A ducted heat pump uses the same refrigeration system to heat and cool the home. In summer it moves indoor heat outside. In winter it reverses direction and brings available outdoor heat into the home—even when the air outside feels cold.
An outdoor unit, indoor coil, blower, refrigerant circuit, and reversing valve work together to move heat in either direction.
Most ducted systems use an air handler and central ductwork, with electric heat strips available for supplemental or emergency heat when the design calls for them.
Heat-pump air generally feels warm rather than hot at the vent.
The system is designed to run longer and add heat gradually, which can create very even indoor temperatures. During cold, damp weather, an occasional defrost cycle is normal and should be handled without sacrificing comfort when the system and backup heat are configured correctly.
A traditional single-stage heat pump turns fully on and off.
An inverter or variable-capacity heat pump can adjust its output as the home’s needs change, usually providing quieter operation, fewer temperature swings, better summer moisture control, and more consistent comfort during mild weather.
Modern heat pumps can provide useful heat well below freezing, but capacity and efficiency vary by model.
Sizing, duct condition, airflow, thermostat setup, backup-heat controls, electrical capacity, defrost performance, and surge protection all affect the real result in the home.
Ducted heat pumps are especially well suited to many Pacific Northwest homes.
They are often an excellent fit for all-electric properties, replacements for electric furnaces, and homeowners who want one central system for heating and cooling. Existing ductwork still needs to be evaluated rather than assumed to be adequate.
Prefer to talk it through? A real person can answer questions about your specific system.
