Are There Benefits to Ductless Heat Pumps?

Ductless heat pumps have experienced a rise in popularity in recent years in part thanks to improving heat pump technology. The recent popularity has even led to the creation of a host of companies that do nothing but ductless heat pumps.

There are scenarios in which a ductless heat pump can be useful for temperature and humidity control, especially for a new home addition or a garage or attic conversion. Adding a ductless heat pump allows you to add temperature control without ductwork or central HVAC modifications. However, ductless heat pumps are not necessarily the ideal solution for zoned heating and cooling throughout an entire home.

The Allure of Ductless HVAC Systems

Ductless systems, also known as mini-split systems, offer a unique set of advantages. They are often heralded for their small size and flexible zoning capabilities, which allow for individual room temperature control. This targeted approach to temperature can, theoretically, lead to energy savings, as you only heat or cool the spaces you're using.

Moreover, the absence of ductwork means no loss of efficiency through leaky ducts – a common issue with older central air systems or in homes with low-quality ductwork. The installation process is also relatively non-invasive so long as a room has an exterior wall (interior rooms are another matter).

Central Air: The Heart of Texas Homes

While ductless systems have their merits in specific use cases, they are often outshined by the power and efficiency of central air systems when it comes to heating and cooling an entire home. This is especially true in places like Arlington, where homeowners need an efficient cooling system in the summer and an equally strong heating system in the winter.

Tailored to Texas Sizes

Like many things in Texas, homes in Arlington aren’t typically small. Ductless heating and cooling solutions are designed to control the temperature in single rooms, like a bedroom or a modestly sized living room. Central air systems are designed to handle the larger square footage of a house with ease, ensuring consistent temperatures throughout every room.

The robustness of central air units means they are more capable of withstanding the extreme Arlington summer heat or winter cold, providing reliable comfort even on the hottest and coldest days.

Cost-Effectiveness

In larger homes, the cost of installing enough ductless units to cover every area can quickly add up. In contrast, a central air system uses a single, powerful unit to push air through the entire house, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run for homes with ample space.

HVAC system shoppers looking at their options might assume that because ductless systems are smaller, they must be more affordable. While this may be true on a single-unit basis, the math changes quite a bit when you need to install half a dozen air handlers and a few outdoor compressor/condenser units around your home. The equipment isn’t cheap, and although there’s no ductwork, the labor can still be significant.

Air Quality and Circulation

Central air systems come with advanced filtration options that improve indoor air quality, an essential feature for everyone, but especially households with asthma or allergy sufferers. These systems circulate air through filters that trap dust, pollen, pet dander and other allergens, which is a significant benefit for those concerned about the air they breathe indoors.

Central air provides whole-home circulation and air filtration. Although ductless air handlers do have filters, they tend to be low quality. They also only circulate air within their little area of effect, leaving any area outside the zone still and stagnant.

Aesthetics and Home Value

Ductless systems require indoor units to be placed on walls or ceilings in each room, which can interfere with the aesthetics of a space. A central air system is virtually invisible from the inside of your home, with only vents to indicate its presence. Additionally, having a central air system is often more attractive to homebuyers, potentially increasing the value of your home.

Efficiency at Scale

While ductless units are praised for their efficiency in small applications, central air systems have evolved with multi-stage and variable-speed compressors that are incredibly efficient at cooling or heating large spaces. Modern central systems can adjust their output to match the cooling or heating demand, which means they're using only the energy they need to maintain your desired temperature.

Simplified Maintenance

Having only one central unit, as opposed to multiple ductless units, simplifies upkeep. With Tom's Mechanical, you can schedule regular maintenance checks to ensure your system runs smoothly year-round, saving you from the hassle of maintaining several indoor units.

What’s the Right Heating or Cooling Solution for Your Arlington Home?

While ductless HVAC systems certainly have their place in specific scenarios, for many Arlington residents, the benefits of a central air system far outweigh the potential advantages of ductless temperature control solutions. The efficiency, cost-effectiveness and consistent heating and cooling capacity of central HVAC systems typically make them the better choice for Arlington homes.



At Tom's Mechanical, we understand the importance of having a dependable and efficient heating and cooling system. Our expertise lies in providing top-notch central air system installation, maintenance and repair services to ensure your home remains a sanctuary of comfort, regardless of the season.

If you're contemplating the best heating or cooling solution for your home, reach out to us at (817) 277-4493, and let's discuss how a central air system can be tailored to your needs.