Five Reasons Why a Mini-Split Heat Pump System is a Great Heating and Cooling Solution for Your Home

Mini-split heat pump systems are gaining popularity as a home heating and cooling solution in Massachusetts. Long associated with more moderate climates, heat pump technology has improved to the point where systems can withstand the New England climate, providing warmth during harsh winters, cool air during humid summers and energy savings all year round.

A mini-split heat pump can replace your primary heating system or act as an add-on while keeping your existing system for backup to use when it is the lowest cost option. Traditionally, mini-splits are used as a whole home solution for some homes, but they are also a great way to control temperature in individual rooms or zones.

Here are five reasons why you may want to consider having a mini-split heat pump system installed.

Easy installation
Mini-split heat pump systems consist of two main parts – a condenser that sits outside your home and the air handlers that provide heat in the winter and cool air in the summer. There is usually no ductwork required, making installation relatively easy and unobtrusive.

Efficient heating and cooling
Rather than burning fuel to generate heat, a mini-split system uses electricity to move heat, similar to the way a refrigerator works, which requires less energy than generating heat directly. In the winter, the condenser pulls heat from the outside air and distributes it inside – just make sure the condenser is elevated and free from snow and ice as that will affect its efficiency. Mini-split systems also do not experience the heat loss that occurs in systems with ducts and vents, where as much as 30% of the heat can escape.

More cost effective than electric resistance and propane
Using mini-split heat pumps in the winter in place of your existing heating system can reduce your overall heating costs without sacrificing comfort. The greatest cost savings are achieved when mini-split heat pumps serve as the primary source of heat for an entire zone that is currently heated by a baseboard electric or propane heating system. If your existing heating system is an oil- or natural gas-fired boiler or furnace, then you can still save money by operating the mini-split heat pump as the primary source of heat when it's not so cold outside, especially when heating your entire home. If you use fuel oil, a mini-split is more cost effective to operate when the outside temperature is 25 degrees or above. For natural gas, mini-splits are more cost effective when the temperature is 60 or above.

Zone temperature control
Placing a few air handlers in different rooms throughout your home gives you the ability to create individual zones to heat or cool. That means you can keep the living room warm and cozy without having to heat up the guest room, helping you save even more energy.

Mass Save rebates available
One of the best reasons to consider a mini-split heat pump system is the rebate available from Mass Save. The rebate amount you may qualify for depends on the efficiency of the system.

Click here for more information about our mini-split heat pump rebates.