Common questions about Ductless Heat Pumps and Mini Splits

There is a lot more to heat pumps than just BTUs because it depends on how efficient the heat pump is at lower temperatures. Bigger is not better. Matching the heat pump with the space is important. If the the heat pump is too powerful the space will not be heated evenly.

Open concept is best for ductless heat pumps because air flow is not restricted but choosing a heat pump with certain features may help overcome challenging layouts. One model of Mitsubishi heat pump has split vanes, allowing you to blow air into different directions. The power of the fan will also determine how far air can be pushed to heat or cool space.

Proper installation ensures your heat pump will perform as intended. Warranty may be voided if the manufacturer's installation guidelines are not followed and may even affect your insurance. The electrical panel needs to be able to support a heat pump and in some situations may require an upgrade to prevent overloading, especially if the house is older.

GForce meets all code requirements and ensures the installation complies with insurance standards.

We also want to make the installation blend with your property as much as possible so we try to follow existing lines and contours. All conduits are enclosed to prevent damage, giving the job a polished appearance.

Have a look at GForce's photo galleries to see examples of my installations.

Even when outdoor temperatures drop to -25°C, "Hyper Heat" keeps the indoors at a comfortable and consistent level.

Warm-up in less than 20 minutes

With the new, improved start-up performance, the Hyper Heat system requires only 20 minutes to achieve full heating capacity when the outdoor temperature is as low as -10°C.

Extended heating operation down to -25°C

Hyper Heat pushes the boundaries of heat pump technology and is able to provide 70% of heating capacity when the outside temperature dips as low as -25°C. At -21°C the rated output is 100%.

Variable Compressor Speed Inverter (VCSI) technology uses only the energy needed to keep your room temperature and humidity right where you want them.

Conventional compressors work on cycles where the system starts up and stays at a fixed speed until it overshoots the set temperature, and then stops until the next cycle begins. This on-off cycle causes unnecessary energy spikes and also consumes high amounts of energy, regardless of the actual requirement, as the system is always producing the maximum amount of cooling or heating even when the demand is low. This results in a tremendous amount of wasted energy and uncomfortable energy fluctuations.

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The industry-first i-see Sensor measures radiant hot and cool spots in the room and focuses airflow to those specific areas, thereby maintaining floor level temperature to prevent excessive heating or cooling

This intelligent system not only maintains air temperature, but also controls air movement and humidity levels to prevent excessive heating or cooling and unnecessary operation. As a result, you enjoy total comfort and less energy waste.

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Catechin Plus Air Purifying Systems consist of Catechin pre-filters and anti-allergy Blue Enzyme filters which deodorize, deactivate allergens, eliminate bacteria and promote antiviral effects.

"The need for clean air in our homes should not be underestimated. Canadians spend an average of 90% of their time inside, and our homes contain many substances that may be hazardous to our health. Indoor air pollutants range from minor irritants such as dust and animal dander, to major irritants such as molds and chemical vapours that may be emitted from building materials and furnishings.

One in five Canadians suffer from some type of lung disease (asthma, emphysema, lung cancer) and many more Canadians are affected by allergies. The air we breathe is a factor in all these conditions, therefore, it is vital that we implement the necessary steps to ensure the highest level of indoor air quality."

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Cold temperatures are hard on heat pumps, the reason Mitsubishi added heaters to the pump's crank case and oil pan.

The crank case heater keeps oil warm and flowing freely, similar to a block heater in a car, increasing the life of the compressor.

The drain pan heater keeps ice from forming in the base of the outside unit, preventing damage.

Special coating

All outside units are coated with an anti corrosive paint.

Memory feature

The remote has a Smart Set function allowing you to store favourite settings.

Split vanes

FH Series units have vanes split in the middle that can be controlled independently, perfect for split entry homes where one half can provides comfort for the main level and the other is pointed downward.

Equipment loses efficiency as it ages and needs to be maintained. When was the last time you had your furnace tested? The lower the efficiency rating the more oil you burn and the more money you will save using a heat pump.

Open layouts are more easily heated using less energy. A heat pump can push air into far away spaces but the fewer obstructions the better so selecting the proper heat pump size and features is important.

Inside units require sufficient clearance, especially between the head and ceiling. Choose the location carefully by considering where you spend most of your time and attempt to align them with hallways so air can be blown into spaces far away.

Outside units should be installed in low-traffic areas with little chance of snow drifts. Keep them clear of drip-edges from overhangs because falling water could freeze on the unit’s fan, shutting the unit down.

Proper installation is critical to ensure maximum efficiency, increase longevity and minimize service issues.

In Nova Scotia it is required that ductless heat pumps are installed by a certified refrigerant tradesperson.

Greg Levy is a Red Seal Refrigeration Technician with extensive training in handling high pressure refrigerants, guaranteeing all installation standards are met.

The quality of the equipment determines overall efficiency and how long it will last. You may be able to save money with cheaper units but consider the trade-off when it comes to reduced savings, reliability and warranty.

Features, especially of the inside unit, allow for customizing so you can adjust it to heat your space effectively and efficiently. Split vanes, for example, can be aimed in different directions, making them perfect for mounting in an entry of a split-level home.

Increase your efficiency by experimenting with your heat pump settings to find the right balance. Consider setting your older system’s thermostat to at least 10 degrees cooler than your heat pump thermostat. By doing this, you will be using your older system only as back-up.

If you are trying to heat multiple rooms, be sure to open doors between the heat pump and any rooms you'd like to heat. Conversely, close the doors to adjacent rooms if you are trying to heat only the room where you installed the heat pump.

Set your heat pump mode to "Heat" in the winter and "Cool" in the summer to prevent the system to start generating heat on a cool summer night or to start air conditioning on a sunny winter afternoon.

Start the fan setting on "Auto". If that doesn’t spread the heat far enough, try the manual settings. When using a heat pump to heat more than one room, a higher fan speed may be necessary.

Generally speaking, warm air is best directed towards the floor and away from occupants. Cool air is best directed up high or directly at occupants.