The truth is that there are all sorts of ways to cool and heat your home. One of the lesser-known options is the mini-split heat pump. You might be wondering what makes it different from other choices on the market. This blog post is designed to answer that question and give you information on how ductless heat pumps work in your home.
What Mini-Split Heat Pumps Are
A ductless mini-split heat pump can also be called “zoned HVAC” or a “mini-split” and is unique. Any home can use this type of cooling and heating system, even if no ducts are present in the space.
This makes a mini-split a top option for add-ons to homes or renovations when ducts aren’t installed. If you don’t want to go through the process of installing new ducts or extending existing ones, mini-splits will let you stay comfortable without all the extra work.
In addition, a ductless mini-split may be used in situations where larger homes need different levels of heating and cooling in separate rooms. You can heat or cool only the spaces in use to save both money and energy. Plus, everyone can set up their space to the temperature they like.
How a Ductless Heat Pump Actually Works
When you have a mini-split installed, it is composed of two separate sections. One is outdoors and works as a condenser or compressor, and the other is inside and handles the air in the interior space.
The unit inside will often be mounted way up on a wall or attached to the ceiling. It works to send air of the right temperature into a room. The unit inside will connect to the compressor outside using a refrigerant line. This is what removes the need for ducts in the home.
Besides the tubing from the inside to the outside, the unit will also connect to the outdoor compressor using a power cable, condensate drain line, and suction tubing.
There will be more than one unit inside that connects to the outdoor component most of the time. Each indoor unit is controlled on its own but uses the heat pump outside to create a warm or cool space.
This is different from a central air system where an air handling unit shoots air through ducts into every room in the house.
Creating HVAC Zones with Mini-Splits
Assuming you have several units inside, each will be connected to a room, zone, or space of the home. The contractor who installs the system will help you create zones that work best for your family and their needs.
In most cases, up to four zones can be used with a single outdoor component. The amount you need will vary based on how much heating and cooling you need as well as the size of your home itself.
Ready to enjoy the savings and comfort of a mini-split? Contact us to find out how you can qualify for up to $10,000 for a Mass Save rebate off the price of a new system!