What is a Ductless Heat Pump?

If your heating and cooling system just isn’t giving you the results you desire, you may be considering some other options to keep yourself comfortable. A ductless heat pump may be the solution to your problems. So, what is a ductless heating pump and how can it help? A ductless heating pump is a small, energy efficient and effective heating and cooling system that changes the way we think about temperature control.

The Basics

Let’s start by defining exactly what a ductless heat pump is and what it does

“What is a ductless heat pump?” you may be asking. A ductless heat pump, otherwise known as a ductless heating system or a ductless mini-split air conditioning system is similar to a traditional heat pump, except the cool air is produced immediately as a temperature difference is sensed. A ductless heat pump generally takes up much less space than a traditional heat pump and is more energy efficient, saving you money. If you have a heating or cooling issue in your home or business in the Pittsburgh area, you may want to consider a ductless heat pump.

How Exactly Does a Ductless Heat Pump Work?

Let's explore the inner workings of this innovative heating and cooling technology

Now that we have defined what a ductless heat pump is, let’s explore how these pumps provide air conditioning using a ductless system.

1. First, refrigerant is stored in the heat pump and acts as a cooling agent
2. Next, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the room and transports it outside
3. Refrigerant is passed through evaporator coils
4. A fan blows on the evaporator coils, propelling cold air through the vents and into the room
5. The refrigerant absorbs the heat from the fan
6. The heat is transported outside and the process begins again

The cycle of evaporation and condensation that occurs in a ductless heat pump is what separates the technology from traditional heat pumps and eliminates the need for air ducts.

Ductless heat pumps operate in two different ways depending on the demands of your space. Single zone systems will be better suited for smaller spaces that would only require cooling in one area. Multi zone systems can operate together in different rooms, keeping several different spaces cool at once. The advantage of a multi zone system system is that instead of cooling a whole property to the same temperature in each room, the air conditioning can be adjusted by preference in each room.

How Will a Ductless Heat Pump Benefit My Household?

If you are dissatisfied with your current heating and cooling system, you may want to consider going ductless

1.Eliminate Energy Loss Caused By Ducts

For a long time, we have been losing energy to air ducts as cool air is gradually warmed by the air ducts themselves. Because the cooler air comes in contact with the warmer duct, the duct ends up sapping energy from the air before it can be delivered into your home or business. This can lead to high monthly energy costs. Because ductless heat pumps deliver cool air on demand without using air ducts, the system is much more efficient than traditional heat pumps. Ductless heat pumps are known to have a higher Season Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) as well. SEER ratings determine how efficient a heating or cooling system is by dividing the output by the electrical input into the pump. This means that the higher the SEER rating, the more energy you save. Some ductless heat pumps have seer ratings as high as 30.

2. Increased Longevity

If you want to get the most use out of your heating and cooling system, it could be time to check out a ductless heat pump. Units are able to last anywhere from 15-20 years, outpacing traditional heat pumps by 5-10 years. This will also save you money in the long run as you won’t have to replace your system as often. Ductless heat pumps also generally require less maintenance than traditional systems, so you can save yourself the stress of fixing issues with your air conditioning before the Pittsburgh summer heats up. 

3. Easy Installation

When it comes to heating and cooling system installation, “easy” isn't usually the first word that usually comes to mind. Now, thanks to ductless heat pumps, there is no more invasive installation process as expected with traditional heat pumps. After you have determined where your ductless heat pump should be installed, a technician will drill a 3’ hole in the wall in order to connect the inside and outdoor air handlers. That is about as complicated as it gets! You can always consult an expert to discuss proper placement and installation of your ductless heat pump.

4. Remote Controls

Ductless heat pumps are not only energy efficient and easier to install than traditional heat pumps, they also offer you customizable control over the temperature of your spaces. As mentioned before, ductless heat pumps can operate on a multi zone system. This means that each room can be set to a different temperature based on personal preference. You can easily control these different zones from a remote or even an app on your phone. This is especially useful if you only need heating or cooling in one zone of your home. By using these remote controls, you will not be wasting energy heating your whole home or business at once.

Experts in ductless HVAC solutions and maintenance, 412 Ductless is currently installed heating and cooling systems all over Pittsburgh, PA. If you are considering a ductless air conditioner, 412 Ductless can help you through the process from beginning to end. Contact 412 Ductless today for all of your air conditioning needs.