1. Heat Pump Basics: What They Are and How They Work
Heat pumps transfer heat from one place to another using refrigeration cycles — extracting warmth from outside air in winter and removing heat in summer. Unlike traditional furnaces or air conditioners, heat pumps provide both heating and cooling efficiently.
Modern heat pumps often use R-32 refrigerant, which has a lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to older refrigerants like R-410A, making them more environmentally friendly without sacrificing performance.
For a primer on heat pump technology and R-32 benefits, see the U.S. Department of Energy’s Heat Pump Systems page.
2. What Are Ducted Heat Pumps?
Ducted heat pumps rely on an existing or newly installed network of ducts to distribute heated or cooled air throughout your home. The outdoor condenser compresses refrigerant, which flows to an indoor air handler connected to ductwork that channels air into rooms via vents.
Advantages of ducted systems include:
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Whole-home temperature control from a single unit.
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Compatibility with central air systems and furnaces for hybrid setups.
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Integration with standard thermostats and zoning systems.
However, ductwork quality is crucial; leaky or poorly designed ducts can significantly reduce efficiency and comfort. For detailed duct design and installation guidance, check out the Building America Solutions Center HVAC resources.
3. What Are Ductless Heat Pumps?
Ductless heat pumps, often called mini-splits, bypass ductwork by delivering conditioned air directly into rooms through wall-mounted, ceiling, or floor units. Each indoor unit connects via refrigerant lines and electrical wiring to an outdoor condenser.
Key benefits of ductless systems include:
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Flexible zoning: control temperatures individually per room or zone.
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Minimal invasive installation without ductwork modification.
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High efficiency due to reduced duct losses.
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Ideal for older homes, additions, or spaces without ducts.
For homeowners considering ductless heat pumps, ENERGY STAR provides a useful mini-split heat pump guide.
4. Comparing Efficiency and Performance
Efficiency largely depends on system design, installation quality, and climate. Both ducted and ductless heat pumps can be highly efficient with proper sizing and setup.
Ducted heat pumps: Efficiency can be compromised if ductwork is leaky or improperly sized, losing up to 30% of conditioned air in some cases. However, modern duct systems with proper sealing and insulation can deliver excellent performance.
Ductless heat pumps: Typically achieve higher delivered efficiency because air travels directly from the unit into the room, eliminating duct losses. They also provide superior zoning, improving comfort and reducing wasted energy.
The Department of Energy notes that ductless mini-splits can achieve up to 30% energy savings compared to traditional systems when ducts are inefficient or absent.
5. Installation and Retrofit Considerations
Ducted systems: Best suited for new construction or homes with existing ductwork in good condition. Installation may involve duct sealing, insulation, or even duct replacement in older homes.
Ductless systems: Offer a relatively quick, low-disruption installation ideal for retrofit projects, room additions, or older homes without ducts. However, multiple indoor units might be needed for whole-home coverage, increasing upfront costs.
Consulting a qualified HVAC professional for a detailed Manual J load calculation can help identify the best approach for your home.
6. Cost Comparison: Upfront and Long-Term
Upfront costs vary widely depending on system size, complexity, and labor:
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Ducted systems: Installation costs range from $7,000 to $15,000+ for a whole-home system, factoring in ductwork repair or installation.
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Ductless systems: Single-zone units may cost $3,000 to $5,000, with multi-zone systems costing $8,000 to $12,000+.
Long-term, ductless systems can yield energy savings in homes with poor ducts, while ducted systems may be more cost-effective in homes with existing, efficient ductwork.
7. Comfort and Air Quality Differences
Ducted heat pumps distribute air evenly but can suffer from issues like uneven airflow or poor humidity control if ducts are not properly maintained.
Ductless units provide more precise temperature control per room and often include advanced filtration, improving indoor air quality.
8. Best Uses for Each System Type
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Ducted: New builds, homes with good ductwork, or those wanting whole-home control with central thermostats.
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Ductless: Older homes without ducts, room additions, small spaces, or where zoning is a priority.
9. Environmental Impact and R-32 Refrigerant Benefits
Both system types increasingly use R-32 refrigerant, which has a lower GWP (~675) than R-410A (~2088), helping reduce climate impact.
The ASHRAE Position Document on Refrigerants explains the environmental importance of transitioning to refrigerants like R-32.
10. Real-World Case Studies
Case 1: A 2,000 sq ft home in Minnesota with existing ducts upgraded to a ducted R-32 heat pump, achieving 20% energy savings in heating bills.
Case 2: A 1,200 sq ft older home in Arizona added a ductless mini-split system to supplement cooling, reducing reliance on window ACs and cutting costs by 25%.
11. Final Recommendations
Choosing ducted vs. ductless depends on your home’s structure, budget, and comfort priorities. Work with a certified HVAC professional to evaluate your specific needs and get a Manual J load calculation.
Explore our full line of efficient R-32 heat pumps and contact us for personalized guidance.
