How Ductless Heat Pumps Work
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DHPs operate the same way as a traditional split system heat pump or a standard refrigerator. Using a compression cycle and refrigerants, heat pump extracts heat from outdoor air, concentrates that heat, and delivers it via the indoor air handler. Heat pumps also have the ability to operate in reverse and extract heat from indoor air and send it outside, cooling the home. Since moving heat is less energy intensive than creating heat via electric resistance, heat pumps are two-three times more efficient than an electric resistance heater.
In addition, ductless heat pumps are often more efficient than traditional air source heat pumps for two reasons. Traditional air source heat pumps are usually single-speed systems that cycle on and off as heating or cooling is needed, reducing their operating efficiency. They also require duct work to distribute the conditioned air, which frequently leaks as it runs through unconditioned spaces like attic and/or vented crawlspaces. DHPs, on the other hand, operate more efficiently by ramping up or down to follow the heating or cooling needs of the home and have no duct losses.