Ductless Heat Pumps
Ductless heat pumps (mini splits) make good retrofit add-ons to houses with inefficient "non-ducted" heating systems, such as baseboards, wall heaters or ceiling heat. Displacing the use of these expensive to operate, inefficient heating systems can save 30% to 50% in utility costs, and all of the utility companies in the area (EWEB, SUB, Lane Electric, EPUD, Central Lincoln, Blachly-Lane) have programs available to help with the initial investment of installation, including cash rebates and/or zero interest loans.
Ductless heat pumps can also be a good choice for room additions where extending or installing ductwork is not feasible, especially upstairs additions where separate zone control is ideal.
Like standard air-source heat pumps, ductless heat pumps have two main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. A protective conduit, which houses the power cable, refrigerant piping, and a condensate drain, links the outdoor and indoor units.
The main advantages of a Daikin ductless heat pump are their small size and flexibility for zoning or heating and cooling individual rooms or areas. Daikin has single indoor unit models, as well as models that can have two, three or four indoor air-handling units (for multiple zones or rooms) connected to one outdoor unit. The number of indoor units depends on how much heating or cooling is required for the home or each zone. Each of the zones has its own thermostat, so you only need to condition occupied spaces, saving energy and money.
Ductless heat pump systems are easier to install than some other types of systems. The connection between the outdoor and indoor units usually requires only a three inch hole through the wall. Daikin has a selection of systems that provide a wide variety of installation options. The outdoor and indoor units can be as much as eighty feet apart with many models, making it possible to locate indoor units in rooms on the front of the home, while installing the outdoor unit in a more advantageous or inconspicuous place on the outside of the home.
Daikin ductless heat pump systems are offering more and more design flexibility each day! The indoor units are available in several wall styles, the Emura line is a sleek design available in a pure matte white or stylish silver. Daikin also has compact floor models available as well.
Daikin systems are available in a wide range of efficiency levels as well, with HSPF ratings as high as 12.5 and SEER ratings of 26.
Contact us today at 541-520-6227 for more information about a ductless heat pump for your home.
Definitions:
HSPF: Heating Seasonal Performance Factor:
The ratio of BTU heat output over the heating season to watt-hours of electricity used. The higher the HSPF rating of a unit, the more energy efficient it is. The Federal minimum in the North Region (Oregon) is 8.2 HSPF, with ratings as high as 13 HSPF possible with specific models.
SEER: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio:
The ratio of BTU cooling output during a typical cooling season to watt-hours of electricity used. The higher the SEER rating of a unit, the more energy efficient it is. The Federal minimum in the North Region (Oregon) for an Air Conditioner is 13 SEER, and for a Heat Pump is 14 SEER, with ratings over 20 SEER possible with specific models.