Central heat pumps and ductless heat pumps are two popular options for heating and cooling homes. While they serve the same purpose, there are some key differences between them. Let’s explore each type:
- Central Heat Pumps:
Central heat pumps are designed to heat and cool an entire home using a centralized system. They use a network of air ducts to distribute heated or cooled air throughout the house. Central heat pumps consist of an outdoor unit, usually placed outside the house, and an indoor unit connected to the ductwork. The indoor units are typically an electric air handler, or an addition to an existing gas furnace. Central heat pumps can be highly efficient and provide an even distribution of cooled or heated air throughout the home. If you have an existing furnace with ductwork in your home, this could be a great option for you. If you do not have existing ducting, this can definitely be included in the project, but it is a good idea to consider a ductless heat pump.
- Ductless Heat Pumps (Mini-Split Heat Pumps):
Ductless heat pumps are designed to provide heating and cooling to individual rooms or zones. They consist of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units mounted on the wall or ceiling of each zone. The indoor units are connected to the outdoor unit through refrigerant lines and require no ductwork. Each indoor unit can be controlled independently, allowing for customizable temperature settings in different areas of the house. Ductless heat pumps can also be highly efficient, and some models offer advanced features like zoning and occupancy sensors to optimize energy usage. Installing ductless heat pumps is generally easier and less invasive than installing central systems. It requires mounting the indoor units, connecting them to the outdoor unit, and running refrigerant lines.
Choosing between a central heat pump and a ductless heat pump depends on various factors, including the size and layout of your home, your heating and cooling needs, budget, and personal preferences. Central heat pumps are more suitable for larger homes that require whole-house heating and cooling, while ductless heat pumps are ideal for smaller spaces or for providing zoned comfort in specific areas of a home. There are currently incentives from the federal and provincial government for making the switch to a heat pump.
For more information, please give us a call 604-948-9949 or send us an info@acornheat.com.
