When it comes to getting an HVAC system for your home, you have many options. Two of the most popular are the heat pump and ductless mini-split systems. Below, we’ll discuss what each of these systems is and help you determine the best one to fit your needs.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are a dual-purpose HVAC system that can allow you to enjoy comfortable heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. Heat pumps have an indoor air handler unit, ductwork, and an outdoor condenser unit. During the summer months, your ductwork will bring hot air from inside your home to the indoor air handler unit to remove the heat.
Once the heat is removed, the unit delivers the nice, cold air back to the various rooms of your home. The heat travels through the refrigerant to your outdoor condenser unit, which releases into the air outside. During the winter months, the opposite happens. The outdoor condenser unit absorbs heat from the air outside and brings it into your home to keep your home nice and warm.
Main Benefits of Heat Pumps
Heat pumps can be a great HVAC option for homeowners who want both heating and cooling in one unit. They save you the hassle of buying a separate furnace and central air conditioner to control your temperature throughout the year.
Many heat pumps will make you eligible for a federal tax incentive under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. In addition, many state and local governments will also provide you with a tax incentive when you invest in a heat pump that is ENERGY STAR-certified.
A big advantage that heat pumps hold over ductless mini-split systems is that they’re discreet. They use existing vents in your walls and floors to deliver treated air throughout your home. Heat pumps have a high energy efficiency compared to other types of HVAC systems, especially for their heating capabilities. This can go a long way in helping you save on your heating and cooling bills throughout the entire year.
Ductless Mini-Splits
Ductless mini-split systems use heat pump technology to provide both heating and cooling capabilities, but they don’t rely on traditional ductwork to deliver hot or cold air throughout your home. Rather, they utilize multiple indoor air handler units to actively treat the air in each room of your home, which gives you the benefit of zone temperature control.
Which One Is Right for Your Home?
Determining whether you should get a heat pump or a ductless mini-split system depends on the existing structure of your home. If you already have ductwork installed, investing in a heat pump can be a more cost-effective choice. However, if your home lacks ductwork, installing it after the fact can be extremely expensive and invasive.
Ripping out sections of your floors and walls will be necessary to accommodate the installation of the new air ducts. Then, all these areas will need to be patched with drywall and repainted. Investing in a ductless mini-split system is more cost-effective if you don’t have ducting in your home. This is a non-invasive alternative, too.
Because mini-splits can be installed in pretty much any location without the need for traditional ducting, they’re a popular choice for new home additions. They’re also ideal for garages, basements, and home offices.
Main Benefits of Ductless Mini-Splits
There’s no doubt that a ductless mini-split system can provide many great benefits for your household. They’re easy to install and allow you to enjoy both heating and cooling from one unit. Because there are multiple indoor air handler units, you can set different temperatures for each unit to better customize your comfort and optimize your energy usage.
Without the need for ducting, you don’t have to worry about losing up to 30% of your treated air due to leaks or gaps in your ductwork. Mini-splits tend to operate more quietly than traditional ducted heat pumps as they don’t have a large blower fan. Indoor air handler units come in various styles and colors, so you can choose one that fits great with your individual room’s aesthetics.
Professional AC Installation Service
Bratcher Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. offers professional AC installation services for the Normal, IL community. We can also help with all your AC replacement, repair, and maintenance needs. Phone our friendly office staff today to book your next service consultation.
