WHAT TYPE OF HEAT PUMP IS RIGHT FOR MY HOME? EXISTING HOMES
Installing a mini-split is typically quick and nonintrusive. A contractor can usually complete installation in less than one day. Only a small three-inch hole in an exterior wall is needed to connect the refrigerant line from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit. Power only needs to be provided to the outdoor unit and most units require a 240-volt 20-Amp
circuit. Systems with multiple indoor units may require multiple outdoor units. Backup Heat for Homes Without Central Ductwork
Backup heating can be provided from a variety of sources, such as an existing boiler, electric baseboards, or wood burning stoves. Replacing existing systems can be done with a single unit as shown below in Figure 5. In this example the bedrooms are too small to have their own heat pumps. The heat pump will provide heat to the main areas of the home while the backup heat source will provide heat in the hard-to-reach areas. Learn more about heat pump controls in the Controlling Your Heat Pump section.
FIGURE 5: (left) Home using only baseboard electric heat. (right) Home after installing ductless mini-split with one indoor unit. The electric baseboard can be left in place as the backup heating source for rooms that are uncomfortable.
One Room or Area, With or Without Existing Central Ductwork FUEL TYPE
Natural Gas
LP or Oil
Electric
RECOMMENDED HEAT PUMP CONFIGURATION
Ductless, mini-split (single)
Do you have one room or area of the house that is never comfortable, such as a room over a garage or a basement space? Or are you planning an addition and it’s just not physically feasible or too expensive to get ductwork to the addition? In these scenarios, a single ductless mini-split unit may be a great choice for heating and cooling. See the previous section on ductless systems for more information.
9
ELECTRIC HEAT PUMP CUSTOMER BUYING AND OPERATION GUIDE FOR SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES
Powered by FlippingBook