Today is the fourth and final addition to our new series addressing common myths about Ductless Heat Pumps. For other installments in this series, check out these previous posts here, here and here. This series was inspired by common things we hear about Ductless Systems and can be legitimate reasons many folks put off “pulling the trigger” and going Ductless. This series is here to set the record straight, so you can make an informed decision about whether or not going Ductless is the right choice for you and your family.
Myth number 4. Ductless Heat Pumps are Ugly/Noisy/Big/Bulky.
Beautiful Home, Beautiful Ducltess Heat Pump
Ok, so maybe this is not really a myth, something that we can prove either true or false, but more a matter of personal perception. Some folks see the indoor or outdoor component on a Ductless Heat Pump and immediately refuse to consider installing one, thinking it will ruin the appearance of their home either inside (more common) or outside (less common but does happen).
First off, the indoor air exchanger is mounted high up on the wall, towards the ceiling. Typically the eye does not tend to travel to that part of a room. Many homes have ducted vents in walls and ceilings and folks tend to never really notice them, same goes with radiators or baseboard heaters. A similar thing tends to happen with the air exchanger on a Ductless Heat Pump. It just becomes part of the wall. Yes, the indoor heads are not like looking at a blank wall, and yes, they can change the appearance of your wall, but most folks tend to forget about them after the first day or two.
If you are really concerned, there are options to integrate your system easier. You can place the head on a less conspicuous wall, or you can paint your head to match the wall color. Or, you can use other decorating tips to “hide” your head including building shelving or cabinetry around it. Just make sure you leave room for proper air flow and operation of the system. Another option is to install a ceiling cassette. These are mounted in the ceiling and look just like a regular air duct vent. If you are really dead-set against a wall mounted unit and going for that minimalist or completely streamlined look, this could be a good option.
The outdoor compressor is relatively small and can easily be tucked under a deck, behind a fence in the backyard, or hidden behind plantings spaced properly to allow ventilation. They do not need to be placed in a conspicuous place like a front yard or patio and can easily be tucked up next to the house due to their small size. It can be easy to forget you even have one if placed in the proper area.
Sometimes folks think that because they operate by exchanging air, Ductless Heat Pumps must be noisy both indoor and out. They may have heard their neighbor’s traditional heat pump or air compressor running and come to incorrect conclusions about Ductless Heat Pumps. Although traditional heat pumps may be a bit loud outside when they are in operation, a Ductless System is whisper quiet both inside and out. In fact, we have many customers tell us they cannot even tell their system is on unless they go right up next to the air exchanger or outdoor compressor and feel the air blowing. There may be times that your system makes a little more noise than usual, for example when the system is defrosting, but these sounds are not a part of regular, daily operation.
Some think Ductless Heat Pumps are too big. Styles and sizes vary by model and manufacturer, but a typical head is around 12″ tall, 34″ wide and 7″ deep. Radiators typically run much bigger than that and take up valuable floor space. The same can be said for baseboards and wall heaters that limit furniture placement, not to mention furnaces that need entire closets or small rooms to contain them. A Ductless Heat Pump wall mounted unit will not effect those things. The outdoor component is around 24″ tall, 31″ wide and 11″ deep. About the size of a larger, hard suitcase. Typical heat pumps and air conditioning compressors can be three times that size or more.
Beauty, including aesthetics and size, is in the eye of the beholder. If you still think Ductless Heat Pumps are too ugly, noisy, or bulky for you, we invite you to consider something. Maybe Ductless Heat Pumps are just different than the typical heating or cooling systems you are used to. Maybe changing this myth is just about opening your mind to new technology and new systems. It is quite possible that many thought and may still think solar panels are ugly or bulky. Yet, you cannot argue with the technology that tends to make them quite attractive, pretty even some may say.Or out in the open
At Alpine Ductless, we think Ductless Heat Pumps are pretty cool-looking, dare we say beautiful in a modern, streamlined sort of way. Their efficiency and energy savings makes them even more attractive. And if you still find them a bit obtrusive, just remember how much more attractive a fat wallet is than an empty one. If that image is what helps you take the leap into Ductless, then we are all for it because we know from experience that once you have your new system, you will barely even notice it on your wall. And in those rare instances you do, like us, you may even find it pretty.