A ductless, mini-split heat pump (
view photo) is an exciting new option that is ideal for:
- Homes without ductwork
- Homes with ducts in poor condition
- Replacing electric baseboard, wall heaters or woodstoves
- Additions to your home
- Individual rooms that need “spot” heating or cooling
How a ductless, mini-split works
A ductless, mini-split heat pump extracts heat from outside air and moves it inside during the heating season. The process is reversed during summer to provide cooling.
Unlike a standard air-source heat pump, a ductless, mini-split heat pump is not a central forced-air system. Small, concealed refrigerant lines connect an outside condenser to indoor fan-coil units located in different zones or rooms. Each fan-coil unit has its own programmable thermostat. Up to four indoor units can be connected to each outdoor unit.
Ductless, mini-split heat pumps are extremely energy-efficient — even at outside temperatures down to the teens, and they don’t need backup electric heat. They also eliminate energy losses through ductwork, which is typically 15 to 20 percent.
Advantages of ductless, mini-splits
- Energy savings of up to 60 percent.*
- Room-by-room comfort. Individual thermostats allow you to fine tune the temperature in different zones.
- Better than window air conditioners. Mini-splits are quieter, more attractive, more efficient, and offer better security.
- Simple installation. The hook-up between the outdoor and indoor units requires only a three-inch hole through a wall.
- Aesthetically pleasing. Low-profile indoor units come with attractive covers and can be ceiling- or wall-mounted or free standing.
- Compact. Outdoor condensers are small and easy to tuck into balconies or small yards.
- Whisper quiet. You might not notice the fan-coil unit is operating unless you put your ear next to it.
Save up to $1200
PGE-approved contractors offer a $200 instant rebate per outdoor unit for residential rate customers. Premium-efficiency, ductless, mini-split heat pumps that replace existing electric baseboard, wall heaters or an electric furnace, also may qualify for a $800 ductless heat pump incentive from Energy Trust of Oregon.
The Oregon Department of Energy offers an Oregon Residential Energy Tax Credit of up to $400. An application form (PDF) is available at the Oregon Department of Energy website. Discuss your situation with your tax advisor.
*Compared to a standard electric furnace. Individual circumstances will vary. Ask PGE or your dealer for more information.