Ductless Heat Pump (aka Mini-Split Heat Pump)

By Anne Fonda

A ductless heat pump is the driver of a ductless mini-split system. Much like a split heat pump system, a mini-split heat pump is an electric heating and cooling unit.

But instead of using ductwork to distribute heated or cooled air throughout your home, a ductless heat pump connects with one or more indoor mini-split units via refrigerant lines. This mini-split system can be set up to serve one room in a single-zone ductless system or serve an entire home in a multi-zone ductless system.

A ductless air source heat pump works by using the same technology as a split-system ducted heat pump. The ductless heating and cooling system operates by transferring heat to and from the outdoor heat pump to one or more indoor units.

In cooling mode, the refrigerant absorbs heat inside the home and transfers the heated refrigerant to the outdoor unit where the heat is expelled. In heating mode, the process is reversed.

Ductless heat pumps work even in freezing weather. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the outdoor air and transfers it from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit. These systems are highly efficient, using the minimum energy to produce maximum comfort.

Many configurations are ENERGY STAR®-certified and may qualify for energy tax credits and rebates.

There are several types of indoor units. Which type you choose will depend on your visual preferences, the layout of your home, the desired efficiency ratings, and more. Indoor units include:

You may have seen the wall-mount units before in a local café or doctor’s office. They are usually mounted high on the wall. Floor-mount units look a little like an old-style radiator and are mounted at the floor level, while ceiling-mount units are flush with the ceiling.

Each high efficiency indoor unit comes with a mini-split remote control so you can adjust the temperature easily for each zone.

Very possibly. Central air conditioning and forced air heating are not suitable or cost-effective for every space.

Single-zone or multi-zone mini-split systems offer energy-efficient heating and cooling, or only cooling, as with a mini-split AC unit. Applications where a mini-split air conditioner or mini-split AC and heat system makes sense can include:

The best way to figure out the most cost-effective heating and cooling solutions for your space is to consult with an experienced HVAC professional. They can help ensure proper sizing and configuration to help you keep your energy bills in check.

American Standard and Mitsubishi Electric have a partnership when it comes to ductless heat pumps and mini-splits. Mitsubishi introduced ductless mini-split heating and cooling in Japan in 1959, and it has become the norm in the Asia-Pacific region. Mini-split systems are also quite popular in Europe.

We have partnered with Mitsubishi to bring superior mini-split technology to the residential mainstream in the United States. Our ductless products offer exceptional energy efficiency and superior performance in frigid temperatures. In addition, the indoor units are very quiet. Interested in learning more?

A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need. 

She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.

Kimberly Sexton, Senior Systems Engineer, Senior Product Manager, Ductless