KEY BENEFITS

of Heat Pump Mini Split Systems

1. Heat pumps (mini split and central systems) are superior to regular AC, because regular AC can’t be inspected during the Winter.
2. No need to install separate systems to heat and cool your home
3. Heat pumps work extremely efficiently, and use only electricity
4. Greener heating then a gas burning furnace
5. Ductless System- makes it less expensive to install than traditional AC, and requires less space, easier to maintain

RECOMMENDED HVAC INSTALLER/SERVICER

Integrity Energy Systems
425-419-4676
info@integrityenergysystems.net

This is who services the Mini Split System in my tri-level home*

FAQS

HOW DOES A HEAT PUMP WORK?
Think of a heat pump as a heat transporter constantly moving warm air from one place to another- to where it’s needed (or away from where it’s not needed). When the home needs to be heated, the heat pump extracts what outside heat is available and transfers it inside— even on very cold days, there is still heat energy available in the outside air, so a heat pump can still efficiently heat your home on a cold day. When it’s warm outside, it reverses the pump direction, and acts like an air conditioner, removing heat (and humidity) from your home.

COMPONENTS OF A HEAT PUMP
A heat pump has two components – a condenser unit that most often sits outside of a home, and “produces” the heating or cooling, and an indoor unit, often called a “cassette,” that typically sits on a wall and passes hot or cool air into the home; because the condenser and air handler are separated or “split” by refrigerant line, heat pumps are often referred to as “mini-splits.” There is also a newer cassette type that mounts flush with the ceiling, if you prefer that style. Heat pumps offer extraordinarily high efficiency rates, as well as the opportunity to provide heating and cooling without needing duct work in the home; because duct work is not required, you may hear heat pumps referred to as “ductless.”

MY HOME HAS CENTRAL HEATING, WILL A HEAT PUMP WORK?
In short, yes! A heat pump typically can be added to an existing ducted heating system without opening up walls. And, you’re in a good position with this setup because you won’t need any indoor components installed in your living space. You’ll enjoy all of the same benefits of a heat pump as a homeowner with a mini split system (ie lowered energy bills, home cooling). And, it will likely cost you less to convert your system to heat pump than it would cost to install a separate mini split system.

AIR CONDITIONER VS. HEAT PUMP: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Heat pumps and air conditioners use very similar technology to provide cooling. They share the same energy-efficient features. Minus a few small technical differences, heat pumps and air conditioners both cool your home in much the same way, with no difference in comfort quality. The main difference between heat pumps and air conditioners is that a heat pump can also heat your home while an air conditioner can’t. An air conditioner needs to be paired with a furnace or other heating source.

GAS FURNACE VS. HEAT PUMP? WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
The main difference between the two is how they provide heat. A heat pump uses electricity to move heat from one place to another. A furnace burns fuel to create heat. A heat pump uses electricity for power, but not for heat generation. Because of this, a heat pump will be more energy efficient— some may be as efficient as 300% compared with the amount of electricity used to power the system.

DOES A HEAT PUMP WORK DURING ALL SEASONS?
Heat pumps provide very efficient heat- even on very cold days. Technically, there is a limit, but our Northwest Winters are very mild, rarely dipping to freezing temperatures. With that said, for a heat pump to stop working, it has to get very, very cold. Each model of heat pump has a different rating, but most models work extremely well through our NW winters. If cold rating is a concern, one model to consider is the Mitsubishi Hyper Heat. This particular model is rated to continue providing sufficient heat down to -13 Fahrenheit. When temperatures drop below the best output rating of your heat pump model, the unit will continue to heat the home, but at a less efficient rate.

CAN A SMART THERMOSTAT BE USED WITH A HEAT PUMP?
Yes, there are smart thermostats made to work with heat pump systems, including many from the big names you are probably familiar with already.

CAN AN AIR PURIFIER BE ADDED WITH THIS SYSTEM?
Yes, there are traditional air purifiers that can be used with this system. There is also a new air scrubber that can be added to these ductless systems.

I’VE HEARD OF HEAT PUMP WATER HEATERS. ARE THEY THE SAME THING?
Heat pump water heaters use the same concept as heat pump heating & cooling systems. However, they are not run on the same condenser. A heat pump water heater is a standalone unit used only for heating water. It is a very efficient water heater, and is worth considering if you need a new water heater, but is not part of the home heating system.