Ductless heat pumps are energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions that are easy to install and have a small footprint. These systems reliably move heat in and out of a home without relying on pre-existing ductwork, and installation is quick and easy. Heat pump electrical requirements are lower than those of central systems and can save homeowners significant money on their power bills1.
Ductless heat pumps excel at zone heating, which means homeowners can heat one part of a home while cooling another without any issues. Most homes require minor modifications to accommodate equipment, and heat pump installation costs can be quite low.
Sources:
1. Heat Pump Systems. U.S. Department of Energy. Retrieved August 8, 2025, from https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/heat-pump-systems
In most cases, heat pump installation requirements are minimal. Whereas furnaces and central air units require extensive ductwork and can take up a lot of space, ductless heat pump prerequisites are less exhaustive. You need a suitable spot for the outdoor unit, a free wall to mount the indoor unit, and a hole in the wall to connect the two units via a tube2.
An installer can typically complete this work in hours, and homes of all types are compatible. Most outdoor units sit on a ground-level pad, but some require elevation or wall-mounting (depending on heavy snowfall in the area and the amount of available space).
Sources:
2. Rames, D. (19 July 2023). 10 best practices for installing heat pumps. Plumbing & Mechanical. Retrieved August 6, 2025, from https://www.pmmag.com/articles/104999-10-best-practices-for-installing-heat-pumps
The heat pump installation process may require electrical upgrades, so it's good to know what kind of wiring is necessary ahead of time. Heat pumps require space on an electrical panel and need their own circuit breakers. They also require proper voltage from the electrical panel. Each unit adds to the load on the property's electrical consumption, so homeowners should verify that their system can handle the extra traffic.
Heat pump clearance requirements vary by manufacturer and unit, but most units take up very little room and only need space for airflow and service. Before installation, check the manufacturer's specifications and verify with your installation crew that the unit has proper clearance in all dimensions (including vertically)3.
Sources:
3. McCreadie, G. (8 May 2025). Complete Guide to Central Heat Pump Installation: Technical Considerations for HVAC Professionals. HVAC Know It All. Retrieved August 6, 2025, from https://hvacknowitall.com/blog/central-heat-pump-install-considerations
After the worldwide discontinuation of Freon as a commonplace refrigerant, R-410A became the standard in the heating and cooling industry. However, this substance also has a major environmental impact and is being phased out in favor of safer and more energy-efficient compounds, particularly R-454B and R-32.
Heat pump regulations for 2025 are different from years past. As units that employ R-410A are phasing out, new heat pumps must use the new refrigerants. While the transitional grace period isn't quite over, many manufacturers have already switched. If you're installing a heat pump at the end of 2025, odds are that you'll buy a unit that uses R-454B or R-32, which may lead to even higher energy savings4.
Sources:
4. Moor, T. (7 October 2024). Should I Buy a New HVAC System Before or After the 2025 Refrigerant Change? HVAC.com. Retrieved August 6, 2025 from https://www.hvac.com/expert-advice/2025-refrigerant-change/
Heat pump installer qualifications vary based on location and the exact type of units installed. Look for heat pump installers that are fully bonded and insured, as they will cover the cost of liabilities and potential issues that might arise.
Determining a suitable location is a standard part of the heat pump installation process. Heating and cooling specialists can safely place ductless heat pumps in different locations, and most homes can support adding the equipment without an issue.
However, there are a few places where heat pump installation is a no-go. Avoid installing indoor air handlers near heat sources, such as ovens, fireplaces, and windows that receive a lot of natural light. The heat can make the equipment less effective at cooling an area. Also, try to keep these units away from shelving and doors (as the air handler could interfere with opening or closing them). Outdoor units should be installed on a pad and follow the manufacturer's recommended clearance guidelines.
The heat pump installation process is straightforward and relatively quick. Technicians will scout proper indoor and outdoor locations and prepare the outdoor pad and any necessary indoor and outdoor wall mounts. Units are then mounted, connected, and all tubing and wires are covered and fastened to the walls to ensure maximum protection. Once an installer connects the system to the electrical panel, it's ready to run.
Although ductless heat pump maintenance requirements are low, following a regular maintenance schedule is necessary to extend the life of a ductless system. Homeowners should schedule manual service to ensure peak efficiency. Homeowners can regularly clean the filters and unit.
Yes! There are several heat pump incentives that homeowners can take advantage of after installation. The federal 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit offers up to $2,000 in tax credit, but it expires on December 31, 2025, and requires that installation is complete before the end of the year5.
There's also the Home Electrification and Appliances Rebate (HEAR) and Home Energy Rebates (HOMES) programs, which offer rebates for energy-efficient upgrades6,7. You may also find state, local, and manufacturer incentives for a heat pump installation.
Sources:
5. Federal heat pump tax credits. Rewiring America. Retrieved August 6, 2025, from https://homes.rewiringamerica.org/federal-incentives/25c-heat-pump-tax-credits
6. Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) Program. EnergyStar.gov. Retrieved August 6, 2025, from https://www.energystar.gov/partner-resources/web_linking_policy/homes-program
7. Home Electrification and Appliances Rebate Program. EnergyStar.gov. Retrieved August 6, 2025, from https://www.energystar.gov/partner-resources/state-and-tribal-rebate-programs/hear-program
Heat pump installer certifications vary based on different factors. In general, you want to look for installers with certifications and recognition from manufacturers, such as the Mitsubishi Electric Elite Diamond Contractor designation. Certifications demonstrate trust and rapport between the installer and their supplier. Some installers will also have certifications from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), demonstrating that the business takes safety and responsibility seriously.