Ductless Split Heat Pumps & Air Conditioners
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pumps & Air Conditioners for Year-round Ductless Heating & Cooling
Looking to upgrade to a forced air heating system but don’t want the added complexity of a ducting system? Replacing an aging boiler or baseboard heating system and want the comforts of a space heating solution? Or, do you want to easily convert your summer home into a 3-or-4 season residence? No matter the reason for considering a ductless heat pump or a ductless air conditioner, BPH Sales has you covered. Our selection of air source heat pumps are some of the best available in Canada!
What is a mini-split heat pump?
A mini-split heat pump is an energy efficient and space-effective method to heat and cool one or more rooms in a home. A mini-split system comprises of an outdoor condensing unit (also known as the compressor or inverter compressor), a copper line set of two sizes (smaller is the liquid line, the larger is the vapour/suction line), and an indoor, wall-mounted unit.
Ductless mini-split heat pumps are also commonly referred to as Ductless Split Heat Pumps, Ductless Heat Pumps, Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pumps, or simply as Ductless Splits.
What is a mini-split air conditioner or ductless air conditioner?
A mini-split air conditioner is an energy efficient and space-effective method to cool one or more rooms in a home. A mini-split AC system comprises of an outdoor condensing unit (also known as the compressor), a copper line set of two sizes (smaller is the liquid line, the larger is the vapour/suction line), and an indoor, wall-mounted unit. The split system air conditioner operates the same as a mini-split heat pump but is limited to providing cooling-only functionality.
Ductless mini-split air conditioners are also commonly referred to as Ductless Split Air Conditioners, Ductless Air Conditioners, Mini-Split AC, Mini-Split Air Conditioners, or Split AC Units
Does ductless heating and cooling with a mini-split system use gas?
Mini-split heat pumps and air conditioners run using electricity, so they do not consume any gas. There are refrigerant gases/liquids used in the system to transfer energy between the indoor and outdoor units, but this is not natural gas and it is not ‘consumed’ or combusted.
When should I consider a mini-split heat pump or AC?
The most common scenarios where we recommend considering a ductless heat pump or air conditioner system are:
- People wanting to add additional space heating to a particular living space, such as the living room or basement den
- Converting a summer cottage or residence into a 3- or 4-season dwelling without the added complexities and costs with a central heating system
- Upgrading from, or supplementing, an existing baseboard or boiler system with the comforts of space heating
- If there is no availability of a gas supply, or if it is not practical to do so (think off-grid housing)
Can I heat more than one room with a single mini-split heat pump?
It depends on a number of factors, such as the volume of the space(s) you wish to heat. Also, mini-split systems provide a lot of their comfort by providing direct warm air circulation, so doors, corners and tall furniture can interrupt this warm air circulation.
You can invest in multi-zone heat pumps, where you have one or more outdoor units paired with multiple indoor units located in different rooms around your home. Please contact our team directly if you want to learn more about multi-zone heat pumps.
Are mini-split systems energy efficient?
Yes, definitely! Mini-split heat pumps are efficient enough that they are also eligible items under Canada’s Greener Homes grant and loan program.
Can I use mini-split heat pumps to heat my home or cottage in the winter?
Definitely, that is the wonder of a heat pump – heating in the winter, cooling in the summer. However, keep in mind that EVEN THE MOST ADVANCED heat pumps on the market are only rated to -25ᵒC, meaning once the ambient outside air temperature drops lower than this the heat pump cannot output heat at it’s rated capacity. So, if you live somewhere where temperatures regularly drop below -25ᵒC in the winter months, you will strongly want to consider a supplemental or back-up heating source for those frigid days.
The Government of Canada, under the National Research Council, are investing heavily into the HVAC industry to develop heat pump technologies that can deliver heating even during the coldest Canadian winter. However, this is an ongoing effort by many leading brands, including Mitsubishi, Napoleon, Samsung, Daikin, and a few others.
How much does a mini-split system cost?
Mini-split systems at first may seem more expensive compared to, say, a new furnace. However, a new furnace also requires an intricately designed and installed ducting system for both warm air supply and cold air return. So, when you compare using mini-split systems to a furnace, the end costs for installation are surprisingly similar with the added bonus of ready-to-use air conditioning installed!
What sizes of ductless heat pumps and air conditioners are available?
Our lineup of Samsung and Napoleon ductless heat pumps are available in sizes from 7,000 BTU/hr up to 36,000 BTU/hr.
Where are ductless mini’s available?
Ductless systems are available across Canada!