Mini-split heat pumps: pros, cons, cost, and more
Last edited
Author
Andrew Blok
Electrification and Solar Writer and Editor
Editor
Andrew Giermak
Solar and Electrification Writer and Editor
Tired of dealing with uneven temperatures and high energy bills? A mini-split heat pump might be the efficient, ductless solution your home needs. In this guide, we’ll break down how mini-split heat pumps work, their pros and cons, costs, and installation options so you can confidently decide if a ductless split system is right for your home.
What is a mini-split heat pump?
A mini-split heat pump, also known as a ductless heat pump, is a smaller version of a standard central heat pump with one key difference. Both use indoor and outdoor units to move heat in or out of a home. However, where they heat and cool within the home is different.
Central heat pump: Heats or cools air in one central place (like a basement or attic), then sends the conditioned air throughout the house via ducts.
Mini-split heat pump: Heats or cools the air via interior units throughout the house. No ducts needed. Because heated or cooled air isn’t lost moving through ducts, mini-splits, compared to central heat pumps, are often more efficient.
Indoor mini-split units are mounted on walls or ceilings. You can install as many indoor units as you need, though they may require additional outdoor units.
Each unit can be separately controlled and programmed, which can improve energy efficiency in many cases.
| Mini-split | Central | |
|---|---|---|
| Ducting? | No | Yes |
| Professional installation required? | Almost always | Yes |
| Separate indoor/outdoor units? | Yes | Yes |
| Indoor unit placement | Usually on the wall or ceiling of room being heated | Usually in a closet, basement, or attic |
| Best for? | Homes without existing ductwork | Homes with existing ductwork |
| Zoned system? | Yes | Can be, with additional equipment |
How does a mini-split heat pump work?
Heat pumps work like two way air conditioners. A refrigerant line moves heat into or out of a house.
A mini-split has refrigerant lines running between an outdoor unit to one or more indoor units. The room’s air is heated or cooled at each indoor unit without the need for ductwork.
Eliminating ducts is an energy saver on its own. Energy Star estimates 30% of a central HVAC system’s energy usage can be wasted when conditioned air travels through ducts.
An Energy Star-certified mini-split can deliver up to three times more heat energy than the electric energy it uses. Compared to standard electric heating, Energy Star-certified mini-split heating can reduce energy usage by up to 60%.
Zoned heating and cooling with mini-splits
Mini-split systems can work with up to five indoor units per outdoor unit, depending on the model. That allows you to heat or cool rooms as you use them and not when they’re sitting empty. Zoned heating and cooling like this can cut your energy use.
Pros and cons of mini-split heat pumps
What are the advantages and disadvantages of split system heat pumps? Let’s take a look.
Mini-split heat pump pros
Lower costs: Among your electric heating options, mini-split heat pumps will have the lowest operating cost, and heat pumps of any kind are likely to beat heating oil, propane, and electric resistance heating.
Energy efficiency: Mini-split heat pumps are the most efficient way to heat and cool a home, except at extremely low temperatures. Your thermostat settings, and how often you change them, will affect your efficiency.
Reliable performance: Cold climate heat pumps can perform well even in freezing temperatures. And, instead of the all or nothing nature of a central furnace, variable speed heat pumps can keep your home at a steadier temperature.
Mini-split heat pump cons
Upfront cost: Mini-split heat pumps can often be the most expensive heating and cooling system to install in a whole home. In homes without ducts, they’ll be cheaper than installing new ductwork.
Heat pump leasing replaces the upfront cost with predictable monthly payments. Leases typically include maintenance and flexible end-of-term options. To learn more about leasing a heat pump or other HVAC system, check out the Palmetto Comfort Plan.
Aesthetics: Some people may dislike the look of the indoor units mounted on their walls, though some design-forward heat pumps are entering the market. Your mileage may vary.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Potentially lower electric bills | Potentially higher upfront cost |
| Highly efficient | Aesthetics? |
| Reliable comfort |
Mini-split maintenance
The most important maintenance step a homeowner can take is cleaning filters and changing them as recommended. Some units have a standard mesh filter that should be wiped and cleaned every week or two. Some units have replaceable filters that should be changed every 1-3 months or as recommended by the manufacturer.
A professional should deep clean mini-split exterior and interior units every 1-3 years, depending on the environmental conditions around your home and your usage, according to the Department of Energy.
Is a mini-split heat pump right for your home?
Mini-split heat pumps can be a good fit for any home depending on the situation. Mini-splits are especially good options in the following situations.
- New builds
- Homes without existing ductwork
- New home additions
- Newly finished basements or attics
- Homes that would benefit from efficient zoned heating and cooling
In some cases, the cost to install an adequate mini-split system would be more than the benefits you’d get from switching to a ductless system.
Mini-split heat pump shopping advice
If you’re ready to make a purchase, you want to weigh factors such as the energy efficiency ratings of different systems. Look at the SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating, the HSPF (heating seasonal performance factor) rating, efficiency and estimated cost information on an EnergyGuide label, and for Energy Star certification.
You want a system designed for the size and layout of your space, how you expect to heat and cool it, and your area’s climate. If you plan on connecting your new system to smart home devices, ensure they will be compatible.
If you’ve decided mini-splits are the best option for your home, but the upfront cost is holding you back, consider an HVAC lease, like the Palmetto Comfort Plan. For predictable monthly payments over the 10 or 12 year term, you get efficient heating and cooling with maintenance and most repairs included and $0 upfront. Palmetto can help you decide whether mini-splits are the way to go, or if another solution better fits your home, when you reach out for a quote.
See how much you can save with a new HVAC system from Palmetto
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a mini-split for every room?
No, one of the positives of mini-split heat pumps is you can customize the system to fit your home and lifestyle.
What is the life expectancy of a mini-split system?
Mini-split systems can last 20 years or longer. Proper installation and maintenance will generally improve a system’s performance and lengthen its lifespan.
How much does a mini-split heat pump cost?
Cost varies widely by your needs. A single heat pump with a single indoor head will cost much less than multiple heat pumps with multiple indoor heads. Estimates vary, but a single unit can start around a few thousand dollars.
What is the difference between a mini-split heat pump and a central heat pump?
A mini-split heat pump heats or cools air directly in the room. A central heat pump heats or cools air in a central location before blowing that conditioned air through a home’s ducts.
What is a split system heat pump?
Split system heat pump is another term for mini-split heat pump.
Can a mini-split heat pump replace a furnace?
A properly sized and designed mini-split system could replace both a furnace and an air conditioner.
Can you install a mini-split heat pump on your own?
Generally, no. DIY mini-split heat pumps do exist and are best suited for heating and cooling small spaces, not entire homes.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Palmetto does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors.
