Ducted vs Ductless Heat Pumps: Which to Choose?

Ducted vs Ductless Heat Pumps: Which to Choose? Choosing between ducted vs ductless heat pumps matters for running costs, installation complexity, and comfort in a small-scale, energy-efficient home. For a budget-conscious self-builder planning a 1,200–2,000 ft² temperate-climate home, this comparison explains how each system performs for heating, what installation looks like, and the trade-offs that affect passive-house compatibility, off-grid planning, and retrofit work. Typical seasonal COPs for modern air-source heat pumps range roughly 2.5–4.5 depending on climate and model; installed costs vary widely by region and scope (estimates are given below). TL;DR: - Ductless multi-splits save on ductwork and offer zone control; expect single-zone installs around $1,500–$4,000 and seasonal COPs ≈ 2.7–4.0. - Ducted systems give whole-house, hidden delivery but need sealed, insulated ducts; installed costs often $6,000–$15,000 and real delivered efficiency can be 10–30% less with leaky duct...