Choosing equipment
Ducted vs ductless heat pumps: which fits your home?
Short answer: If your home already has ductwork in good shape (most gas-furnace homes do), a ducted heat pump usually makes sense. If you heat with baseboards, a boiler or a stove, ductless mini-splits or multi-splits avoid adding ducts. Both types can qualify for the National Heat Pump Rebate if the model is on the eligible list.
The three main layouts
- Central ducted: an outdoor unit plus an indoor coil, using your existing ducts. Often installed alongside the furnace.
- Ductless mini-split: one outdoor unit and one wall or ceiling head. Great for open-plan spaces or single zones.
- Multi-split: one outdoor unit with several indoor heads, one per room or zone.
Quick decision guide
| Your home | Usually best |
|---|---|
| Gas or oil furnace with ducts | Ducted |
| Electric baseboards | Ductless (mini or multi-split) |
| Hot-water boiler or radiators | Ductless, or an air-to-water system (check eligibility) |
| Older house with small or leaky ducts | Ductless or slim-ducted |
| Townhouse or strata | Depends on where the outdoor unit can go. Get approval first |
Things that trip people up
- Ducts sized for a furnace. Heat pumps move more air at lower temperatures, so the contractor should check duct capacity.
- Heat distribution with ductless. One head won't heat closed-off bedrooms well.
- Electrical panel capacity. See backup heat and panel upgrades.
Next: cold-climate vs regular.
Frequently asked questions
What is a mini-split?
A ductless system with one outdoor unit and one indoor head. A multi-split connects one outdoor unit to several indoor heads (NRCan).
Do ductless heat pumps qualify for the federal rebate?
The rule is that the equipment must be on the eligible list by AHRI number and be installed by an HVAC contractor. The rules don't exclude ductless systems. Check your specific model.
Can I have both?
Yes. Some homes use a ducted unit for the main floors and a ductless head for an addition or basement suite. Remember the federal rebate is one per household.
Want a heads-up when the federal portal opens?
Reserve your spot