How long does it take to install a ductless mini-split heat pump?

On average, it can take 5-10 hours to install a ductless mini-split heat pump.

How much square footage does a ductless mini-split cover?

The size or capacity of a ductless mini-split heat pump, measured in BTU (British thermal units), is based on the square footage you are looking to heat or cool. It's essential that an HVAC expert properly size a system for your home. Here is a simple BTU sizing chart: 400 square feet requires 9,000 BTUs 500 square feet requires 12,000 BTUs 600 square feet requires 14,000 BTUs 850 square feet requires 18,000 BTUs 1,000 square feet requires 21,000 BTUs 1,500 square feet requires 24,000 BTUs

Are ductless mini-splits heat pumps worth the price?

Ductless mini-split heat pumps provide a quick return on investment compared to other heating and cooling sources. They are relatively fast to install, lower your monthly energy bills, and provide comfort all year.

Are ductless heat pumps efficient ?

Ductless heat pumps are incredibly efficient when compared to other forms of electric heating. They use 25-50% less energy than traditional types of electric heat like baseboard, wall, ceiling, or forced air furnaces.

What is the difference between ductless and ducted heat pumps?

Ductless heat pump systems are the most popular and are accompanied by a head unit placed on a wall inside a home. They come at a lower cost, but they are typically only able to heat or cool one room. The wall units can also be bulky in appearance. Ducted heat pumps are great options for homes with existing ductwork but are more expensive the ductless alternatives. A heating and cooling expert can determine if current ductwork meets requirements.

Who should service a heat pump?

Only a licensed refrigeration technician should install, maintain, and later decommission your heat pump. Current heat pumps contain a refrigerant gas that should not be allowed to escape to the atmosphere when servicing the equipment because it contributes to climate change.

Do ductless heat pumps work below 20 degrees?

The efficiency of a heat pump decreases alongside the temperature outdoors. However, even with temperatures that go down to -18°C (0°F), heat pumps can still retain 85% of the warmth they had at 21°C (70°F).

How much does it cost to install a ductless mini-split heat pump?

Ductless mini-split heat pump installation costs can average between $500 to $2,000 and can depend on the make, model, number of zones, location and labor rates for electricians or carpenters if required.

Learn about Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump

Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump is a type of air-source or air-to-air heat pump for heating and cooling your home or office. They are ideal for buildings that do not have existing ductwork as heating and cooling is provided.

Ductless Mini Split Heat Pumps use a compression/expansion cycle (similar to a fridge) to extract heat energy from the air outside and transfer it indoors during the colder season. They are reversible so that during the cooling season, they cool your house by extracting heat energy from the inside air and delivering it outdoors. The indoor equipment typically consists of a packaged fan-coil that provides either hot or cold air. The outdoor unit houses a compressor and heat exchange coil that captures or rejects heat.

Look for the Energy Star label, and these three performance ratings when choosing (the higher, the better):

COP (Coefficient Of Performance)
HSPF (Heating Season Performance Factor)
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio - more related to cooling)

Work with a reliable heat pump contractor to ensure you have the right size of heat pump and that it is installed correctly. The amount of BTU/hour typically denotes the size of a heat pump that it produces, and they are most commonly available in 9000, 12000 and 15000 BTU/hour sizes. A larger home may require multiple units.

A heat pump can be one of the most energy-efficient ways to use electricity to heat your home. In a moderately cold winter climate like the northern US or southern Canada, an air-source heat pump can be three times more efficient than regular electric resistance heating (such as electric baseboard heaters).

A ductless mini-split heat pump is simpler to install in a retrofit situation because it does not require ducts to distribute the hot air. It can complement your existing heating system and save money and energy.

The first working heat pump was invented by an Austrian, Peter von Rittinger, in 1855, to evaporate water from salt brine to make salt.