Transform Your Home Addition with Wall-Mounted Ductless Heat Pumps: The Smart HVAC Solution
When you’re adding space to your home, whether it’s a new bedroom, home office, or converted garage, one of the biggest challenges is extending climate control to these areas. Traditional HVAC systems often require expensive and invasive ductwork installation, but there’s a better solution: wall-mounted ductless heat pumps. These innovative systems offer the perfect balance of efficiency, convenience, and cost-effectiveness for home additions.
Why Wall-Mounted Units Are Ideal for Home Additions
Ductless heat pumps, also known as mini-split systems, provide year-round heating and cooling in spaces that don’t have existing ductwork, such as home additions, detached garages, bedrooms, home offices, finished attics and garages. These systems allow for efficient heating and cooling without the need for ductwork, making them a great fit for older homes, room additions, or spaces without existing HVAC infrastructure. Installation is flexible and minimally invasive, requiring only a small hole for refrigerant and electrical lines.
These units are typically mounted high on a wall and connected to an outdoor compressor unit via refrigerant lines. The connection between the outdoor and indoor units generally requires only a three-inch hole through a wall for the conduit. The outdoor unit can be located up to 50 feet away from the indoor evaporator, allowing for placement in a less visible or more advantageous location.
Energy Efficiency Benefits
Minisplits have no ducts, avoiding the energy losses associated with the ductwork of central forced air systems. Duct losses can account for more than 30% of energy consumption for space conditioning, especially if ducts are in an unconditioned space like an attic. Ducted heat pumps typically achieve efficiency ratings between 15.2 to 25 SEER2, while ductless minisplits can achieve ratings between 15.2 and 35 SEER2.
Depending on the system you choose, you’ll enjoy money-saving energy efficiencies as high as 19.8 SEER2 during the cooling season and up to 10.2 HSPF2 while heating. This superior efficiency translates to lower energy bills and reduced environmental impact.
Installation Advantages
Since the unit doesn’t have ductwork, installation is less invasive—no patching, painting, or remodeling necessary—making them a great choice for older homes or room additions. Single-zone ductless mini splits are designed to heat or cool one area, like a kitchen, bedroom, addition, attic or garage. The units feature a single air handler and single condenser unit. They are the smallest, simplest systems to install.
The professional heat pump installation process is straightforward and typically takes just one day. Select an appropriate location on an exterior wall for the indoor air handler that is free from obstructions. Mount the bracket for the indoor unit securely to the wall, aligning it correctly.
Design Flexibility and Control
Minisplits offer more interior design options. Indoor air handlers can be suspended from the ceiling, mounted flush into a drop ceiling, or hung on a wall. Wall-mounted units are the most common type. They are the least expensive and easiest to install.
Most ductless systems have a wireless remote control that allows users to adjust the temperature, fan speed, and airflow direction. You can wall mount the remote or place it on a table for mobility and convenience. Many ductless heat pumps can be integrated with smart home systems. A gateway device connected to a local router enables Wi-Fi or Bluetooth control through smartphones, tablets, or computers.
Professional Installation Matters
You’ll need a licensed and experienced professional for this project. Ductless mini split systems require handling refrigerant lines and making high-voltage electrical connections. Some states require these kinds of HVAC services be handled by licensed professionals. Check with your local code official about necessary licensing and permit requirements.
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Cost-Effectiveness and Value
While the initial investment may be higher than some traditional HVAC options, mini-splits often provide long-term savings through increased energy efficiency and targeted climate control. Mini split systems typically range from $2,000 to $10,500 or more, depending on factors such as system size, number of zones, and complexity of installation.
Mini splits deliver more precise temperature control, allowing you to cool your home room by room for increased comfort and energy savings. They also tend to operate more quietly and can be highly efficient—providing them with the potential to be a smart long-term investment for your home.
Conclusion
Wall-mounted ductless heat pumps represent the ideal solution for home additions, offering efficient climate control without the complexity and expense of traditional ductwork. Their energy efficiency, ease of installation, and flexible control options make them perfect for modern homeowners looking to expand their living space comfortably and cost-effectively. Whether you’re converting a garage, finishing an attic, or adding a new room, these systems provide the reliable heating and cooling your addition needs while maintaining your home’s energy efficiency and comfort standards.