Heat PumpComparison2026-02-20
Ducted vs Ductless Heat Pumps
Ducted suits whole-home replacement with existing ducts; ductless targets specific zones.
Heat pumps come in ducted (central) and ductless (mini-split) forms. Here's how to choose.
Ducted central
Uses or installs ductwork to heat and cool the whole home from one system — ideal if you already have ducts.
Ductless mini-split
Wall or ceiling units serve individual rooms with no ductwork — perfect for additions, condos and ductless homes.
Key takeaways
- Ducted: whole-home, uses existing ducts
- Ductless: zone-by-zone, no ducts needed
- Multi-zone ductless serves several rooms
- Both qualify for rebates
Need help with your heat pump?
Licensed, gas-certified technicians serving Greater Vancouver since 1999. CombiBoiler.ca — A division of ROMA Heating Ltd..
Frequently asked questions
More Heat Pump articles
Heat Pump Not Heating: Causes and FixesA heat pump that won't heat can be a thermostat mode, dirty coils, low refrigerant or a defrost issue.Heat Pump Frozen or Iced Up: What to DoSome frost is normal; a fully iced outdoor unit that won't defrost signals a problem.Heat Pump vs Furnace in the BC ClimateBC's mild coast is ideal heat-pump territory — but hybrids cover the coldest snaps.Heat Pump Cost and Rebates in Greater VancouverHeat pumps cost more upfront than furnaces, but rebates and lower running costs change the math.Cold-Climate Heat Pumps ExplainedCold-climate (ccASHP) heat pumps keep efficient output at low temperatures — ideal for BC.Heat Pump Maintenance GuideHeat pumps run year-round — regular maintenance keeps efficiency, comfort and warranty intact.
More from our knowledge base
Furnace Won't Turn On? Causes and FixesFurnaceFurnace Blowing Cold Air: What to CheckFurnaceWhy Your Furnace Short-Cycles (and How to Stop It)FurnaceNo Heat? Emergency Furnace Repair GuideFurnaceFurnace Making Strange Noises: A Sound-by-Sound GuideFurnaceAnnual Furnace Maintenance ChecklistFurnaceAll ArticlesBrowse the full library