We recently received a call from someone who had scheduled a
free, in-home estimate with us for a ductless heat pump. He contacted us
because a home he was selling needed an updated heating system. But on the
advice of his Realtor, he decided to cancel his appointment…She convinced him that a new, energy-efficient ductless system was not worth the
investment.
It occurred to me that there may be many Realtors who would benefit from learning about the advantages of a Ductless Heat Pump that add value to any property. Here’s a brief list:
1. The investment in a ductless system is minimal. Considering the utility rebates, manufacturer discounts and low-interest loans that are available, ductless systems are relatively inexpensive. Depending on the size of the ductless heat pump, most Western Washington utility companies offer rebates of up to $1,000 off the professional installation of ductless heat pumps. Plus, manufacturers often offer discounts on certain systems throughout the year. Installation companies, like ours alpineductless.com, offer low-interest loans as well. With rebates, discounts, low-interest loans and monthly utility savings, the purchaser actually pays very little for an energy-efficient system that comes with a 12-year parts and labor warranty.
2. Ductless systems have been documented to bring down
utility bills by as much as 50%! One of our customers estimated that with the
energy savings, efficiency and relatively low upfront investment, her system
would pay for itself in about three years. Go ahead and quote me on that!
3. Ductless heat pumps, with inverter technology, are the
most energy-efficient electric heating system available. They constantly adjust
to heating and cooling needs, delivering consistently comfortable even
temperatures. Because they are so energy-efficient, they are inexpensive to
operate.
And, no ductwork is required (that’s why they’re ‘ductless’) and no
maintenance contracts needed for duct cleaning (have you peered inside a dirty
duct lately? Yuck!), or duct sealing (ductwork can leak up to 30% of the air
that travels through it).
A savvy homebuyer would be ecstatic to see a new ductless
system installed in her new home. Trust me…It’s a selling feature!
There are quite a few other benefits of owning a ductless
system.
They can improve a home’s indoor air quality with easy to clean
filters.
They are easy to install. Most single zone, professional installations
take about half a day.
- When installed by a manufacturer-preferred professional contractor, systems come with a 12 year warranty. (Alpine Ductless is a Mitsubishi Diamond
Dealer, Fujitsu Elite Dealer and a Daikin 3D Dealer, in addition to being a
Certified Master Installer with the Northwest Ductless Project.)
They are easy to operate.
- Ductless heat pumps work well for new construction or
remodels; single family or multi-family homes; rental homes, vacation homes or primary residences. They are great for condominiums
and apartment buildings. Most HOAs are catching on to the ease and convenience
of the systems and the installation process.
The are extremely quiet. See Mitsubishi’s information about decibel levels of most ductless heat pumps:
https://www.mitsubishicomfort.com/technology
So, dear Realtors, if you find yourself needing to expedite
a heating and cooling issue in order to get to closing (I know how stressful
that can be), or if a home you’re trying to market could use an update to add
value, then please consider suggesting a ductless heating and cooling solution
to your clients. Ductless systems have been around for over 30 years…most
likely, they will know all about them.
Or, consider installing them in your own rental properties.
Your renters will love it!
So, that is why, when a client talks to you about installing
ductless, you should say, “By all means, go for it!”