Mini-splits, also known as ductless heat pumps, are growing in popularity, and whenever something becomes newly popular there’s a period of time during which knowledge lags. This allows for certain myths or misinformation to arise. To better separate reality from fiction, we present some of the most pervasive misconceptions about heat pumps here.

Too Noisy

This myth originated from the sounds that emanated from early heat pump models that were loud and very conspicuous. Today’s ductless heat pumps, though, are equipped with the latest in noise reduction technology and they shouldn’t be any louder than your refrigerator. If properly installed, you will not have issues with your ductless heat pump making loud noises. Ductless heat pumps are significantly quieter than standard air conditioning units!

Can Ductless Heat Pumps Handle The Cold Months?

Heat pumps work by taking the heat from outside and bringing it indoors to warm the interior of the home. To cool, it does the opposite. So, if it’s cold outside, how can it bring heat inside? While it’s true that heat pumps are ideal for moderate temperatures, modern inverter technology enables many ductless heat pump systems to operate during bouts of extreme cold and even into negative temperatures.

Needs To Be On At All Times

Heat pumps are indeed at their best and most efficient when they work gradually to either increase or decrease your home’s interior temperature. So, yes, there are times where you may have your heat pump for longer than you would with a traditional heating and cooling system. Still, the heat pump will work more efficiently than a system with ducts, and a well-insulated home will help keep interior temperatures where you want them. Further, you’ll always be able to turn your heat pump on or off just like you would any other system.

Can Only Be Installed In New Buildings

One of the great advantages of ductless systems is their flexibility. They can be installed without the need for expensive ductwork. This means they can be installed on properties both new and old. You can find heat pumps in brand new, modern apartment complexes to buildings old enough to be considered historical.

Too Big

Because heat pumps have multiple components, including ones that need to be installed both outside and inside your home, they can be thought of as being too big. However, ductless compressors are significantly smaller than classic air conditioner compressors, oftentimes no larger than a suitcase!

Heating Only

If something has “heat” in the name, it makes sense that people would think that’s all it does. However, heat pumps can both warm and cool your home’s interior. It does this through refrigerants, which absorb the heat in one location and transfer it to the other. So, in the winter, it takes the heat from the outside and brings it inside. During summer months, it’ll take the heat on the opposite path, helping to keep your home cool. This myth is also why some people prefer to call heat pumps “mini-splits.”

Need A Too Frequent Maintenance Cycle

Any appliance or a large electrical system needs some form of regular maintenance and heat pumps are no exception to this.

Most heat pump installers recommend you have maintenance performed on your ductless heat pump system once a year to ensure its longevity and efficiency. Your filters should also be cleaned on a monthly basis in order to get the most out of your system. This process is quick and easy.

Spendy

Heat pumps can reduce electrical energy usage for heating and cooling by 50 percent, thereby significantly lowering energy bills. They are regarded as sturdy, durable, and flexible, meaning they’ll work well and keep working in almost any location.

They require no ductwork to be installed and the only alteration to your home will likely be a small three-inch hole to accommodate refrigerant coils that run from the exterior component to the interior ones.

Collect And Distribute Air Contaminants

Interior air quality is essential. After all, who cares how cool or warm your home is if the system responsible for the temperature is also spreading air contaminants? Luckily, heat pumps can be beneficial for those who deal with allergies or are sensitive to air contaminants. As there are no ducts, there are fewer access points for allergens and bacteria to enter the system and spread.

Ductless heat pump also have filters that can help remove any contaminants including bacteria from the system as well as built-in protection including an internal fan that keeps it dry to limit bacterial growth.

Finding A Reputable Heat Pump Company

At The Heat Pump Store, heat pumps are our business. We sell, install, and maintain heat pumps throughout Oregon, and our team of expert technicians demonstrates our customer-focus with every phone call, email, and home visit we make.

Contact us today at 877-539-0481 so we can help you reduce energy bills, improve your home’s air quality, and keep its interior at your desired temperature. You can also contact us through our website, too!