Mini-Split Heat Pumps: 6 Reasons to Go Ductless on Your Next Installation

Mini-Split installed on wall. Diagram shows heating and cooling flow.

Working on an HVAC installation for a home addition or new construction? Ductless mini-split heat pumps can be an easy, hassle-free solution.

So, what are mini-splits and how do they work? Mini-splits funnel air flow directly into a specific zone (or multiple zones) in the house. They achieve this by using electricity to pump refrigerant and transfer heat from one space to another. During the warmer months, the system efficiently moves heat from inside the space to the outdoors. Then, during the colder months, the units utilize refrigerant (which is naturally colder than outdoor temperatures) to absorb heat from the outside and transfer it to inside the space. The best part? No ductwork is required.

Here are six reasons to go ductless on your next installation:

#1. Perfect for Home Additions

As mask restrictions lift nationwide, many American workers have adopted a permanent hybrid work schedule: some days in the office, some at home. Hybrid and telework trends are expected to continue throughout the decade, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

In other words, setting up shop at the kitchen table might not cut it anymore. Many Americans may decide to finally build a home office this year. (At least, that is what Architectural Digest is predicting.)

For new additions to the home, such as an office, garage, or basement, installing a mini-split heat pump can be a convenient way to heat and cool the space without hassle. Since no ductwork is required, mini-split systems are no-frills installations. They consist of just one small outdoor unit and one or more indoor units, depending on the number of rooms involved in the installation.

#2. Great for New Construction

Mini-splits also can work well for new construction applications, particularly in light of current building trends. In recent years, it has become less common for new homes and buildings to include ductwork. In addition to being costly, ductwork installations require owners to compromise valuable space, such as closets and room height. Mini-split ductless systems can free these spaces and improve the overall aesthetics of the building.

#3. Help Your Customers Save Energy

Let’s say your installation project involves multiple rooms. One big advantage of a multi-zone ductless system is that it offers the ability to customize the temperature for each room. For example, many people prefer to keep their bedroom a bit cooler than they do say, the family room. This feature not only allows your customers to take more control over their home comfort, but can help them to save energy over time.

Speaking of energy savings, ductless mini-splits eliminate many of the energy loss associated with regular ducts. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, more than 30% of energy consumption for air conditioning is wasted and lost through ductwork. This is a great point to mention to your customers, who are probably looking for ways to save energy and money on their utility bills.

#4. No Ductwork? No Problem.

Traditional heat pumps and central air conditioning systems redirect the air through a complex system of ducts. In the case of a home renovation project, redoing the ductwork just for the addition of one room would be costly. Mini-splits give contractors the option to quickly and easily install an HVAC unit in a specific room or area without interfering with the pre-existing ductwork in the rest of the house. No ductwork required, no messy renovations.

#5. Easy to Install and Low Maintenance

Mini-splits are easy for HVAC professionals to install. Compared with ductwork, a prerequisite for central air conditioning, installing a ductless system is simpler, quicker, and cheaper overall. Homeowners will appreciate that maintenance is generally easier and more user-friendly throughout the life of their unit.

For Bosch mini-split systems, the electrical, refrigerant, and condensate drain lines that connect the indoor and outdoor units run through a 3 in. diameter hole in an exterior wall, making it both unobtrusive and easy to install. The condenser is conveniently located outdoors, while up to five air handlers can be placed inconspicuously indoors.

#6. Steady Market Growth

Although mini-splits have been commonly used through Asia for decades, particularly in India, China, and Japan, they have only recently gained popularity in the United States. However, market trends in the United States indicate an uptick in interest and purchasing patterns, according to a 2021 market report. These include:

The overall ductless market in the U.S. is projected to increase by 8-10% annually.
Single zone systems are projected to increase by 8% annually.
Multi-zone systems are projected to increase by 15% annually.

Bosch Mini-Splits

Whether heating or cooling individual rooms or an entire house, Bosch ductless mini-splits provide energy-efficient, on-demand comfort that is flexible, simple to install, and easy to maintain. Learn more about our products.