Ductless heat pumps, or mini split heat pumps, are an alternative to radiator or baseboard heating, as well as a replacement for window units for cooling. No duct work is needed. Instead, a head unit, or multiple head units, are mounted on an interior wall or ceiling, with an accompanying unit outside. The outside unit extracts heat from the air, even when it’s cold. Refrigerant carries the heat directly to the head(s) inside, which then delivers heated air to occupied space. In warmer months, the system works in reverse for quiet, efficient air conditioning.
Ductless split-system air conditioners and heat pumps can qualify under the ENERGY STAR Central Air Conditioning (CAC) and Heat Pump specifications. Ductless split-system air conditioners and heat pumps, sometimes call mini-splits, are air conditioners or heat pumps that do not use ductwork for air distribution. Mini-splits are different than regular split-systems. They are used mostly for smaller area cooling. Some of these systems are capable of connecting to 2, 3 or even 4 indoor units to act as a single system. Mini-split systems are very common in Europe and Asia but are less than 5% of the US market.
Mini split heat pumps that earn the ENERGY STAR label are independently certified to save energy, save money, and protect the climate. Because they transfer rather than generate heat, ENERGY STAR certified mini splits use up to 60% less energy than standard home electric radiators.
A list of ENERGY STAR certified central air conditioners and heat pumps can be found in the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) and the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) database. All equipment listed in this online database meets the specification requirements for ENERGY STAR. Mini-splits are held to the same ENERGY STAR specification as traditional HVAC equipment. This online database is solely maintained and operated by CEE and AHRI. To find a list of ENERGY STAR certified mini-splits choose the “Variable Mini-Split and Multi-Split Heat Pumps” or “Variable Mini-Split and Multi-Split Air Conditioners”.
Ductless mini splits are designed to provide more targeted comfort because they require an indoor unit for every area that needs cooling or heating. The indoor unit can be a wall mount, under-ceiling mount, in-ceiling mount of floor mount model. If you only need comfort in one room — for example in a room addition, or providing comfort to a room your central AC system struggles to keep cool — only one indoor unit is required. If you are outfitting your entire home with ductless units, you can enjoy comfort in the areas that are occupied while leaving unoccupied areas either turned off or “set back” for energy-saving temperature control. Regardless of the number of indoor units, each one delivers cooled or heated air directly into the room, so you don’t have energy lost traveling through ductwork.
In addition, ductless outdoor units typically include an inverter-controlled variable speed compressor which can deliver higher SEER and HSPF efficiency ratings than standard versions. Inverter controls can adjust operation so that the system provides the precise amount of heating or cooling capacity needed for comfort. Without the inverter or variable-speed capabilities, the system would cycle on at full capacity regardless of how much output is actually needed for comfort.
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