Q & A Ductless heat pump
The ductless heat pump has evolved a lot over the last 10 years. Thanks to the use of state-of-the-art technologies, the ductless heat pump has become an efficient and economical heating alternative.
What is the price of a ductless heat pump?
The price of a ductless heat pump depends on several elements. The main factors influencing the price of a ductless heat pump are the capacity, the energy efficiency sought, the technology used and the characteristics of the installation. For example, a 9,000 BTU ductless heat pump will cost less than a multi-zone ductless heat pump with 3 diffusers. The energy efficiency of the device also has an impact on the price. The price of a ductless heat pump will be higher for a system with a SEER rating of 23 compared to a device with a SEER rating of 14. If the ductless heat pump uses an Inverter (variable speed) compressor, the price will be higher as for those operating with a standard 1-stage compressor. The price of a ductless heat pump with one diffuser can range from $ 1950 to $ 3950 plus taxes, including installation, depending on the tonnage and energy efficiency required. A home visit is required for a proper estimate. The estimate is always free.
How long does it take to install a ductless heat pump?
The installation of a ductless heat pump generally takes between 2.5 and 4 hours, the delay being related to the degree of complexity of the installation. When the installation of the heat pump is carried out in a bungalow, and the outdoor and indoor units are on the same adjoining wall, the work takes about two and a half hours. When the condenser (outdoor unit) is to be installed at a height of 40 feet using a pod, the installation of the ductless heat pump will be much longer and complicated. The estimator will advise you on the optimum location of your ductless heat pump. It is very rare that we cannot find a solution for a complicated installation. Obviously, the use of a aerial bucket lift involves additional costs.
How does a ductless heat pump work?
A ductless heat pump consists of an outdoor unit (condenser) and an indoor unit (evaporator or diffuser). The condenser is installed outside the residence on a metal support on the wall or on the ground. The evaporator is installed inside the residence in order to obtain optimal air distribution. The two units are connected together by sealed copper pipes where the refrigerant circulates. When a refrigerant gas is subjected to a drop in pressure, it expands and absorbs the ambient heat. When, on the contrary, it is subjected to a rise in pressure, it retracts and releases the heat which it absorbs. In air-conditioning mode, the diffuser of the ductless heat pump absorbs the ambient heat and then releases it into the outdoor coil through the play of the refrigerant pressures. In heating mode, exactly the opposite happens. The gas absorbs the heat outdoors and releases it inside. Some ductless heat pumps are highly efficient in heating mode and can heat even when the exterior temperature is at -20 ° C.
Does the ductless heat pump require maintenance?
Like any air conditioner, your ductless heat pump requires minimal maintenance. You should regularly clean the filters in the interior diffuser. These are usually easy to access (during installation, our technicians will show you how to do this). Over the years, however, the evaporator and inner fan blades will tend to get dirty. Unfortunately, you do not have access to these components and the maintenance must be done by a technician equipped with specialized equipment. To maintain the efficiency of your ductless heat pump and optimize its service life, we advise you to carry out an in-depth maintenance every 3 years.
Compressor 1 stage, 2 stages or Inverter?
The compressor is the heart of the ductless heat pump. For a 1-stage compressor, when the heat pump is running, it operates at 100% of its capacity, thus consuming its maximum of electricity. The 2-stage compressor has the feature of being able to operate at 2 levels of capacity: one neighboring 67% of the maximum capacity or the other at 100% of its capacity. When operating at 67% capacity, the compressor uses less electricity. The heat pump is then in "hold" mode. It only maintains the required temperature while setting itself at low speed. In the case of the compressor of the Inverter type, the latter has the peculiarity of modulating its operation as a variable light (dimmer). The operating range of an Inverter type compressor ranges from 30% to 100% of its capacity. The compressor modulates its operation according to demand. The power consumption is therefore lowered at low speed. Systems equipped with 2 stage or Inverter type compressors can be confusing for the consumer who has been accustomed to the off-cycle of a conventional appliance. When the heat pump is running low, it runs longer than a standard heat pump. Although it runs longer, it is less energy intensive than a standard heat pump because the power consumption is at low rpm instead of full capacity.
SEER and HSPF.
To evaluate the energy efficiency of a ductless heat pump, you need to focus on two key ratios: the SEER and the HSPF. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This ratio evaluates the energy efficiency of the ductless heat pump in air conditioning mode. The higher the rating, the more efficient the system is and the less energy it uses to produce air conditioning. HSPF stands for: Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. This ratio evaluates the appliance's energy efficiency in heating mode. The higher the rating, the more the system is able to produce heating using less energy. Obviously, energy efficiency has a price. Installing a high-efficiency ductless heat pump will cost more than a device with less efficiency. However, with the constant rise in the cost of energy, it is increasingly profitable to install a high energy efficiency appliance.