How Does a Mini Split Heat Pump Work?

Aug 31st 2016

Ductless mini split heat pumps are great for homes or businesses looking to retrofit a non-ducted heating system. Non-ducted heating systems include heating systems such as hot water heating, baseboard heating, and space heaters working on wood, propane or kerosene. A ductless mini split heat pump is also great for rooms that cannot easily be connected to ducted systems, i.e. garage, guest house, warehouse, etc. These mini split heating systems are also tremendously efficient when compared to natural gas or oil heating, operating up to -30C and -22F. Be sure to opt for an Energy Star certified unit for the largest savings and to enjoy the overall cost savings of an energy efficient unit.

Similar to an air-source heat pump, a mini split systems includes an indoor unit, and an outdoor unit with compressor and condenser. Unlike a standard air-source heat pump, a mini split heat pump often offers you the added benefit of air conditioning during warm weather.

Advantages of a Ductless Heat Pump

Because ductless heat pumps are small in size, they offer flexibility for heating and cooling of your home and business. You can easily install a mini split heat pump in individual rooms for ideal temperature control, or cool and heat your home with a single unit, properly positioned in the home. The main advantages of mini splits are their small size and flexibility for zoning or heating and cooling individual rooms. Depending on the insulation level of your home and the level of air sealed in, all will affect the number of units required.

Heat and cool multiple rooms in your home or business.
Simple and easy to install, which means lower labor costs.
Extremely efficient for both air conditioning and heating.

Multi-zone units offer a great and affordable means of cooling and heating multiple zones of your home, with individual thermostats and temperature control.

Ductless Design for Easier Installation

Since ductless mini split systems are "ductless", which makes them easier to install than most other forms of heating and air conditioning systems. The split unit requires minimal installation work, requiring a simple connection via the indoor unit and outdoor unit, via a 3-inch hole. Positioning the outdoor unit closest to the room you will be cooling will also minimize the required amount of work for installation. Ductless mini-split systems are easier to install than some other types of space conditioning systems. Positioning the system in an efficient manner will also help you cool and heat multiple rooms, via a single mini split system.

Once again because mini split heat pumps are ductless, they do not experience the same energy loss as a central air conditioning system. Since duct losses account for more than 30% of energy consumption, a ductless system can be significantly more efficient compared to a traditional forced air central air conditioning systems.

Install a Mini Split in Any Home or Business

Mini split systems also provides versatility when it comes to interior design, allowing you to place the split system on virtually any wall, without being to intrusive, while also offering minimal noise levels when compared to a window-unit or through the wall air conditioners. Many of our split systems are designed to maintain the beauty of your home, with a high-tech, modern and classy appearance.

How Much Does a Heat Pump Cost to Operate?

You'd be surprised to find out that a mini split heat pump costs much less to operate compared to traditional heating methods. A ductless heat pump uses minimal energy when compared to oil and natural gas heating, and even more surprising is the savings you'll achieve compared to electric baseboard and space heaters. Below you'll find a break down of the energy usage of a ductless heat pump vs. electric baseboard heaters, along with the overall cost to operate per month, as well as overall savings.