Which is better for me - a ducted or ductless system?

This depends on a few factors, including house size and layout. Ductless systems tend to be a bit more efficient due to the integration of variable speed compressor technology, which is not commonly found in centrally ducted systems.  Also, ductless heat pumps are not impacted by air leakage that can occur along the ducts.

How do I know what size system my house needs?

Ductless heat pump systems are sized to meet the heating and cooling needs of individual zones in the home. There is a great deal of flexibility when it comes to system sizing as one indoor unit can provide between ¾ and 2 ½ tons of heating/cooling depending on its BTU capacity rating. Some common capacities for indoor units are 9K, 12K, 18K, 24K, and 30K BTU. 

Outdoor units are sized to meet the combined load of all heating/cooling zones. More than one outdoor unit may be necessary for multi-zone systems. 

Ducted heat pumps have an integrated backup heat source, and are designed to meet the needs of heating your whole home. The ducts are sized to ensure efficient heat distribution throughout. Your installer will measure the BTU capacity of your home and help you choose accordingly.

How do you control a heat pump?

A heat pump can be controlled by wall mounted controls, remote controls, or some models can be controlled through Wi-Fi enabled applications. You can set them on timers and adjust them manually.

Do I need to turn my heat pump off?

The answer is no – simply “set it and forget it.” Ductless heat pumps are designed to adjust to changing conditions automatically and efficiently. Once you find a comfortable temperature setting on either “heat” or “cool” modes, avoid changing the temperature or turning the unit on and off.  We do notrecommend using “auto” mode.

Where is the best location for my heat pump?

Every house is different, so the best way to find out where to locate your heat pump is to arrange a free in-home assessment. For outdoor units, the primary consideration is clean airflow through the unit. This means under deck options are not ideal. You should try to place outdoor units on the ground and away from bedrooms, so the small amount of noise they do make is not transferred to the house. For the placement of a ductless unit in a room, you’ll need to consider how the air flows through the room in order to evenly distribute the heat.

What is the proper temperature setting for my heat pump?

Depending on the location of your ductless heat pump, you may need to set the unit’s temperature slightly higher or lower than the desired temperature in the room to find a setting that’s comfortable. Think of the temperature on your remote as a comfort setting rather than the exact temperature that you want your room. Remember, the actual temperature setting on your remote is the temperature at the indoor unit, not the air temperature in the room.

In the winter, setting the thermostat(s) of the back-up heating system at a 5°C difference below the ductless heat pump thermostat setting will achieve maximum savings.  Also, never set your thermostat any lower than 10°C to keep your pipes from freezing.

Does a heat pump take up a lot of room?

No, heat pumps are designed to be unobtrusive in their size and style, with low noise levels.