With summer well on its way, keeping your house cool is a top priority!
You have a few options when it comes to air conditioning for your home. Today, we’re going to compare ductless heat pumps vs window air conditioners to help you decide which is the right fit for your home.
Cooling Your Home with Window Air Conditioners
Traditional window air conditioners work by absorbing the heat that’s inside your home and transferring it out via a cooling agent called refrigerant. This is the exact same process a heat pump uses to cool your home. Technically, an air conditioner is a heat pump, but the term heat pump typically refers to an HVAC system that can provide both heating and air conditioning in one.
Even though they work the same way, window ACs are not exactly the same as heat pump air conditioners (aka ductless mini split heat pumps).
A window air conditioner is a single unit that can be mounted in a window frame and plugged into a standard electrical outlet. The outward-facing piece of the unit releases heat outside, and the fan faces inward.
Window Air Conditioner Pros
Window air conditioners are not ideal for whole-home cooling, but they can work well for cooling a small space, like a single bedroom. The pros of a window air conditioner include:
- Good for small spaces
- Easy to find and install yourself
- More affordable to run than a central air conditioner
- Low maintenance
Window Air Conditioner Cons
Window air conditioners also have drawbacks, including:
- Risk of falling from window
- Easy to remove and can be a security risk
- Needs to be removed and stored for the winter
- Obstructs view from window
- Difficult to control water drainage from unit
- Can only provide cooling
Mass Save® Air Conditioner Rebates
If you live in Massachusetts, you may be eligible for Mass Save air conditioner rebates. The sponsors of Mass Save offer a $40 rebate for room or window air conditioners. Schedule a no-cost Home Energy Assessment with Neeeco to learn more!*
Cooling Your Home with Ductless Mini Split Heat Pumps
A mini split heat pump works almost exactly the same way an air conditioner does but with one major difference—it can also work in reverse. When set to cooling mode, a heat pump will absorb heat from inside your home and transfer it outside. When set to heating mode, it will flip the process, taking heat from the outside air and bringing it in.
How Is a Mini Split Heat Pump Installed?
Mini split systems have an outdoor unit that’s installed outside of your home and one or more indoor units, called indoor air handlers or “heads.” The heads are connected to the outdoor unit via a conduit that runs through your wall. They don’t require any ductwork and can be installed almost anywhere in your home.
Mini Split Heat Pump Pros
Ductless heat pumps work just as well as air conditioners, and they have additional benefits that make them a better option for many homes:
- Heating and air conditioning in one unit
- Ultra energy efficient
- Good for small spaces or whole-home heating and air conditioning
- Safer than window air conditioners (can’t fall or be pulled out of the window)
Mini Split Heat Pump Cons
In most cases, mini split heat pumps are a better option than window air conditioners. However, they do have some drawbacks that are important to consider:
- More expensive to install than window air conditioners
- Must be installed on an exterior wall
- DIY installation is not recommended
Mass Save Heat Pump Rebates
Massachusetts residents can save thousands of dollars on mini split installation with Mass Save heat pump rebates. The Sponsors of Mass Save are making energy efficiency upgrades like heat pump installation more affordable with generous rebates and incentives. You can save up to $10,000 on mini split heat pump installation for your whole home, or up to $16,000 if you meet income qualification requirements!*
Find out if you’re eligible for Mass Save rebates! Schedule a no-cost Home Energy Assessment online now.
*Some restrictions apply and offers are subject to change or cancellation. Visit MassSave.com/HEA for full details.
Neeeco: Your Local Mass Save Partner
Ready to upgrade your home cooling system with Mass Save HVAC rebates? Neeeco can help you compare the benefits of ductless heat pumps vs regular window air conditioners and the available rebates so you can make the best choice for your home. We are a certified Mass Save contractor and can help you take advantage of savings.
It’s easy to get started. All you need to do is schedule a no-cost Mass Save Home Energy Assessment with Neeeco. One of our certified consultants will check out your home’s energy efficiency, talk to you about your needs, and answer any questions you have about the process. Following your energy assessment, we’ll provide a detailed report along with the recommended upgrades and available rebates.