What’s the Difference Between Ducted & Ductless Heat Pumps?
A heat pump is an incredible system that can not only cool your home, but is the most efficient way to heat it, as well. If you’re looking for reliable home comfort and lower energy bills, it’s absolutely the way to go.
But you may have some lingering questions. One major distinction in how heat pumps are used is that some are ductless, and some use ducts. What’s the difference? Is one better than the other? Let’s explain.
How Heat Pumps Work
Just like an air conditioner, a heat pump circulates refrigerant to absorb heat in one place and releases it in another. The key component that makes heat pumps unique is the reversing valve. With this, the flow can be sent in either of two directions. It can absorb heat indoors and release it out, to cool your home, or it can absorb heat outdoors and release it inside, to warm your home.
The efficiency of heating this way is so incredible because a heat pump doesn’t actually generate heat, which is an energy-intensive process. It simply transfers it from one place to another. And it keeps working efficiently as long as the outdoor temperature rarely drops below freezing, making it perfect for our climate.
Ducted Heat Pumps
If your home already has ductwork, and it’s in good condition, chances are you’ll want to use that ductwork with your heat pump. This keeps the installation very simple, just like having a new air conditioner installed, with little to no modification of your home required. Your heated or cooled air will be circulated through your ducts and blown out your vents as usual.
Ductless Heat Pumps
This is the perfect choice for homes that don’t have existing ductwork. But it can be the right choice in other circumstances, too. Loss of heated or conditioned air through leaking ductwork is a huge waste of energy. If your ductwork is in poor condition due to damage or simply deterioration from age, you might choose a ductless system over duct replacement.
Ductless systems are also called mini-splits because when the refrigerant coils enter your home, they split from each other and head to separate air handlers throughout your home. This is different from the different vents of a central AC system because each air handler has its own thermostat. You can keep different parts of your home at different temperatures.
Being able to adjust the heat or AC in certain areas can provide huge energy savings. You no longer have to keep your whole home at your ideal temperature and can save money by only heating or cooling where you need to.
Similarities and Differences
Whichever system you choose, keep in mind that a heat pump works year-round. Just as you get both your heating system and your air conditioner maintained each year, you’ll need twice-a-year maintenance to keep your heat pump at peak efficiency and reduce repair needs.
While the condition of the ductwork will be a main concern in a ducted system, the refrigerant coils and drainage lines from each air handler will be a main concern in a ductless system. Not only is maintenance important, but you should always be prompt when you suspect you need ducted or ductless heat pump repair in Denton, TX.
If you’d like to discuss which option might work best for your home, we’d love to talk with you.
Contact PRK Services, Inc. today for all your heating and cooling needs.
