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4 of the Most Common Questions Homeowners Have about Ductless Heat Pumps

4 of the Most Common Questions Homeowners Have about Ductless Heat Pumps

Are you dissatisfied with your current heating and cooling system? Surprisingly, more local residents than you might think are looking to upgrade their HVAC in Pittsburgh. That’s why we’re going to be talking about the most recent advancement in indoor climate control technology — the ductless heat pump.

These compact devices have the power to provide powerful heating and cooling while conserving energy and giving homeowners more control over their home temperature than ever before. Want to find out how it all works? Well you’re in the right place — today we’re examining how ductless heat pumps work, the installation process, their energy saving benefits, and more! Keep reading to get the answers to the 5 most common questions about ductless heating from homeowners in Pittsburgh. 

1. What is a Ductless Heat Pump and How is it Different from a Furnace or Boiler?

If you currently have different kind if HVAC in Pittsburgh, you might be wondering what separates heat pumps from other HVAC systems

outdoor unit ductless heat pump
Heat pumps still grab heat energy from the air in the winter months.

Before ductless heat pumps began gaining popularity in recent years, people relied on either a furnace or a boiler to stay warm in the winter. Both of these heating methods certainly get the job done, but often heat inconsistently and end up wasting energy unnecessarily. Ductless heat pumps have the distinct advantage of using less energy to heat and cool, while providing higher quality indoor climate control at the same time.

A ductless heat pump has two main parts, the indoor and outdoor unit. During the winter, the outdoor unit will sap heat energy from the air via the refrigerant. That energy travels up the refrigerant line and to the indoor unit, or blower. Then, as the heat energy is blown into your living spaces, the cooled refrigerant makes its way back to the outdoor unit. By using the refrigerant line instead of an air duct to transport heat energy, people replacing their old HVAC in Pittsburgh are able to save on monthly energy costs.

2. Is There a Difference Between a Ductless AC and a Window AC Unit?

If you’re using window AC units as part of your HVAC in Pittsburgh, its likely time for an upgrade to a ductless heat pump for the hot summer months

Mitsubishi photoshoot indoor ductless unit
Ductless AC units have a greater visual appeal than window AC units.

While in concept, a window AC unit and a ductless heat pump may seem similar, there are a few differences we want to highlight. A window AC unit is mounted in your window, which presents a safety and security hazard, and is only able to cool one room in your home.

On the other hand, a ductless AC unit is capable of both heating and cooling and is permanently mounted inside your home, so you don't have to worry about a window mount. You can also install several indoor units connected to a single outdoor unit that work together to heat and cool your home automatically. To cool your home with a window AC unit, you need to turn each unit on and off manually.

3. How Can I Benefit from Installing a Ductless Heat Pump?

By replacing your old HVAC in Pittsburgh, you can benefit from better temperature control and lower energy costs

woman controlling ductless ac in home office
Remotely control your ductless heat pump settings.

Depending on your home setup, there are a lot of ways that people can benefit from installing a ductless heat pump as their HVAC in Pittsburgh. We’ve already touched on how ductless AC provides superior heating and cooling and at a lower energy usage and cost than furnaces or boilers. But, ductless heat pumps are also perfect for old home renovations, garages, attics, and home add-ons as well. Ductless units are perfect for providing heating and cooling to any part of your home that does not already have ducts and will work together with your current HVAC system to keep your home comfortable.

4. What Does the Installation Process for a Ductless Heat Pump Look Like?

Unlike ducted HVAC in Pittsburgh, ductless heat pumps are minimally invasive to install

ductless heat pump installation
Don’t install new ducts, opt for the easier, faster, and more effective solution.

Another one of the distinct advantages of a ductless heating system is the ease of installation. The entire installation process only takes a few hours and will not require any alterations to your home besides a 3” diameter hole in the wall for the refrigerant line.

This easy installation makes the process easier for people who need new HVAC in Pittsburgh. Residents no longer need to undergo the long and invasive process of installing bulky air ducts in your home. 


If you have more questions about ductless heat pumps, call 412 Ductless for more information on how you can get started upgrading your home heating and cooling. No matter your current setup, 412 Ductless can help you improve your home comfort using ductless technology. From quotes, installation, and inspection, 412 Ductless is here to provide you with the highest quality HVAC in Pittsburgh.