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A mini split heat pump is an energy efficient alternative to traditional heating and air conditioning systems. Unlike other A/C systems, it does not use ductwork, hence the term “ductless heat pump”. The means of heat transfer differs in that heat is moved rather than produced. Plus, the system can reverse refrigerant flow to provide either heating or cooling depending on the needs of your household.
How Does a Mini Split Unit Work?
Comprising an outdoor compressor unit and one or multiple indoor air handlers, a ductless heat pump moves warm air from one place to another. A multi-zone system can consist of several air handlers, installed in individual rooms; this is suited for larger homes or buildings or those with multiple floors. However, you can install a single-zone system in a small home or one with an open-concept layout.
Evaporation and condensation are used to transfer heat via a refrigerant. The compressor pump cycles the refrigerant through the system. In a ductless heat pump, one heat exchanger coil condenses the refrigerant and another coil evaporates it. During evaporation, refrigerant absorbs heat from the surrounding environment, while condensing releases heat that was previously absorbed by the substance. The movement of heat between these coils allows the system to maintain a desired temperature.
Mini Split Heat Pump Benefits
Ductless heat pumps are easily retrofitted into buildings without ductwork. It’s much easier to install a mini split in a tight space than to make room for ductwork or perform an extensive renovation to accommodate it. Mini splits can also be installed as supplemental systems in homes with central A/C systems to, for example, serve a home addition or finished basement.
Other benefits include:
- Energy efficiency, thanks to the lack of ducts that can lose both large amounts of air and energy.
- The ability to customize temperatures in each room where an indoor air handler installed.
- Longevity, with many systems lasting 15-20 years with regular maintenance.
- A relatively quick return on investment; efficiency savings can make up for the high cost of installation.
- Units available in different sizes, capacities, and designs to meet your functional and aesthetic needs.
The size of your home, ceiling heights, window number and size, and the number of people living in the building determine the capacity of the unit, and how many, you need. The capacity of a mini split heat pump is rated in British Thermal Units (BTUs). The larger your home or the room served, the more BTUs that are required to achieve the desired temperature.
You can view the efficiency rating of each product on the Energy Guide label. For cold climates, look for higher heating season performance factors. But in a warmer climate, check the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) to see what you can save.
Who Makes Ductless Heat Pumps?
Many HVAC equipment manufacturers make mini split heat pumps. At Sky Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ve partnered with Mitsubishi Electric to provide some of the highest quality mini split heat pumps on the market. There are many features and options to choose from. The Mitsubishi Electric Ductless Mini Split M-Series has zoning capabilities and operates at a noise level as low as 26 decibels; in addition to control of each individual indoor unit, it can be managed wirelessly and is programmable. It only requires a 3-inch diameter hole to be drilled in a wall for the refrigerant and electrical lines.
Why Trust Sky Heating & Air Conditioning?
We have decades of experience installing and servicing ductless mini split heat pumps in the Portland area. Our licensed, trained technicians help choose the best one for your home and fix any problem. They’re fully stocked to quickly make repairs and are available 24/7 to provide emergency service. To learn more about what a mini split heat pump is, or to schedule a consultation or service appointment, contact us online or call (503) 563-2698 today.
