Have you ever wondered which type of HVAC system is better for your home: a standard heat pump in Boston, MA or a ductless mini-split? If you’re in the market for a new heating and cooling system, it’s important to know the differences between these options. In this blog, we’ll compare the pros and cons of both systems so you can make an informed decision and keep your home comfortable year-round.
Having to decide between these two can be intimidating especially when you don’t know what they are capable of and what suits your needs the best. We assure you that by the end of this blog, you will be confident in making a decision for yourself. After all, HVAC systems are meant to serve you for years to come.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
What is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is a type of HVAC system that is designed to control the temperature of your home in a more passive manner. Let us explain how! What makes a heat pump unique is that it can both heat and cool your home by transferring heat between the inside and outside of your house. During the summer season, the heat pump will expel the heat from the inside and release it outside. While during the winter, the pump will extract heat from the outside and bring it inside. Once the heat is trapped inside the house, it will start to get warm.
There are many reasons why heat pumps have gained popularity among people. One of them is their high energy efficiency. Heat pumps don’t create their own heat, but rather transfer it from one place to another. Due to this passive nature that doesn’t require a lot of energy, these systems provide great energy savings. Another reason why people love a heat pump is that it can replace two appliances for one. It can be your air conditioner and your furnace at the same time.
Of course, nothing is perfect and there are some limitations to heat pumps. When the temperature outside drops below 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, the efficiency of a heat pump drops with it. In addition to this, most heat pumps require ducts to distribute heated and cooled air throughout your home.
Here are a few pros and cons that you might want to consider:
Pros
- Cost-effective to install
- Uniform distribution of temperature
- Looks sleek and built-in
- Good heating and cooling efficiency
Cons
- Requires a duct system
- No custom control available
What is a Mini Split?
A ductless mini split is used for heating and cooling in Boston, MA although not all models are made for the purpose of heating. Mostly, ductless heating and cooling systems operate based on the same principle of heat transfer just like a heat pump. However, there are key differences that one needs to keep in mind. Unlike a heat pump, a mini-split does not require a duct system for the distribution of hot and cold air. Instead, it uses small openings in the walls to circulate the air. Hence, the name “ductless”.
A mini split is known mainly for its small size. It can be integrated into your house easily without taking up too much space. If you are short on space, this is a great option for you. Thanks to its compact nature, it can be mounted on the walls, ceiling, or even the floor. The mini-split is highly energy efficient and has gained increasing popularity over the years due to its ability to control the temperature of individual zones inside a home.
What this means is that you can assign different temperatures to different rooms in your house and thereby have more control over the climate inside. Here are a few pros and cons of a ductless mini-split heating and cooling system.
Pros
- Custom control
- Ductless system
- Flexible and easy installation
- Great energy efficiency
Cons
- Costly installation
- Bulkier unit
As you can tell from the difference between the two systems, it is easy to confuse a ductless mini split and a heat pump. For that very reason, we have included a little chart for your consideration below.
| Features | Heat Pump | Mini Split |
|---|---|---|
|
Operational Cost |
Uses more energy for the entire property |
Usage is customizable for less energy use |
|
Energy Loss |
Duct system allows for energy loss |
No ducts prevent energy loss |
|
Design Flexibility |
Operates as a central system dependent on ducts |
Can be installed in any zone |
|
Installation |
More commonly found but is expensive to install |
Installation can be expensive and complex |
|
Unit Control |
Centralized system with one temperature control |
Ductless system for a more customized and zoned control |
|
Heating/Cooling Abilities |
All models can both heat and cool |
May or may not provide both heating and cooling |
|
Final Appearance |
Single unit with a more built-in look |
Bulkier units easily visible in different zones |
Buying an HVAC system is a big decision to make for anyone. It is a system that you expect to run and keep serving you for years to come. If you are confused between a mini split and a heat pump, we believe reading this article can give you the information you need to make a decision that reflects your interests.
For further information, please visit the FAQs section below.
The answer is no. Not all mini-splits have a heat pump in them. Most people use them for cooling the house. However, you can find ones that come with a cooling system inside.
Yes, they are over 60% more efficient than your average electric radiators because they transfer heat from one place to another rather than generating it.
A ductless mini split has 3 or 4 indoor heads that all connect to one outdoor head in order to heat or cool the house.
