Everyone seems to have a mini-split heat pump. So, what’s the big deal? Apparently, they can save you a ton of money, but just how much? Do they have an impact on the environment, and how do they affect the health of the occupants of the home?
Heat pumps are “a big deal” because they’re about 300% more efficient than baseboard heaters, and provide none of the air quality or emission downfalls of oil or gas furnaces. With the movement toward electrification gaining steam, heat pumps are a staple of the energy-efficient home.
Should you install a heat pump by yourself?
Proper heat pump installation requires a licensed electrician and a skilled installer, so it’s not recommended that you try to DIY this job. Your best bet is to find a reliable installer that you trust to do a good job and one who will give you informed recommendations on the make and model of your unit.
Things to Look for When Shopping for a Mini-Split Heat Pump
Not all mini-split heat pumps are created equal, so it’s important to do a bit of research before making your purchase. There are a variety of large manufacturers including LG, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, and Kerr. They’re all making great products but some are rated better than others. Look for the SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating and HSPF (heating seasonal performance factor) rating on your units. ahrinet.org is a fantastic resource to help you make a purchase decision. Just provide your model number and you will see the SEER, HSPF, and other important indicators.
Do mini-split heat pumps affect the health of the occupants?
The main health and safety danger with heat pumps is the type of refrigerant. Luckily, the industry is switching over to less toxic options that aren’t much of a danger for the occupants of the home. Look for an R32 refrigerant when buying your new ductless mini-split heat pump.
What impact do mini-split heat pumps have on the environment?
Heat pumps provide drastically improved energy efficiency when compared to many common heat sources, thus reducing the home’s energy load and overall carbon footprint. The main environmental downside to ductless mini-split heat pumps is that they’re made of plastic and metal. Plastic is a product of the petrochemical industry while metal often comes with a high embodied energy footprint. It would be encouraging to see recycled or reclaimed materials used in the manufacturing of these units.
When you consider the pros and cons of ductless mini-split heat pumps, it starts to make sense why they’re “a big deal” for today’s homeowner.
