GOODHEAT latest news and media coverage about heat pump solutions worldwide
Home » Media » Blog » What is a Ductless Heat Pump?

What is a Ductless Heat Pump?

Views: 0     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2025-11-07      Origin: Site

Inquire

facebook sharing button
twitter sharing button
line sharing button
wechat sharing button
linkedin sharing button
pinterest sharing button
whatsapp sharing button
kakao sharing button
sharethis sharing button

A ductless heat pump is also called a mini split heat pump. It helps you heat and cool your space without big ducts. You only need a small hole in your wall to install it. This keeps your home or business looking good. Less than 1% of homes in the United States use ductless systems. Many people pick them because they are quiet. They also save energy. You can control the temperature in each room.

Benefit

Description

Energy Efficient

Save up to 40% on energy bills.

Ultra-Quiet

Stay comfortable without loud systems.

Tailored Comfort

Set different temperatures for each room.

Key Takeaways

  • Ductless heat pumps use less energy and can lower your bills by up to 40%. They are a smart choice for heating and cooling your home.

  • These systems are very quiet, so they are good for homes and offices where you want less noise. You can feel comfortable without loud sounds.

  • You can set the temperature in each room with ductless systems. This lets everyone pick the comfort they like best.

  • Ductless heat pumps are simple to put in, especially if your home does not have ducts. They only need a small hole in the wall to install.

  • If you clean the filters and check the coils often, your ductless system can last 15 to 20 years. This helps it work well for a long time.

How a Ductless Heat Pump Works

System Components

When you look at a ductless system, you see several important parts working together. Each part has a special job. You can check the table below to learn what each component does:

Component

Function

Indoor Unit

Moves heat from outside to inside your room or the other way around.

Air Handler

Pushes warm or cool air into your space using a fan.

Air Filter

Keeps dust and dirt out of the air you breathe.

Thermostat

Lets you set the temperature you want and keeps it steady.

Outdoor Unit

Takes heat from the air outside or releases heat back outside.

Refrigerant

Carries heat between the indoor and outdoor units.

Compressor

Pressurizes the refrigerant and helps it move through the system.

Coils

Absorb or release heat, depending on the mode.

Fans

Pull air over the coils to help transfer heat.

Expansion Valve

Controls how much refrigerant flows and changes its pressure.

Reversing Valve

Switches the system between heating and cooling.

Tip: You do not need big ducts in your walls for these parts to work. The mini split heat pump uses small pipes and wires instead.

Heating and Cooling Process

You might wonder how a ductless heat pump keeps your home comfortable in every season. The process uses a special cycle that moves heat in or out of your space. Here is how it works step by step:

  1. The indoor unit pulls air from your room and blows it over coils inside the unit.

  2. The refrigerant inside the coils absorbs heat from the air.

  3. The heated refrigerant travels through a small pipe to the outdoor unit.

  4. The compressor in the outdoor unit pressurizes the refrigerant.

  5. The outdoor coils release the heat into the outside air, making the refrigerant cool again.

  6. The cooled refrigerant returns to the indoor unit and the cycle repeats.

When you want to heat your home, the process reverses. The outdoor unit collects heat from the air outside, even when it feels cold. The refrigerant absorbs this heat and brings it inside. The indoor unit releases the heat into your room.

Note: Ductless systems work well in both hot and cold weather. They use less energy than many older systems. You get better energy efficiency and save money on your bills.

The mini split heat pump can reach a high level of performance. Some models have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) in the high 20s or low 30s. The Coefficient of Performance (COP) can be around 4 to 5 when the temperature is 47°F. This means you get more heating or cooling for every unit of electricity used.

Types of Ductless Heat Pumps

There are different types of ductless systems. Each type works for a special need. You can pick the right one for your house or business. Learning about these choices helps you decide.

Single-Zone and Multi-Zone

You can choose single-zone or multi-zone systems. A single-zone system has one indoor unit and one outdoor unit. It is good for one room or a small space. You might use it in a bedroom or office. It is easy to install and does not take long. You usually pay less at first.

A multi-zone system connects many indoor units to one outdoor unit. This is better for big homes or buildings with lots of rooms. Every room gets its own indoor unit and thermostat. You can set each room to a different temperature. This saves energy because you only heat or cool rooms you use.

Here is a table that shows how single-zone and multi-zone systems compare:

Feature

Single-Zone

Multi-Zone

Installation Cost

Lower because there are fewer parts

Higher because there are more units

Number of Components

One indoor and one outdoor unit

One outdoor unit with many indoor units

Installation Complexity

Easier and faster

Harder and takes more time

Energy Efficiency

Works best for one area

Good for many areas, saves energy by turning off unused rooms

Control

One thermostat for the whole area

Each room has its own thermostat

Tip: If your family likes different temperatures, a multi-zone system keeps everyone happy.

Cooling-Only and Heating/Cooling

You also need to pick cooling-only or heating/cooling models. Cooling-only systems work like air conditioners. They keep your space cool when it is hot outside. These are good if you live where it is always warm and do not need heat.

Heating/cooling models do both jobs. They keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. These use a heat pump to move heat in or out of your home. You get comfort all year with one system.

Note: Most people pick heating/cooling models because they give you more options and are a better deal.

Best Uses for Ductless Heat Pumps

Residential Applications

You can use a ductless system in many types of homes. If your house does not have existing ductwork, you do not need to worry. Ductless systems fit well in older homes, new additions, or rooms that need extra comfort. Many homeowners choose them to replace baseboard heaters or window air conditioners.

Here are some common types of ductless units for homes:

  1. Wall units work best for large areas and are the most popular choice.

  2. Floor units fit smaller spaces but may be blocked by furniture.

  3. Ceiling cassettes blend into your ceiling and look almost invisible.

  4. Mini-ducts heat several small rooms and suit super-insulated homes.

  5. Centrally ducted systems use your current ductwork and work well for bigger houses.

Tip: If you live in an older home, you can still enjoy modern comfort. For example, an 1860s farmhouse in New York used a high-wall unit on the first floor and a ceiling cassette upstairs. The owners picked a ductless system because they did not have ducts and wanted to save money.

GOODHEAT offers solutions for every type of home. The R32 PV Direct-Driven Residential Air To Water Heat Pump gives you reliable hot water and energy savings.

Commercial and Special Uses

Businesses also benefit from ductless systems. Offices, shops, and restaurants use them to control temperatures in different rooms. You can install them in places where adding ducts is hard or costly. Many well-known brands, such as Daikin, Mitsubishi, and LG, serve commercial needs.

GOODHEAT provides a wide range of commercial products. The R410A Commercial Heat Pump Water Heater delivers hot water for hotels and gyms. The R134a Commercial Swimming Pool Heat Pump keeps pools warm all year. If you need a system for a special project, GOODHEAT has options like the R290 PV Direct-Driven Commercial Air To Water Heat Pump for high efficiency and low costs.

Note: You can find a ductless solution for almost any building, from homes to large commercial spaces.

Ductless vs. Traditional Systems

Cost and Installation

When you compare ductless and traditional systems, you notice big differences in cost and installation. Ductless systems often cost less to install, especially if your home does not have existing ductwork. You avoid the extra expense and mess of adding new ducts. Here are some key points:

  • A single-zone ductless system usually costs about $4,500.

  • Multi-zone systems range from $6,500 to $8,000, but complex setups can reach $40,000.

  • Central air conditioning costs between $3,800 and $7,500, with an average of $5,600. If you need new ductwork, the price goes up.

  • Labor for ductless installation ranges from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on where you live and how complex the job is.

Tip: Ductless systems work well in older homes or additions where installing ducts would be hard or expensive.

Efficiency and Performance

You want a system that saves energy and keeps you comfortable. Ductless heat pumps lead the way in efficiency. They can reach SEER ratings up to 35, while most traditional systems top out at 26 SEER. Higher SEER means lower energy bills for you.

  • Ductless systems help you save about 20% on annual energy costs compared to electric furnaces.

  • If you use a ductless system for cooling instead of window AC units, you can save $50 to $200 each year.

  • The payback period for a ductless heat pump is usually 8 to 12 years. Traditional systems often take longer to pay for themselves because they use more energy and need more maintenance.

Ductless heat pumps also work well in cold climates. Some models keep running efficiently even when it is as cold as -15°F. Traditional heat pumps often struggle below 20°F.

Noise and Space

You want your home to be quiet and comfortable. Ductless systems are much quieter than traditional HVAC systems. Check out this table:

System Type

Indoor Noise Level (dB)

Outdoor Noise Level (dB)

Duct Noise

Ductless Heat Pumps

19 - 26

40 - 50

No duct noise

Traditional HVAC Systems

40 - 60

70 or more

Yes, whistling and popping

Ductless systems also save space. Each air handler is about three feet long and one and a half feet high. You can install them almost anywhere. They fit well in homes without ducts and in rooms where adding ducts would be tough.

Note: Ductless systems give you more options for where to place your units and help keep your living space quiet and clutter-free.

Installation and Maintenance

What to Expect

Getting a ductless heat pump is easier than other systems. A trained installer will help you with every step. Here is what happens when you get one:

  1. Preparation: The installer gets the area ready and checks for ducts. They also make sure everything follows local rules.

  2. Installation Process: The team looks at your home and picks the best spot for each unit. They put in the outdoor and indoor units, connect the refrigerant lines, and do the electrical work.

  3. Post-Installation: After everything is set up, the installer checks the system and tests the thermostat. They give you tips for care and help you plan regular check-ups.

Tip: Most jobs finish in just one day, so you can feel comfortable fast.

Many brands give good warranties. Some offer a 10-year warranty for the compressor and a 5-year warranty for parts. Labor warranties usually last about one year. You can buy longer plans for extra peace of mind.

Maintenance Tips

You can help your system last longer with easy care. Doing these things helps your heat pump work well for 15 to 20 years.

  • Clean or change air filters every month when you use it a lot.

  • Wipe the inside units to get rid of dust.

  • Keep the outside unit clear of leaves and trash.

  • Check and clean the coils inside and outside.

  • Make sure the drain is not blocked.

  • Test the thermostat and controls to see if they work.

  • Have a pro check and tune up your system two times a year.

  • Look at the wires and refrigerant levels.

Note: Good care stops breakdowns, makes air cleaner, and keeps your bills low.

If you do these things, your ductless system will work well for many years.

Conclusion

You get lots of good things with a ductless heat pump.

  • You use less energy because it is very efficient.

  • You can heat and cool your space all year with one system.

  • You put units in different places without big changes.

Type of Beneficiary

Description

Historic Homes

Keep the old look and add comfort.

Home Additions

Heat and cool new rooms with ease.

Office Spaces

Set the temperature for each area to help people work better.

Taking care of your system helps it last longer. You can ask an expert or check out GOODHEAT for help.

FAQ

How long does a ductless heat pump last?

You can expect your ductless heat pump to last 15 to 20 years with regular care. Clean the filters and schedule professional check-ups to keep it running well.

Can you install a ductless system in any room?

Yes, you can install a ductless unit in almost any room. Bedrooms, living rooms, offices, and even garages work well. You only need a spot for the indoor unit and access for the outdoor unit.

Do ductless heat pumps work in cold climates?

Ductless heat pumps work in cold climates. Many models keep heating even when it is below freezing outside. You stay warm and save energy during winter.

How often should you clean the filters?

You should clean or replace the filters every month during heavy use. Clean filters help your system run better and keep your air fresh.

Is a ductless heat pump noisy?

No, ductless heat pumps run quietly. Indoor units often sound like a whisper, usually between 19 and 26 decibels. You can enjoy comfort without loud background noise.

Contact us now!

What Do You Need
Focus on Good Heat. 
Focus on Good Heat Pump.

QUICK LINKS

PRODUCT CATEGORY

CONTACT INFO

  +86-757-22929908
   info@goodheatglobal.com
   +86 18038666030
  No.5-6, Wusha Xinyue Road, Wusha Community, Daliang Street, Shunde District, 528300, Foshan, Guangdong, China.
Copyright © 2025 GOODHEAT. All Rights Reserved.  Sitemap |  Privacy Policy