Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps: Which Is Right for Your Home?
Heat pumps are quickly becoming the go-to choice for St. Louis homeowners who want efficient, year-round comfort. But when it comes time to upgrade, homeowners often face a big question: should you install a ducted or ductless heat pump?
The answer isn’t always about preference. If your home already has ductwork in good condition, a ducted heat pump may be the best option. If your house doesn’t have ducts, or you’re adding onto your space, a ductless system could be the right choice. Either way, understanding how they differ will help you make the best decision.
Schedule a consultation with SmartHouse to find out which heat pump system will work best in your home.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
What Are Heat Pumps?
Heat pumps don’t burn fuel to heat and cool, they move heat using electricity.
- In summer, they work like an air conditioner, pulling heat out of your home and releasing it outside.
- In winter, they reverse the process, drawing heat from the outdoor air (even when it’s cold) and bringing it inside.
Because they move heat instead of creating it, heat pumps use far less energy than furnaces. They also replace the need for separate heating and cooling systems, giving you efficient, year-round comfort in one package.
What Is a Ducted Heat Pump?
A ducted heat pump connects to your home’s existing ductwork to deliver heating and cooling throughout every room served by your ductwork. SmartHouse installs Daikin Fit heat pumps, known for their compact design and high efficiency.
Best for:
- Homes that already have ductwork in good condition
- Homeowners who want a traditional “whole-home” comfort system
- People who want consistent temperatures across all rooms
Highlights of the Daikin Fit:
- Slim outdoor unit that fits where traditional systems can’t
- Variable-speed inverter technology for quiet, efficient operation
- Works seamlessly with your ducts to replace your furnace and AC
What Is a Ductless Heat Pump?
A ductless heat pump (or mini-split) delivers heating and cooling directly into the room where it’s installed. SmartHouse installs Mitsubishi ductless mini-splits, the industry leader for zoned comfort.
Best for:
- Homes without ductwork
- Additions, finished basements, or problem rooms that never feel right
- Homeowners who want zoned control and the highest-efficiency HVAC options
Highlights of Mitsubishi ductless systems:
- Wall- or ceiling-mounted indoor units for flexible placement
- Independent temperature control for each area of your home
- Whisper-quiet operation and industry-leading efficiency ratings
Efficiency and Comfort
Both Daikin ducted and Mitsubishi ductless systems are light years ahead of older HVAC equipment in terms of efficiency. But they offer different strengths:
- Ducted (Daikin Fit): Ideal for whole-home comfort with consistent temperatures across every room. Variable-speed technology reduces energy waste and creates a stable indoor environment.
- Ductless (Mitsubishi): Offers the highest efficiency overall, since you only heat or cool the rooms you’re actually using. Zoned comfort lets each person adjust their space to the temperature they like best.
Installation and Aesthetics
- Ducted heat pumps integrate into your existing system, using your home’s ductwork. All you see are the vents you already have. Installation is often straightforward if ducts are in good shape.
- Ductless heat pumps require indoor air handlers mounted on the wall or ceiling. They’re visible, but sleek, and allow installation in places where ducts can’t go. Perfect for additions or older homes without ductwork.
Cost and Incentives
The upfront price depends on system size, ductwork condition, and the number of ductless zones. Here’s what both have in common:
Which Heat Pump Should You Choose?
Here’s the simple breakdown:
- Choose a Daikin Fit ducted heat pump if your home already has ductwork and you want a traditional, whole-home comfort system.
- Choose a Mitsubishi ductless system if your home doesn’t have ducts, you’re finishing an addition or basement, or you want the ability to control temperatures room by room.
Not every home will have both options available — and that’s why SmartHouse starts with a careful evaluation before recommending the right solution.
Why SmartHouse?
At SmartHouse, our mission is to make homes healthier, more comfortable, and more efficient, and to do it with honesty and respect.
- We hold NATE certifications, follow building science best practices, and take a whole-home approach instead of just swapping out equipment.
- Our team has earned the BBB Torch Award for Ethics, recognizing our commitment to integrity and customer service.
- When you work with SmartHouse, you get more than a heat pump — you get a partner dedicated to your comfort and long-term savings.
Ready to Find the Right Heat Pump?
Whether a ducted Daikin Fit or a ductless Mitsubishi system is right for your home, SmartHouse makes the process simple. We’ll evaluate your space, recommend the best solution, and handle rebates and credits so you don’t leave money on the table.
Call 314-370-1816, text 314-310-2242, or schedule an appointment online and start enjoying year-round comfort with a high-efficiency heat pump.
