Heat Pump vs Mini-Split: Ducted or Ductless?
Central ducted heat pump or ductless mini-split? Compare cost, installation, zoning, and which fits your home.
Both are heat pumps — the difference is delivery. A central (ducted) heat pump uses your existing ductwork to condition the whole house and runs $5,000–$18,000. A ductless mini-split mounts indoor heads on the wall and runs $3,000–$8,000 per zone, ideal for homes without ducts, additions, garages, or room-by-room control. Mini-splits avoid the 20–30% energy loss of leaky ducts and let you set different temperatures per room, but multiple zones add up. Ducted heat pumps look cleaner and cost less per square foot when ducts already exist.
Heat Pump Installation vs Mini-Split Installation
| Feature | Heat Pump Installation | Mini-Split Installation |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Choose a ducted heat pump if your home already has good ductwork and you want whole-home conditioning from one discreet system at the lowest cost per square foot. | Choose a ductless mini-split for homes without ducts, additions or garages, room-by-room temperature control, or to avoid duct energy losses — priced per zone ($3,000–$8,000 each). |
Call a heat pump installation when…
Choose a ducted heat pump if your home already has good ductwork and you want whole-home conditioning from one discreet system at the lowest cost per square foot.
Call a mini-split installation when…
Choose a ductless mini-split for homes without ducts, additions or garages, room-by-room temperature control, or to avoid duct energy losses — priced per zone ($3,000–$8,000 each).