Efficiency Wars: Heat Pump vs. Ducted AC Unit

When it comes to HVAC installation, ducted AC units and ductless heat pumps are the two options that stand out. These HVAC systems both offer different benefits and features that can impact cooling performance and temperature control efficiency of your home.

There’s not necessarily a best option since they’re not necessarily competing cooling solutions. They both fill an important niche in home temperature control, and which is right will depend on your temperature control needs.

Ductless Heat Pumps: Targeted Comfort With Less Coverage and Lower Energy Consumption

Ductless heat pumps are extremely energy-efficient and possess flexible installation options due to their small footprint. Unlike traditional ducted AC units, which rely on a network of ducts to distribute air throughout the home, ductless heat pumps utilize individual air handlers mounted on walls inside each temperature-controlled room.

One of the key advantages of ductless heat pumps is their ability to provide targeted temperature control in specific areas of the home. This means that if you're only occupying certain rooms, such as bedrooms at night, you can adjust the temperature accordingly without wasting energy heating or cooling unoccupied rooms – like a guest bedroom that’s rarely used. By not transporting air via ductwork, ductless heat pumps eliminate energy loss associated with air leaks and poor distribution.

While some central air and ductless heat pump models may have similar efficiency ratings for cooling output, the smaller space being cooled with a ductless system will result in lower energy consumption overall. Additionally, the outdoor condenser unit of a ductless heat pump is typically smaller and more compact than that of a traditional AC unit, further reducing energy usage and environmental impact.

The downside is coverage. Ductless heat pumps are not typically whole-home solutions, and the cost of installing a ductless heat pump in every room can be much higher than a single central air heat pump or air conditioner.

They’re great for supplemental heating or cooling that allows you to leave the temperature higher in the rest of your home during the summer, or for heating or cooling a home addition, converted attic or garage, or studio apartments and multi-family residential units.

They’re not great for whole home heating or cooling. In large spaces or rooms, areas further away from the air handler may be uncomfortably hot in the summer or cold in the winter.

Ducted AC Units: Whole-Home Comfort with Consistent Air Distribution

When properly designed and appropriately sized, ducted AC units offer the convenience of whole-home comfort with consistent air distribution through a network of ducts. These systems are well-suited for larger homes or buildings where multiple rooms need to be cooled or heated simultaneously.

While ducted AC units may not offer the same level of targeted temperature control as ductless heat pumps, they excel in providing uniform comfort throughout the home. By circulating air through ducts, these systems can maintain consistent temperatures in every room, giving occupants optimal comfort.

They also don’t typically allow for zoning without modification, meaning members of your household can’t adjust the temperature in their own room or space to their liking. The temperature set on the thermostat is the temperature everyone lives with.

Although efficiency can be similar in terms of output, the cost of cooling a whole home with central air will inevitably be higher than the cost of cooling a single room with a ductless heat pump. However, the cost of installing a single AC or heat pump for a central air system is usually far less than the cost of installing many separate ductless heat pumps or multiple mini-split systems for whole-home coverage with ductless systems.

Choosing the Right System for Your HVAC Installation

Which system – ductless heat pumps or central air conditioning – is the winner in efficiency? The answer you can get comparable efficiency ratings with both types of systems. Which is best ultimately depends on your cooling needs.

If you need to cool your entire home, central air is usually the way to go. If you just added an addition to the back of your home and don’t want to add ductwork or have a new central air system installed to accommodate the increased cubic footage, a ductless heat pump will be the way to go.

If you’re looking for a cooling solution, it’s essential to consult with qualified HVAC system designers, like those at Tom’s Mechanical Inc. We’ll assess your home's unique requirements and your preferences before recommending the most suitable system for your needs.

Want to Supplement Your Home’s Cooling Performance This Summer? Tom’s Mechanical Inc. in Arlington Is Here for You!

If you're considering air conditioner or heat pump replacement to improve efficiency and comfort in your home, look no further than Tom's Mechanical Inc. in Arlington, TX. Our team of skilled experts is here to help you navigate your options and find the perfect cooling solution for your needs.

Schedule a free installation or replacement consultation by calling 817-277-4493 and take the first step toward a more comfortable home.