Experience with ductless heat pump systems

We’re in contract on a Brooklyn rowhouse and one of the things we’d like to do early on is install ductless heating/cooling. The newer heat pumps allegedly heat effectively down to -15 degrees, but I’d love to hear from someone who has a heat pump system on how well it works in winter. We want to replace the single-pipe steam system of course for efficiency but also to get ride of the piping and radiators. But I’ve seen contradicting opinions on whether you should have a backup heat source in place. Any real-world input on this is appreciated!

alexwithak

in Heating and Cooling 3 years and 8 months ago

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alexwithak | 3 years and 8 months ago

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I spoke to friends who just had their gas furnace replaced with a split AC/heat pump system. They said it should be totally adequate in an attached row house. That said, they haven’t had a winter with it yet so I’m very curious to see how it goes for them.

arewedoneyet | 3 years and 8 months ago

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In the interest of cost does anyone have experience with using a coil (either electric or hydronic) in the mitsubishis when it gets really cold?

Guest User | 3 years and 8 months ago

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mistubishi hyperheat h2i, 2 years ago, fujitsu equivalent last year both rated for -15 degrees, which, honestly, is total bullshit since it would cost the moon at low temp

alexwithak | 3 years and 8 months ago

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Thanks for the replies. This was my concern. Curious how old the systems were that you each experienced. I’ve seen claims that just in the last several years “cold climate” heat pumps have become good enough for our winters, but of course I’m skeptical. We’re of course going to get some quotes for the AC either way, so I’m curious what they say about it.

Guest User | 3 years and 8 months ago

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I moved into mitsubishi heat pump installation since my clients for hydronic heating systems wanted them…that said, they are ill advised as a sole source of heat at this point in time unless your house is hyper insulated. Your jaw will drop at the electric bill on a sub freezing period. Also the quality of the heat from air handlers is way less comfortable than standard hydronic or steam heat…i vote for a hybrid system as noted by bocukcoo

bocuckoo | 3 years and 8 months ago

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Much has to do with how well your home is sealed and insulated. I tried the MItsubishi as sole source of heat for one winter in a row house. While it was tolerable on the more mild winter days, once below 20 degrees it was challenging but was not necssarily cost efficient. We ended up putting baseboard hydronic heat on our main floor which was sufficient for the whole 2 story row house and on the coldest days, using a split for heat in one bedroom allows more flexibiltity and efficiency. Absolutely love them for cooling and would undoubtedbly recommend for cooling. For sole source of heat without supplement, I dont think it is a fit for most homes in our region.