50 feet apart from one another. The compressor can be placed where it’s less visible or occupants won’t be distracted by noise.

2. No Ductwork

In traditional central air conditioning systems, ducts are often the source of energy losses. Gaps, holes, and cracks can lose air, causing the system to work harder to compensate. Pollutants can get in through these spaces, impacting indoor air quality. If your home had radiant or electric baseboard heat before installing the mini-split, there’s no need to run ductwork through tight spaces. Each air handler delivers cool or warm air from its own evaporator coil.

3. Require Less Energy

Mini-split heat pumps run on electricity and move heat instead of generating it. The process of generating heat uses a lot of energy. But the system draws cool air by moving heat outside in summer and pulling heat in during the winter. In addition to using less energy, heat loss is minimized; ducted AC systems can lose as much as 30% of the heat they generate.

4. Lower Heating Costs

With mini-splits, cost-effectiveness varies depending on the outside temperature. Ductless is more cost-effective than fuel oil when it’s above 25℉ outdoors, and more cost-effective than natural gas when the temperature is above 60℉. However, the system is most cost-efficient when propane or baseboard electric are your primary source of heat. It also offers savings over an oil- or natural gas-fired furnace or boiler, so this something to consider.

5. Zoning Flexibility

With a mini-split system, you can create different zones. One room or area can be heated or cooled independently of another. If your family is hanging out in the living room, you can turn up the heat, but if no one’s in the guest room, you can save energy by turning it down. Units in unoccupied rooms can be shut off altogether without affecting cooling/heating performance or efficiency.

6. Compact, Adaptable Design

Most mini-split heat pumps are about 7 inches deep. A mini-split can also accommodate your interior design, as air handlers can be hung on a wall, suspended from the ceiling or mounted flush with a drop ceiling, or be placed on the floor. Up to four indoor air handlers can be installed and individually controlled. In addition to traditional living spaces, they are advantageous for home additions, outbuildings, and rooms near garages, attics, and unfinished basements.

Contact Oregon Ductless for Mini-Split Heat Pump Installation

We install single-zone, multi-zone, and whole house mini-split systems. Our team also specializes in low temperature ductless system installation and provides ductless repair and maintenance. If you’re looking for a traditional HVAC system, we can help there too. Contact us to learn more about our products, services, financing, and HVAC system pricing, or call 503-647-4793 to schedule service today.