Frequently Asked Questions

What is involved in the free in-home assessment?

We'll discuss your heating needs and run through different options that may be suitable for your home. We'll also take measurements of your floor plan, sun exposure, insulation values, windows, doors, and skylights and use that information to determine the right size system for your home. Once we know the heat load of your home, we'll write up a proposal and send it to you via email.

How can ductless work for new construction projects?

Ductless is a great option for new construction. With the benefit of foresight, we can zone your system more precisely than would be the case with an existing home. Unlike with retrofit projects, air handlers can be mounted anywhere in the building, including interior walls. There are also low profile options that hide the air handler for those that would prefer not to see a wall-mounted unit.

What size system is right for my home?

We’ll run a heat load calculation on your home to determine the size of the system. Each system must be matched to the specific heating and cooling requirements of the building in order to ensure optimal comfort and efficiency. Typically, ductless heat pumps come in 9k, 12k, 15k, 18k, 24k, 36k, and 48k BTU sizes. Some systems may require multiple outdoor units to meet the heating demands of the space.

What maintenance does a ductless heat pump require?

It’s important to clean the indoor unit filters at least once every 6 months. You may want to clean them more frequently if you have pets or live in a particularly dusty area. You can clean the filters by rinsing them off in the sink and leaving them to dry for 30 minutes or so. Additionally, the outdoor coil should be kept free of debris such as pine needles, leaves, and the like. This can be done by spraying off the coil with a hose (do not touch or scrub the coil, as the fins are easily damaged).

How long will a ductless system last?

Assuming regular maintenance, a ductless heat pump should function well for 20 years or longer. We offer annual maintenance agreements for those who are interested in maximizing the longevity of their system.

Are ductless heat pumps suitable for cold climates?

Many manufacturers offer hyper heating models that are capable of heating on even the coldest days. Most of the units we install can supply their full BTU capacity down to 5 degrees Fahrenheit and some can maintain heat down to minus 15 degrees.

Are there financial incentives for a ductless heat pump upgrades?

Puget sound energy offers rebates for homes with gas and/or electric heat sources. Heating suppliers also offer seasonal rebates which we make sure to include when they are available. We make it easy for you by filing all relevant rebates for your system and subtracting them from your final invoice.

What is the cost of a ductless installation?

We determined the price after conducting a free estimate based on the construction of your home or office. We do a custom heat load calculation for every customer to ensure that the system is properly sized to provide year-round comfort.

How long have ductless systems been in use?

Ductless technology was developed in Japan during the 1970s and has become the preferred heating method throughout Asia and Europe. Ductless was introduced to the American market roughly 20 years ago and has since become the industry standard in heating and cooling.

What is the the difference between a ducted heat pump and a ductless heat pump?

They are very similar. Both systems use refrigerant to capture and move heat. The difference lies in that a ductless system uses a wall-mounted air handler while a ducted system uses wall and ceiling vents which route back to an air handler located in the attic or crawl space. Both systems allow for sophisticated zoning and provide exceptional efficiency and comfort.

Do I still need my old heater?

That depends on how the ductless system was sized, but it can’t hurt to keep an old system if it is still functioning properly. Older systems can be used as supplemental heat during extremely cold weather, or in difficult to reach areas of the home.

How do ductless heat pumps work?

Ductless systems use refrigerant to capture heat from outdoor air and transfer that heat to indoor air via the air handler. This cycle is reversed in cooling mode, and heat from indoor air is first captured and then expelled by the outdoor unit. Heat pumps manipulate refrigerant pressures, moving heat either in or out of your home to keep you comfortable year-round. Ductless heat pumps are inverter driven which means that they automatically ramp up or down to maintain the temperature you set. Think of the inverter as a cruise control system for temperature - trickling tiny bits of heat or cool into your home to maintain the set point. No more worrying about heating bills or whether you left the furnace on. Just set it and forget it - it's cheaper that way!

What are the best applications for a ductless system?

Ductless systems are ideal for existing homes and offices. Due to the ease of installation and diverse collection of air handlers, it is almost always possible to configure the system to serve an existing space. Ductless is also a good option for new construction with many manufacturers now offering low-profile air handlers for those who prefer a more minimalist look. Ductless also allows for more zoning options than traditional furnace systems, which allows for different temperature set points throughout the home.

Is ductless technology more efficient than traditional resistance heat?

A ductless system is 25 to 50 percent more efficient than traditional electric heat sources like baseboards, cadets, and ducted furnaces. This efficiency is achieved using by refrigerant to transfer latent heat from outdoor air to indoor air.

What is a ductless heat pump?

Ductless heat pumps, or mini-splits, are a high-efficiency form of electric heat. They are safe, durable, quiet, and suitable for most climates. Because DHPs operate constantly, they heat much more evenly and efficiently than traditional electric and gas systems. Ductless heat pumps are capable of both heating and cooling a living space. There are three main components to a DHP system: the outdoor unit (compressor), the indoor unit(air handler), and the remote control. Ductless heat pumps are easy to install, usually taking a day or two.

How soon can I get a ductless heat pump installed?

Energywise can usually schedule your installation within 10 days. One-on-one systems (one indoor unit / one outdoor unit) typically take 1 to 2 days to install. More complex installations may require more time to complete.

Have a question that's not answered here? Please let us know!