Can Mini Split Heat Pumps Replace Boilers?

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Both boilers and ductless systems have long existed in the shadow of the more popular furnace heating systems. That time is fast drawing to a close, however. Both systems have experienced a dramatic rise in popularity over the past couple of decades, and for good reason. Each system has its own distinct advantages to recommend it. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each system, and how you can choose the one best-suited to your needs.

DUCTLESS MINI SPLIT SYSTEM

A ductless mini split system is a type of heat pump that, as the name suggests, completely eschews ductwork in favor of only heating the room in which it is installed. There are two parts to a ductless system, one indoor unit and one outdoor unit. The indoor unit is installed directly into a room, usually on a wall or the ceiling, while the outdoor unit is installed on the outside of the house. The two units are then connected by a conduit containing power and refrigerant lines.

When the heat is turned on, the outdoor unit evaporates refrigerant using a coil inside its casing. This leeches thermal energy from the surrounding air, which is carried by the refrigerant gas to the indoor unit. The indoor unit then condenses the gas back into a liquid, releasing the thermal energy to heat the room.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BOILERS AND MINI SPLITS?

A new heating system is an investment, so it’s important to do all your research in advance to know what the best choice will be to keep you and your loved ones safe and comfortable.

The lifespan of both ductless heat pumps and boilers is around 10–20 years, making both systems reliable, long-term options.

Ductless mini splits are exactly what they sound like — ductless! Heat pump installation is quick and easy, taking only 1–2 days to complete depending on the number of units you’re having installed. Ductless mini splits can be installed in any exterior wall, making them great options for whole-home heating and cooling, as well as a great supplement for tough to condition areas like garages and sunrooms.

Boilers carry an innate risk of carbon monoxide leak by nature of their fuel source design. This can be caused by fuel not being fully burned and a malfunction of the built-in ventilation system. Mini Split Heat Pumps run on electricity, meaning there is no risk of carbon monoxide leak in your home from your heating and cooling unit.

All-electric technology has made massive strides over the past decade, which makes ductless mini splits more efficient than ever. Mini split efficiency also helps the average homeowner save on their monthly utility costs! According to The Wall Street Journal, heat pumps have never been a more viable alternative to traditional heating systems that run on fuel.

Mini split heat pumps provide both heating and cooling from a single unit. This minimizes your costs because instead of having to repair and maintain a boiler and a cooling system, you only need to maintain your mini split. Not all homeowners feel compelled to invest in an AC system since the hot season is shorter than other parts of the country, but with a mini split already installed for heating, you can enjoy the benefits of cooling as well.

Boilers use either oil or gas to warm your home, making them tough on the environment by their nature. Mini splits are electric, so if you install one, it can help you reduce your carbon footprint while still staying safe and comfortable year-round.

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