Guide to Mini-Splits vs. Heat Pumps

Are you shopping for a efficient, reasonably priced home comfort system? If electricity is the ideal or only option available to you, a central heat pump or ductless mini-split could be a convenient option. Both systems run on electric power and run in heating and cooling modes for year-round comfort. So, what’s it going to be — heat pump or mini-split? If you’re still trying to decide, get the details about each HVAC system to help you settle on a make and model. 

What Is a Heat Pump? 

A heat pump is a kind of central climate control system. Unlike a furnace, which creates usable heat for the home by burning a fuel source, a heat pump redirects heat from one place to another. In the winter, it draws heat energy from the air outdoors and redirects it inside. Then, a built-in reversing valve allows it to perform this process backward in the summer, working the same as an air conditioner to remove heat and humidity from indoor air and vent it outside. 

What Is a Mini-Split? 

A mini-split operates on the same principle as a heat pump. Actually, it is a kind of heat pump — but although they don’t use the ductwork. That’s why it’s called a “ductless” system. A mini-split can be a ceiling- or wall-mounted unit with a built-in air handler. This indoor component connects directly to an outdoor condensing unit via a small hole drilled in the wall. Various indoor units can link up with a single outdoor unit, allowing for whole-home comfort with no ductwork necessary. 

Making Your Selection 

Below are significant factors to think about when deciding between a heat pump and a mini-split for your Edmonton home. 

Ductwork & Installation 

If your home is currently heated and cooled with a standard furnace and central AC system, the required ductwork infrastructure is already in place. Therefore, installing a heat pump is probably the more affordable choice. 

That being said, if you live in an older home or have just made an addition, you may not have ductwork in reach. In this case, installing a mini-split is much less complicated and is more affordable than adding in the ductwork required for a heat pump. 

Unit Control 

Heat pumps are managed the same as most other central heating and cooling systems: by using a wall-mounted thermostat installed in a central location. On the other hand, ductless mini-splits have a remote that lets you control each wall-mounted unit from anywhere in the room. 

Zoning 

If you’re content with controlling the temperature throughout the house using a single thermostat, zoning may not be needed. If it is, you can increase home comfort and save energy by heating and cooling separate rooms independently. 

Such ‘zoned’ temperature control can be added into a central heat pump system by using multiple thermostats and ductwork dampers. But it may be easier and more cost-effective to install mini-splits in rooms with specific temperature demands, whether they’re heated and cooled by a central HVAC system or not. 

Design Flexibility 

Heat pumps don’t focus on flexibility. Instead, they can replace your existing furnace and air conditioner and offer whole-house comfort thanks to a network of air ducts. 

Mini-splits have greater versatility for where you can put the unit. You can place one in a single room that you would otherwise find difficult to keep comfortable. You can mount one in a transformed garage or sunroom without adding more ductwork. You can also install a mini-split air handler in each room, all hooked up to the outdoor condensing unit for cost-effective operation. 

Energy Efficiency 

Modern heat pumps are more efficient than ever. There are even cold-climate versions on the market for a performance boost at low temperatures. 

Even so, ductless mini-splits are basically more efficient because they don’t suffer the energy losses connected with leaky ductwork. A typical home wastes more than 20% of the air traveling through the ductwork to poor air sealing or a lack of insulation. This means that a mini-split is likely to supply the same amount of hot or cold air at a lower cost. 

Appearance 

Heat pumps look pretty much the same as central AC units. The outdoor cabinet is nearly indistinguishable, and the indoor air handler concealed within a utility closet or place in the basement. 

On the other hand, mini-splits are easier to spot. The air handlers come in sleek jackets designed to be unobtrusive, but they are clearly visible in any room in which they are displayed on the wall or ceiling. 

Schedule Heat Pump or Mini-Split Installation 

Whatever you decide to do, Rob's Albertan Service Experts can perform the professional installation you want. Our service providers are ready to provide excellent products and services supported by our one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about heat pumps vs. mini-splits or request an installation estimate, please contact your local Rob's Albertan Service Experts office today.