4 questions about ductless heat pumps
What is a ductless heat pump?
A ductless heat pump is an air source heat pump that works similarly to a traditional heat pump or air conditioner. It uses outdoor energy to transfer heating and cooling energy into the refrigerant just like a traditional unit. It does not connect to a traditional indoor fan though. Its indoor unit is a self-contained fan and indoor coil that usually hangs on a
wall. The indoor unit provides conditioning for a specific area.
What are their benefits?
This application has many benefits. If you do not have (or don't want to install) ductwork in you home or business, you can get the benefits of air conditioning and less expensive heat.
For example; if your home has baseboard heat, a ductless unit is a great option. You don't need to tear everything up to install ductwork to supply airflow. You can install a ductless unit into the areas that need conditioning. One outdoor unit can operate several indoor units.Another benefit is zoning. Each indoor unit is controlled separately. Each area you are conditioning can have its own temperature set point. This makes ductless great for guest rooms, offices and separate structures. Lastly, you will save money. A ductless heat pump is very energy efficient. One unit will use less than half the power of one baseboard heater,
while conditioning an area of 1000 sq/ft.
How much do they cost?
As with most things the price will vary. A single zone unit can be installed for as little as $3-4 thousand. The price would go up from there. Contributing factors to the price are:
the number of indoor and outdoor units you are installing, how difficult it
will be to install the power to the outdoor unit and how difficult it will be
to install the refrigeration lines to and from the outdoor unit to the indoor
unit. Get a consult from a local provider.
Which is the best brand to buy?
There are numerous brands of
ductless systems. I have install most of
the most common units Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, LG and Goodman. There are others. It is definitely a growing market and lots of manufacturers are making them now. This
is good as a consumer; it will keep the equipment costs down. From my experience they are all basically the same. It's more important to find a good contractor to do the work than to focus on brand. You need to find the right set up for your home and get it installed.
A ductless heat pump is an air source heat pump that works similarly to a traditional heat pump or air conditioner. It uses outdoor energy to transfer heating and cooling energy into the refrigerant just like a traditional unit. It does not connect to a traditional indoor fan though. Its indoor unit is a self-contained fan and indoor coil that usually hangs on a
wall. The indoor unit provides conditioning for a specific area.
What are their benefits?
This application has many benefits. If you do not have (or don't want to install) ductwork in you home or business, you can get the benefits of air conditioning and less expensive heat.
For example; if your home has baseboard heat, a ductless unit is a great option. You don't need to tear everything up to install ductwork to supply airflow. You can install a ductless unit into the areas that need conditioning. One outdoor unit can operate several indoor units.Another benefit is zoning. Each indoor unit is controlled separately. Each area you are conditioning can have its own temperature set point. This makes ductless great for guest rooms, offices and separate structures. Lastly, you will save money. A ductless heat pump is very energy efficient. One unit will use less than half the power of one baseboard heater,
while conditioning an area of 1000 sq/ft.
How much do they cost?
As with most things the price will vary. A single zone unit can be installed for as little as $3-4 thousand. The price would go up from there. Contributing factors to the price are:
the number of indoor and outdoor units you are installing, how difficult it
will be to install the power to the outdoor unit and how difficult it will be
to install the refrigeration lines to and from the outdoor unit to the indoor
unit. Get a consult from a local provider.
Which is the best brand to buy?
There are numerous brands of
ductless systems. I have install most of
the most common units Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, LG and Goodman. There are others. It is definitely a growing market and lots of manufacturers are making them now. This
is good as a consumer; it will keep the equipment costs down. From my experience they are all basically the same. It's more important to find a good contractor to do the work than to focus on brand. You need to find the right set up for your home and get it installed.
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