Heat pumps are one of the most energy-efficient ways to heat and cool your home. But if you’re thinking about installing a heat pump, there’s one key decision you’ll have to make: Should you install a ducted heat pump or a ductless heat pump?
Both types of heat pumps provide year-round comfort and energy savings, but they have significant differences in how they operate, how they’re installed, and which homes they’re best suited for. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences and help you determine which system is right for your home.
What Is a Heat Pump?
Before we get into the differences between the different types of heat pumps, it’s helpful to understand how a heat pump works in general.
A heat pump is a type of HVAC system that works by transferring heat from one place to another. In the winter, they extract and collect heat from the outdoor air and bring it inside. In the summer, they remove heat from your home and release it outdoors. It takes less energy to move heat than it does to create it, which is why heat pumps are more energy efficient than gas and oil heating systems.
Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps: What’s the Difference?
There are two types of air-source heat pump HVAC systems: ducted heat pumps and ductless heat pumps (also called mini splits). The main difference between them is how they distribute heated and cooled air throughout your home.
Ducted Heat Pumps
Ducted heat pumps use a system of air ducts to distribute conditioned air throughout your home, the same way a central furnace or AC does. The heat pump is typically installed in your basement or a utility room and connects to ductwork running through walls, ceilings, or floors.
Best for Homes That:
- Already Have Ductwork – If your home has existing ducts from a furnace or central AC, a ducted heat pump can often be installed without major modifications.
- Want a Traditional HVAC System Feel – If you prefer the look and operation of a central HVAC system, you will likely prefer a ducted heat pump.
Potential Drawbacks
There are some downsides to installing a central heat pump instead of a ductless system, including:
- Installation Can Be More Expensive – If your home doesn’t already have ductwork, installing a ducted system can be costly and invasive.
- Less Zoned Control – Unlike ductless mini-splits, which allow you to adjust temperatures room by room, a central heat pump typically operates at one temperature for the entire house.
- Air Ducts Can Cause IAQ Issues – Leaky air ducts can pull dust and other allergens into your HVAC system, hurting your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ).
Ductless Heat Pumps (Mini Splits)
As the name suggests, ductless heat pumps work without air ducts. Instead, they deliver heated and cooled air directly into the room they’re installed in. A ductless system consists of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units (called air handlers or heads). The outdoor unit is connected to the indoor unit via wiring that runs through an exterior wall.
Best for Homes That:
- Don’t Have Existing Ductwork – If your home doesn’t have air ducts, a mini split system is often the easiest and most cost-effective option for heating and cooling.
- Want Zoned Heating & Cooling – Each indoor unit operates independently, so you can set each room to a different temperature.
- Have Specific Problem Areas – Ductless mini splits can heat a whole house, but they’re also great for additions, garages, basements, or rooms that struggle to stay comfortable.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Visible Indoor Units – Some homeowners don’t like the look of wall-mounted mini split units.
Need Multiple Units for Whole-Home Heating & Cooling – If you’re heating and cooling an entire home, you will need multiple indoor air handlers. Typically, at least one in every room.
Get a Home Energy Assessment to Help You Decide
Not sure whether a ducted heat pump or a ductless mini split makes more sense for your home? Neeeco can help you decide with a no-cost Home Energy Assessment. As part of your assessment, we’ll evaluate your current heating and cooling systems and recommend the best option for a replacement.
During your Home Energy Assessment, you’ll also learn about other energy-saving upgrades, such as insulation and air sealing, which can improve your home’s efficiency and maximize heat pump performance. You may qualify for significant rebates, including 75-100% off an insulation upgrade.
Save with Heat Pump Rebates & Incentives
If a heat pump is right for your home, Neeeco can help you save on installation costs with rebates and incentives.
- Mass Save® Heat Pump Rebates – Save up to $10,000 on a heat pump HVAC system. Income-qualified households can save even more, with up to $16,000 in rebates.
- 0% HEAT Loan Financing – Spread out the cost of your new system with 0% interest financing on loans up to $25,000.
- Heat Pump Tax Credit – Get a federal tax credit worth 30% of your heat pump costs, up to $2,000.
Some restrictions apply and offers are subject to change or cancellation. Visit MassSave.com/HEA for full details.
Ready to Install a Heat Pump?
No matter which type of heat pump you choose to install, you’ll enjoy benefits like better energy efficiency and a more comfortable home.
✔ Start with a Home Energy Assessment – Get expert guidance on the best heat pump option for your home.
✔ Explore Mass Save Rebates – Take advantage of financial incentives to make heat pumps more affordable.
✔ Work with a Trusted Installer – Neeeco ensures proper installation and maximum efficiency!