If you’ve decided to purchase a ductless heat pump, you’ve decided to live comfortably with a quiet, energy-efficient heating and cooling system.

When looking to improve your heating and cooling in Oregon, it is more than just throwing money in the direction of the nearest salesperson. It’s essential to understand how a ductless heat pump operates to determine if it’s the best fit for you and your home.

DUCTLESS HEAT PUMP BASICS

Per their name, ductless heat pumps operate without ductwork. These types of heat pumps can also be called mini-splits, as they are two or more units split between the outside and inside – working together.

Since these systems don’t require ductwork, all of the heating and cooling the system provides is directly deposited into your living space.

THE MINI-SPLIT INDOOR AND OUTDOOR UNITS

The indoor unit/s offer plenty of flexibility for placement to homeowners. The indoor unit is typically installed on a wall in the room where you spend the most time, such as a family or living room.

Depending on the size and layout of your home, a single indoor unit installed in a central location could be enough to keep your home comfortable year-round.

The outdoor unit is small, quiet, and typically placed at ground level. The outdoor unit and indoor unit are connected with copper refrigerant tubes.

During colder months, they bring in warm air from the outside to keep indoor temperatures up. During hotter months, the units pull warm air outside, keeping the inside of your home cool.

DUCTLESS HEAT PUMP EFFICIENCY

One of the most significant reasons you may want to purchase a ductless system is to increase the overall efficiency of your home’s heating and cooling costs. What makes ductless heat pumps so efficient is their inverter compressor and the lack of leaky ductwork.

This type of HVAC efficiency can have a major impact on finances, with some ductless heat pump systems reducing monthly heating and cooling costs up to 50 percent.

ENERGY STAR CERTIFICATION

When searching for the right ductless heat pump, make sure to pick one with an Energy Star designation.

This certificate means the system has met or exceeded the energy efficiency metrics set by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency, while still maintaining at least the same output as standard, non-efficient products.

HSPF AND SEER

Two efficiency metrics are commonly used when discussing HVAC systems: HSPF and SEER. HSPF, or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, refers to the system’s heating efficiency.

This efficiency number is the most important number to take into consideration in the Pacific Northwest due to a large number of heating hours throughout the year.

Most energy utilities that provide efficiency rebates require that installed equipment have an HSPF rating of at least 9.0 in order to be efficient enough to qualify for rebates. Since 2005, all ductless heat pump models are required to have an HSPF of at least 7.7, meaning some may meet basic, legal requirements but don’t provide the high level of efficiency for which you may be looking.

SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, measures the cooling efficiency. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system will be. All ductless heat pumps should have a SEER rating of at least 13.

CHOOSING A THERMOSTAT

Ductless heat pumps are often operated via remote control, saving you the annoyance of getting up and walking to the wall unit every time you’d like your home warmer or cooler. That said, there are plenty of other options available, from the basic thermostat that’s populated homes for decades to Wi-Fi enabled devices that allow control from your smart device.

Sometimes the more modern options will include energy-usage statistics, enabling you to see in real-time how much energy (and money) you’re saving.

GET YOUR DUCTLESS HEAT PUMP TODAY

If you’re looking for an HVAC company in Oregon, contact The Heat Pump Store today. Our in-depth knowledge of energy-efficient ductless systems best suit Pacific Northwest allows us to help you determine which system is best for you and your home. Contact us online today or call 1-877-325-4178 to take the first step towards an energy-efficient home!

Get Your Ductless Cooling System Checked ASAP
Contact Us Today!

Image Credit: Shutterstock By C5 Media