Also, if you live in zones 1, 2 or 7, you need to add a backup source of heating or air conditioning. While you may be tempted to settle for the best price for a heat pump installation regardless of your specific experience, remember that ductless heating and cooling systems are still a niche market in the US. If you decide that a heat pump is right for you.
Air source
heat pumps come in a range of efficiencies and sizes, so they can have different operating costs.The type of air source heat pump you should purchase for your home depends on your goals as well as the configuration of your home. For ductless systems, you can use a single-zone heat pump to heat a single area or a multi-zone system, requiring air handlers in each room you want to heat. The life expectancy of a heat pump depends on the type, brand, maintenance history and local climate. However, the difference between the types of heat pumps and the installation costs involved can be confusing.
If you have a central system, you most likely have a single-zone air source heat pump, unless you want to divide your home into two zones by adding dampers, a zone control panel, and a second thermostat to your current settings. In addition to the financial benefits of installing an air-source heat pump, improving your building's climate system has several positive environmental impacts. A ducted air source heat pump connects to the central ducting and ventilation systems of the house to provide cooling or heating throughout the house. Air source heat pumps also serve as a good source of air filtration and dehumidification, and can create more comfortable living conditions for people particularly sensitive to allergens or air pollutants.
Geothermal heat pumps operate in hot or cold climates because the earth's underground temperature is maintained at 45°F to 75°F. Hybrid systems use a gas or oil furnace as additional heating when the equilibrium point of the heat pump reaches 32°F. Air source heat pumps are a cheaper way to heat and cool your home than electricity, propane or oil.