Mini Split Heat Pump Buying Guide: Everything You Need To Know

When you and your whole family are lounging together in the living room, why waste energy heating or cooling empty rooms? Luckily, there is a smart, eco-friendly solution to this dilemma. A mini split heat pump offers targeted comfort and a more sustainable way to heat your home, unlike the traditional one, which heats the entire house regardless of need.

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But before you rush out to buy one, read on as we explain everything you need to know so you can make the wisest decision for your home and budget.

What Is a Mini Split Heat Pump?

Definition and How It Works

Simply put, a mini split heat pump is a cutting-edge HVAC system that blends the benefits of ductless mini splits with heat pump technology. As the name ‘split’ implies, these systems pair an indoor air handler mounted in a specific room, which allows zoned control, with an outdoor unit that doesn’t rely on ductwork to distribute air. 

And how it works is relatively simple. In colder months like now, the outdoor unit absorbs the heat from the outside and transfers it indoors to make your living space more comfortable. The same process reverses when the temperature is higher. The heat pump extracts the heat from your living space and releases it outside, leaving it cooler. 

Types of Mini Split System

There are two main types to choose from. Picking the right one, however, depends on your home’s needs. We’ll break it down for you here: 

• Single-Zone Systems: These systems are pretty straightforward—one single indoor unit connected to an outdoor unit. They’re the ones you want to go for if you want to heat or cool just one specific area, like your bedroom or your home office. 
• Multi-Zone Systems: Need more coverage? Multi-zone systems are designed to handle multiple rooms with just one outdoor unit connected to several indoor units. The best part is that you can set different temperatures for different rooms because each indoor unit can be controlled independently. Certainly a great option for larger homes or families with varying comfort preferences—everyone gets to stay cozy in their own space.

Benefits of Mini Split Heat Pumps

Energy Efficiency and Lower Utility Bills

Nobody likes sky-high energy bills. A mini split heat pump can help you save money while staying comfortable with its energy efficiency. One key reason is its ductless design, which avoids energy losses. Ducts, especially those in spaces like attics, can waste over 30% of the energy used for heating and cooling. By eliminating this inefficiency, mini splits use less energy to deliver the same, if not better, comfort.

Flexibility and Zoning Control

One of the best things about this particular type of heat pump is its flexibility. Mini-splits let you control different temperatures in individual rooms or zones. Want the bedroom cooler but the living room toasty? No problem. You can even turn off heating or cooling in spaces you’re not using—after all, why waste energy you don’t use?

Space-Saving Design and Quiet Operation

Not every home has big spaces, so a mini split heat pump is your go-to. It doesn’t require bulky ductwork or large indoor spaces. The indoor air handlers are usually sleek, wall-mounted, or even recessed, blending seamlessly into your home’s décor while taking up minimal space.

On top of that, mini splits are known for their whisper-quiet operation. Your mini split heat pump uses advanced technology to keep sound levels to a minimum. The indoor units operate so quietly that you might forget they’re even on, making them ideal for bedrooms, home offices, or any area where peace and quiet are a priority. 

No Ductwork Required

As mentioned before, you’ll skip the ducts entirely with this pump. Not only does this make mini splits more efficient, but it also simplifies installation. No more worrying about tearing up walls or ceilings to add ductwork, making them an excellent choice for older homes, room additions, or spaces where installing ducts isn’t practical. Plus, no ducts mean less maintenance and fewer opportunities for dust, allergens, and debris to circulate in your home, contributing to better indoor air quality.

How to Choose the Right Mini Split Heat Pump for Your Home

Determine Your Home’s Heating and Cooling Needs

Choosing the right heat pump starts with understanding your home’s heating and cooling needs. The size and layout matter most. Are you looking to control the temperature in a single room, like a bedroom or home office? Or do you need a system that can handle multiple zones, such as an open-concept living space and several bedrooms?

Next, consider your climate. In colder regions, you’ll want a mini split heat pump with a strong heating capacity, especially one designed to perform efficiently in low temperatures. In warmer climates, focus on its cooling capabilities and energy efficiency ratings.

You’ll also need to size the system correctly. A unit that’s too small will not keep up with your needs, while one that’s too large could waste energy and result in uneven temperatures. Consider asking a professional at Johnson’s HVAC or using a BTU (British Thermal Unit) calculator to help you find the perfect fit for your home.

Indoor Unit Options

Here’s a quick breakdown of all those indoor unit shapes available out there:

Wall-Mounted Units:

You may have seen these pretty much everywhere. They’re easy to install and very space-efficient. If you wonder which one, they’re those common white things mounted high on the wall. This unit is usually enough for regular rooms in your home, like bedrooms, living rooms, and offices.

Ceiling Cassette Units:

Installed in the ceiling, these units blend seamlessly into your home’s design without disrupting its overall aesthetic. But where do they work best? Ceiling cassette units are ideal for larger rooms or open-concept living areas where discreet appearance and powerful performance are priorities.

Floor-Standing Units:

If ceiling or wall installation isn’t an option—like when renting—floor-standing units are a great alternative. Installed low to the ground, these units fit well in rooms with high ceilings or limited wall space and provide effective heating and cooling without significant modifications.

Consider Energy Ratings and Features

When shopping for a mini split heat pump, pay attention to energy ratings like Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 (SEER2) and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2 (HSPF2). SEER2 tells you how efficiently the system can cool your home throughout the cooling season, while HSPF2 measures how well it handles heating during colder months. These ratings give you a clear picture of the system’s overall performance and energy use.

For most areas, you’ll want a system with an HSPF2 of at least 7.8 for efficient heating and a SEER2 of at least 15.2 for reliable cooling. If you’re in a colder climate, go for a model with a higher HSPF2 of 8.5 or more so it can keep your home warm even during freezing weather while still meeting the SEER2 standard for cooling

Why Choose Johnson’s Heating & Cooling for Your Mini Split Heat Pump Installation?

The answers are simple. With Johnson’s Heating & Cooling, you can expect a personalized solution tailored to your home and budget—perfect for staying cozy during chilly weather. Our team will ensure a seamless installation process and provide ongoing maintenance support so your system runs smoothly for years. Best of all, we work exclusively with top-quality brands to guarantee reliable performance and lasting comfort.

Ready to Upgrade Your Home’s Comfort with a Mini Split Heat Pump?

This guide covers all the basics you need to know before considering a mini split heat pump for your modern home. Finally, when you’re ready to install one, trust our Johnson’s Heating & Cooling team for expert service, reliable brands, and ongoing support.

Installing a ductless mini-split in your home is one of the best decisions you'll ever make.

They are quiet, discrete, and arguably the most efficient way to control the climate in any home. In this article, we'll show you how to pick the best strategy for your home while providing links to all of the possible equipment you'll need.

Shop Mini Split Systems

What is a Mini Split?

Named for their split design, a ductless mini split system is a comfort solution used for countless HVAC installations the world over. They are also often referred to as a  mini split heat pump because they can provide excellent heating in many applications.

Consisting of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units, mini splits can be utilized as a standalone system, supplemental system, or for dedicated rooms. Their ductless design provides flexible and compact installations, making them ideal for almost any application.

Some installations include bringing a mini-split into unconditioned spaces such as garages or additions and they can also be used in rooms that are under-served. Mini Splits are perfect even for historical homes without ductwork as a complete heating and cooling solution.

View Our Best Mini Splits

Quiet Comfort

With sound ratings as low as 19 dB, mini split units can operate at sound levels quieter than a whisper. This means your mini split will not only be unobtrusive, but you may even forget it's running at all.

Are Mini Splits Worth It?

Yes! By combining several energy-saving technologies, mini splits are one of the most energy-efficient ways to keep your home comfortable all year round. Inverter-driven condensers cut down on waste by delivering the precise amount of heating or cooling required to keep your space comfortable, thereby minimizing energy costs.

Compared to conventional central-air equipment, mini splits use advanced control algorithms, intelligently-designed heat exchangers, and inverter-driven compressors to save you 30% or more on energy bills and achieve incredible efficiency ratings over 28 SEER2.

Ductless mini split air systems with inverter technology are more efficient and maintain more even temperatures than traditional HVAC systems. Learn: Mini Split Efficiency

Superior Comfort

Unlike traditional systems which are either ON or OFF, inverter-driven units can vary the amount of cooling or heating they deliver.

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This means that instead of cycling and swinging from too hot to too cold, a ductless heater and air conditioner will deliver continuous heating or cooling -- virtually eliminating temperature variation and keeping you perfectly comfortable all the time!

As an added benefit, they even remove moisture the entire time they're running, making your home even more comfortable.

Learn: How Mini Splits Dehumidify

Energy Rebates

Thanks to their efficient performance, mini splits can qualify their owners for equipment-related tax benefits and credits under many circumstances.

These rebates vary by state and Zip Code. Find out which rebates you qualify for by using this free energy rebate wizard.

Shop Mini Split Systems

Ductless Air Conditioner vs. Heat Pump

Before you go off and try to purchase a mini split, you'll first need to decide if you want one that will do both heating and cooling or one just to cool the air.

Choosing a mini split heat pump versus an air conditioner is pretty simple. Cooling-only mini split systems are typically found in tropical or desert climates as well as special applications like server rooms.

Mini split heat pumps are the most popular choice as they can be used anywhere to cool in the summer with the option of heating in the winter.

Learn: Heat Pumps vs. AC

Challenges in Extreme Weather

When the temperature outside goes to extremes, it can inhibit a mini split heat pump's capacity.

Just as extreme heat in the summer makes it difficult for an air conditioner to cool, when temperatures drop below freezing in the winter, capturing heat also becomes difficult. 

In either case, efficiency and performance decline, which is why it's important to get the proper-sized equipment and be prepared for every season.

Learn: Mini Split Heat Pumps

Mini Split Zones

Another key benefit of mini-split systems is the option to zone your home into multiple areas.

The ability to zone your home with a mini split system gives you tremendous control and flexibility over your home’s environment. You are able to condition only the spaces you need when you need them while controlling each space independently.

Single Zone

Single-zone systems are simple, consisting of a single outdoor unit and indoor unit.

These types of systems are ideal for adding cooling and heating to previously unconditioned spaces or to supplement under-served spaces in an existing system. 

The only drawback is that single-zone systems cannot be converted into multi-zone systems at a later time.

Learn: Single- vs. Multi-Zone

Multi-Zone

Multi-zone systems consist of a single outdoor unit with up to 8 indoor units giving you a combination of control, comfort, and efficiency that no other system on the market is able to match.

Each indoor unit operates independently of the others in the circuit, providing you with individualized comfort in each space. For example, you can turn off your laundry room unit until laundry day, or you can adjust the unit in your kitchen when you're cooking a meal - the possibilities are endless.

Learn: Zoned Ductless Systems

Mini Split Indoor Units

There are multiple types of indoor units available to serve your home's needs. The indoor unit(s) you choose should be based on your home's layout as well as your aesthetic preference.

Learn: Indoor Units

Learn More About Each Unit Type:

• Wall-Mounted
• Ceiling Cassette
• Concealed Duct
• Suspended
• Floor-Mounted
• Indoor Air-Handler
  
  

Mini Split Accessories

It's equally important to have all of the necessary components in order to install your mini-split equipment as it is to get the best quality parts to ensure top performance.

From line sets to condensate pumps, you'll learn everything required to install your custom system.

Learn: Mini Split Accessories

Detailed Accessory Buyer's Guides:

• Line Sets
• Mini Split Wiring
• Mini Split Controls
• Condensate Pumps
  
  

Mini Split Installation

Installing HVAC equipment is highly technical and best left to the professionals.

Take it from us, finding the best contractor to install your equipment is essential to ensure years of reliable service and warranty coverage. You don't want to go through all the trouble of getting the best equipment just to have it improperly installed and not work properly.

Find an HVAC Contractor

How Much Does a Mini Split Cost?

The average cost of a single-zone mini split and installation is around $3,000, which includes the unit itself plus installation. For multizone units, it depends on how many extra zones you install, but you could pay more than $12,000 for a complex system. As a rule of thumb, add an additional installation cost of $500 per zone plus an average cost of $1,500 per additional mini split unit. The cost of a mini split unit can go up based on brand name, features, and output.

Ultimately, the amount of pay may vary from these average estimates based on your location, installer, and other unique requirements.

Mini Split Sizing

Now that you know which system and various components you need, the next step is figuring out what size mini split will be best for each room in your application.

To get into that "Goldilocks Zone", you'll need one that's just right - not too small and too large.

Mini Split Calculator

Build Your Mini Split System

One of the best things about mini-splits is that they're infinitely customizable, giving you thousands of options from which to choose.

So, how do you pick the best one? Luckily, our mini split system builder is a quick and easy way to find the right system for your home. 

Since you already know the sized system you're looking for, simply enter your specifications and you'll be able to view a list of systems perfect for your space.

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