A Ductless mini split heat pump is a great way to add efficient heating and cooling to a home which is not otherwise set up to distribute air through ducts. This makes it a good choice for homes which already have hot water heat (through radiators), radiant panels or space heaters. They are also a great choice for individual room additions where it would be difficult to extend existing ductwork or install new ductwork. Let’s talk about these units further.
These units are comprised of two parts. One is an outdoor compressor/condenser unit and the other is an indoor air handling unit. There is a conduit which consists of a power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and condensate drain which links the outdoor unit with the indoor unit.
There are some compelling advantages to these kinds of units. They feature small size so they can be easily used to heat and cool in a compact space. Some units can have up to four indoor units connected to one outdoor unit to provide maximum flexibility and efficient operation. Since each indoor unit has its own thermostat, the energy costs can be optimized.
These units are also easier to install than traditional ducted systems. Since the connection between the indoor air handling units and the outdoor condenser/compressor unit can be as long as 50 feet, it provides excellent flexibility in configuring and placing the units.
And since these ductless mini split systems use no ducts, they save on energy losses normally associated with central forced air systems. This can save up to 30% energy as compared to forced air systems.
The major disadvantage to these systems is the cost. These kinds of systems typically cost about $1,500 to $2,000 per ton of cooling capacity. This works out to be about 30% higher than traditional forced air ducted systems. And it can work out to be almost twice as much as window units.
But the ongoing energy savings can help to offset this upfront cost difference and the flexibility and ease in installation makes this an ideal choice for many applications. Check with your local heating/cooling professional for more information on this type of system. It is important to find a contractor who is very experienced with these types of units. They are normally best qualified to evaluate your particular situation and make the best recommendation to bring you optimum long term results.
Related:ductless mini split systems, high efficiency ductless heat pump
