Ductless minisplit heat pumps are becoming more popular every year. They are more efficient than most air source heat pumps, and they can be used to heat and cool zones not served by a central HVAC system. The cost for minisplit systems is quite affordable.

You’ll often hear these systems referred to either as ductless or minisplit systems, or sometimes by both names.

What is a Ductless Minisplit System?

A ductless heat pump is a heating and cooling system designed to serve one to four zones rather than an entire home or business. The term “minisplit” refers to the fact that they are smaller than standard heat pump split systems that supply centralized heating and cooling.

How Does a Ductless Minisplit Heat Pump Work?

These systems work by moving heat from one location to another. In summer, they remove heat from inside the building and pump it outside. In cold weather, they capture heat outside – they can be effective until temperatures drop to about freezing – and move it indoors to heat the space.

A small condensing unit is installed outside, on the ground, the roof or in some cases attached to the side of the building. The indoor unit, sometimes called an air handler, is mounted high on a wall or on the ceiling. Refrigerant travels between the two units. The liquid captures heat inside the building when the unit is in cooling mode. It carries the heat outside, releasing it in the outdoor unit where it radiates out. This process cools the inside of the building.

For heating, the process is reversed with the use of specialized valves. The refrigerant captures heat outside, carries it indoors and releases it.

A single outside unit serves 1-4 indoor air handlers placed in different rooms or zones.

What are the Most Common Brands of Minisplit Heat Pumps?

The leading brands of ductless minisplit heat pumps are Air-Con, Friedrich, Fujitsu, Klimaire, Lennox, LG, Mitsubishi, Sanyo, Shinco and YMGI.

How Much Does a Ductless Heat Pump Cost?

Ductless minisplit heat pump systems range in size from about 6,000 BTU units that will serve up to 250 square feet to 36,000 BTU units that will serve approximately 1,500 square feet. These systems can be the most cost effective when you are installing in a small space or on a tight budget . Small, single zone ductless heat pumps cost less than $600. The largest multi-zone minisplit heat pump systems cost more than $4,000. Units with 9,000 to 18,000 capacity are most common and range in price from about $800 to $1,600.

Installation is extra and will vary based on the number of indoor air handlers as well as the complexity of the job. Expect complete costs for an installed system to range from $1,200 to $6,500.

Ductless Minisplit Heat Pumps

Heat pumps have improved over the last few decades, and they are growing in popularity once again. Whether you live in a warmer climate and need a standard heat pump or are looking for a quality geo-thermal unit for your northern home, there are certain features you should know about. Once you know what all those numbers are on the heat pump information tag, you will be able to make the best decision for your home and comfort.

The SEER Number
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating is one of the most important numbers you will see on your heat pump. Higher numbers are more attractive because they indicate that the system is putting our more heat or cool air for every unit of energy used. The SEER number refers specifically to cooling capacity, and the federal government has mandated that all new units must carry a SEER-13 level. The highest levels currently on the market are SEER-23, and the Maytag PSH4BI has a SEER-22 rating.

HSPF for Efficiency
The other important number is the Heating and Seasonal Performance Factor. This is the total space of heating required divided by the energy used to create the heat and expressed in watt-hours. Higher numbers are more attractive, and the minimum you should accept is between 8 and 10 HSPF. The Maytag mentioned before with a SEER-22 rating carries a 10.0 HSPF. However, you can choose the Carrier Infinity Series 25VNAO with a HSPF rating of 13.0. The SEER-20.5 rating is slightly lower, but if you need more energy to cool your home in the summer, then the Carrier may still be the better choice for you.

Two-Stage Operation
One clever feature of newer heat pumps is their two-stage operation options. One stage runs the system at a lower level to maintain temperature and keep you comfortable, but the higher stage can kick in when extreme temperatures would cause the smaller unit to strain. It’s a little like having two cars in the driveway; an energy-efficient sedan for daily driving in nice weather and a powerful SUV for getting you around when snow piles up on the road. The system automatically determines which one is necessary for weather conditions, so you will enjoy comfortable indoor temperatures while saving energy.

Warranty Considerations
Heat pumps are a major investment in your home, so you want one with a quality warranty. The Maytag features an impressive 12-years warranty on parts, but who will install them? In addition to looking for a manufacturer that will stand behind their product, look for an installation company that will stand behind their work. The right HVAC company to install your heat pump will have years of experience, a proven track record and a warranty on their labor. If something goes wrong with the unit in the first several years, they will come out and take care of it at no charge.

Geo-Thermal Heat Pumps
If you live in a cold climate, you might want to consider a geo-thermal unit. Pulling air from deep in the ground or even using water from deep in a lake or pond near your home, these systems are ideal for climates that see severe cold weather in the winter. They are more expensive to install, but their durability and energy efficiency makes them a great choice.

The Top Heat Pumps

Maytag PSH4BI iQ Drive – SEER-22 and 10 HSPF
This system uses inverter-rotary technology to perfectly offset your heating and cooling needs. Exceptionally quiet, you will not hear the system running because it moves air at an impressive 59 decibels. It also has impressive dehumidification features. A Consumer’s Digest Best Buy, the durable system features a stainless steel jacket and qualifies as a green fixture. With the incredible high SEER number, this system is a great choice if you live in warmer climates and need more help cooling the home when the temperature rises. It also comes with a 12-year warranty on parts.

Carrier Infinity Series Heat Pump with Greenspeed Intelligence – SEER-20.5 and 13 HSPF
Another very quiet heat pump, the Carrier operates at levels as low as 58 decibels. Variable speed operation creates the highest comfort levels because it allows the system to run for longer periods at lower speeds. Like using cruise control in the car, it actually uses less energy while providing you with consistent temperature control for superior comfort. Featuring WeatherArmor to protect the exterior components from the elements, it is rated at seven out of seven for heating efficiency, cooling efficiency and quiet operating levels. With the impressive heating efficiency, this system is a good choice for cooler climates. It comes with a 10-year limited warranty after proper registration.

American Standard Platinum ZM – SEER-19 and 9 HSPF
While the efficiency levels of this system are lower, the price is also a little lower. More affordable to install, it still saves homeowners an average of 60 percent on their heating and cooling bills. If you are replacing an old system with low energy efficiency ratings, then that savings could be even higher. One of the features that make this system so energy efficient is the two compressors that will help you lower energy costs. The variable speed motor keeps temperatures throughout the home even, and the humidity control levels ensure that you can keep the humidity out of the air in summer. The warranty on this system covers the compressor for 12 years, the outdoor coil for ten years and other internal functional parts for ten years.

Trane XL20i – SEER-19 and 9 HSPF
This variable speed unit feature Comfort-R enhancing airflow technology. With this clever addition, you will have greater humidity control in summer. The system supplies a slower fan speed upon startup in the summer and warmer air upon initial start-up in winter. These managed cycles help control the temperature in your home. Two compressors are used with the larger one kicking in when the weather is extremely hot. Extremely quiet, the multi-stage compressor creates quiet comfort you will enjoy throughout the year. You also have the option of adding advanced air filtration with the Trane CleanEffects system to keep dust, pollen and other irritants out of the air. The warranty is comparable to the one offered by American Standard with ten-year coverage on the outdoor coil and internal functional parts and a 12-year warranty on the compressor.

Lennox XP21 – SEER-19.2 and 9.7 HSPF
Two-stage operation keeps the home comfortable while the quiet operation won’t interfere with household activities. SunSource compatible, this system can be linked to solar models to run off the sun’s energy. It can also be combined with a gas furnace to help you maximize energy efficiency if you live in extremely cold climates and prefer to heat the house with gas in extremely cold weather. The Humiditrol dehumidification system removes moisture from the air, so your home will stay comfortable even in the hottest weather. It features a 10-year limited warranty on the compressor and other covered components.

Goodman SSZ16 – SEER-16 and 9.75 HSPF
A high-efficiency scroll compressor blends with SmartShift technology to provide you with seamless temperature control throughout the year. Sound control keeps the system quiet. Energy efficient, this affordable option will help you lower your utility bills while keeping the home comfortable. One attractive feature of the Goodman is the lifetime warranty on the compressor combined with a 10-year parts warranty on other functional items.

Trane T2GX All-in-One System
Geothermal units use an Energy Efficiency Ratio that is calculated by dividing the output cooing by the power input using outside air temperature, set inside temperature and relative humidity. An EER-11 rating is equivalent to about a SEER-13, to the EER-29.4 rating of the Trane is truly amazing. Available in single-and two-stage options, the variable speed blower has up to 12 airflow options to maximize comfort. Homes in the warm southern climates may not need geothermal options, but people living in the snowy north can benefit greatly from their improved heating ability. Pulling air from the stable environment found below the surface of the earth makes these systems more efficient and extremely affordable to run. The Trane also features different configurations, so it can be customized to work beautifully in any region.

Whether you live in a hot climate or a cooler one, heat pumps can help you save money on heating and cooling costs. One system is used to provide you with cool comfort in the summer and warmth when the mercury starts to fall. Most systems feature at least a 10-year limited warranty, but you still need to make sure you hire a qualified installation company that will provide you with a warranty on installation services. The more efficient options tend to carry a higher price tag, but they will pay for themselves over time through lower utility bills. Before choosing the right system, talk to HVAC professionals to find out which ones work best in your particular region and will function the best in your home.

Reviews of the Best Rated Heat Pumps for 2015

The top rated heat pump brands for 2012 share many common factors. They make high-efficiency models that reduce energy use and utility bills. Their product lineups offer diverse products for a range of customers. And they have excellent service records for quality. Here are the 2012 top rated heat pump brands.

Carrier: This highly-rated brand takes top honors this year in part for the introduction of the newest Carrier heat pump the Carrier Infinity 25VNAO, also called the Carrier Greenspeed. This dynamic new heat pump delivers 22 SEER cooling and 13.0 HSPF that is the highest in the industry. Quality is found throughout the entire lineup, demonstrated by the fact the least expensive series, the Carrier Base heat pumps, are backed by the same 10-year warranty the top of the line Infinity heat pumps carry.

Trane: This brand has one of the best service records in the industry. All Trane heat pumps are durable and very reliable. The top of the line Trane XL heat pumps offer excellent efficiency and indoor comfort. They are also dual fuel models that can be used in a split system with a gas furnace, making them an ideal choice for northern climates. Trane’s other lines, the XR and the XB heat pumps, offer more affordable options in a range of efficiency levels.

Lennox: Top of the line Lennox Signature Series XP models are efficient and dependable. Fans of green technology appreciate the Lennox SunSource solar modules that can produce enough power to run the entire HVAC system in sunny climates. XP modules are also dual fuel for greater versatility. Elite Series and the Merit Series of Lennox heat pumps offer a range of performance and efficiency choices that are more affordable.

American Standard: One of the HVAC industry’s oldest brands, American Standard continues to develop energy-efficient heat pumps that offer excellent climate control. The American Standard Platinum Series delivers efficiencies up to 19 SEER and 9.0 HSPF along with 2-stage performance. American Standard Gold and Silver Series products offer good choices for homeowners depending in their climate and need for energy efficiency.

Rheem: For excellent value, Rheem heat pumps are hard to beat. Rheem’s 3 lines are the Prestige, Classic and Value Series, with a range of efficiency levels for different needs. There is good quality found throughout the lineup and Rheem heat pump prices are very competitive for a brand with their track record of reliability.

Take time to browse products from all of these brands. You’ll find quality models with the efficiency and performance you want in your next heat pump. When you make the decision to purchase a new heat pump, you will want to get several estimates from HVAC contractors. It will be helpful to know the average heat pump installation cost so you are knowledgeable when speaking with each company.

2012 Top Rated Heat Pump Brands