Mini split heat pumps (also known as ductless heat pumps) are a popular choice for heating and air conditioning in Massachusetts thanks to their versatility and energy efficient operation. But is a mini split heat pump worth it for your home?
Keep reading for a complete breakdown of mini split heat pump pros and cons you should consider before buying.
Mini Split Heat Pump Rebates → Save up to $10,000 with Mass Save® heat pump rebates! Schedule a no-cost Home Energy Assessment to learn more.
Benefits of Mini Split Heat Pumps
Ductless mini split heat pumps have many advantages.
Heating & Cooling in One
Mini split heat pumps combine heating and air conditioning in one unit. This is great because you can add heating and cooling to your house without having to buy and install two separate systems. It also makes maintenance easier as you will only have one system to service, rather than two.
No Ductwork Needed
If you don’t have a duct system in your house or your ducts don’t reach every room, a mini split HVAC system is a great option for heating and cooling. Mini splits don’t need to be connected to ducts to work. Instead, they feature an outdoor unit and one or more indoor air handlers, which are connected via a narrow conduit that runs through an exterior wall. The indoor air handler delivers heated or cooled air directly into the room or area it’s installed in for instant comfort.
Because they don’t need ducts, mini splits are perfect for:
- Houses without existing ductwork
- Houses with old or damaged ductwork
- Rooms existing ducts don’t reach
- New home additions
- Freestanding sheds, garages, and workshops
Learn more about ductless heating and cooling.
Energy Efficient
Mini split heat pump heating and cooling systems work by moving heat from one place to another, rather than creating it. In the summer, they capture heat from the air inside your home and dump it outside. In the winter, they extract heat from the air outside and bring it into your home. This is a much more efficient process than burning fuel to create heat, which can lead to lower energy usage.
Mini split heat pumps are also 100% electric. They don’t use fossil fuels, leading to lower carbon emissions, and they can be powered by solar panels.
Incentives
Because they are energy efficient and environmentally friendly, mini split heat pumps are eligible for HVAC rebates and tax incentives!
- Save up to $10,000 with Mass Save heat pump rebates.
- Get a 30% federal heat pump tax credit, up to $2,000.
Mini Split Heat Pump Cons
It’s important to consider the pros and cons of heat pumps before deciding whether a ductless heat pump is right for your home.
Installation Costs
Installing a mini split heat pump is an investment and will be more expensive than buying a space heater or window air conditioner. But mini split heat pump installation costs are often comparable to central heating and air conditioning installation costs. Plus, they’re eligible for Mass Save rebates, which will significantly reduce your installation costs. With Mass Save heat pump rebates, you can save up to $10,000 on a mini split heat pump HVAC system! Learn more with a no-cost Mass Save Home Energy Assessment.
Appearance
Mini split heat pumps have indoor air handlers that are installed on your wall and visible in your home, unlike furnaces, boilers, and central air conditioners, which are typically hidden away in basements or utility closets. There are, however, many sleek and modern-looking mini split HVAC systems available, and there are installation methods that can conceal a mini split, such as a ceiling mount.
The Bottom Line: Should You Get a Mini Split Heat Pump?
Mini split heat pumps have a few drawbacks, but in most cases, the pros outweigh the cons. Neeeco is a home efficiency expert that’s been helping Massachusetts homeowners upgrade their heating and cooling systems for many years, and we believe ductless heat pump systems are worth it for most homes.
To find out if your home would benefit from ductless heat pump installation, schedule a no-cost Home Energy Assessment with our team today. We will evaluate your home’s current HVAC system and its overall energy efficiency to determine whether you would benefit from an HVAC system upgrade.
*Some restrictions apply. Offers are subject to change or cancellation. Visit MassSave.com/HEA for full details.