What You Need to Know About Ductless Heat Pumps

Ductless Heat Pumps are a great way to add comfort in your home while reducing your energy bills by up to 50% or more than traditional heating sources like electric resistance systems, oil, propane and natural gas.

Even at low temperatures, pending on the model and brand you choose can still provide you with a COP of 2.5 at -15C, not factoring the wind chill factor. The simple definition of COP is: for $1.00 in of input, you get $2.50 of output in energy for that one dollar (taking the above example).

Now these systems are not very difficult to install, but should be done by a Certified professional Technician without a question.

Don't let anyone tell you otherwise as your system will fail and it's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when. The reason your system will fail is that; If your line sets and system has not had a proper vacuum performed on the system (lowered the humidity level down to a minimum of 500ppm) your compressor will fail. The refrigerant R-410A and the compressor do not do well with humidity and will rote out your compressor and can also damage your indoor evaporator and your warranty will be voided.

There are a lot of companies now days selling systems directly to home owners over the internet, but they also advise of getting their systems installed by a tech. The reason why I talk about this is that most home owners that go on the internet and see the prices of the systems sold on the internet is a lot cheaper than what they received from a local contractor.

Why is that, you may ask? The major difference is that contractors usually can't purchase those systems for those prices advertised. Why is that, well contractor's purchase from their local suppliers who also have a mark-up on those products as they also need to make a living and they also provide perks for the end users "the consumer".

Example: I buy a heat pump from my local HVAC supplier, all is great and I enjoy my system, but then all of a sudden my heat pump is no longer working. I call my local HVAC supplier and they send out a tech to diagnosed the problem " a pipe sensor failed". Great news customer, my local supplier keeps these in stock and will return this afternoon to get you up and running and all is under warranty, parts and labour.

Now you purchased off the internet and you have the same breakdown. You are responsible for all the leg work and it's all at your expense (labour, shipping etc). Is it worth the few hundred dollar savings?