The Ultimate Guide to Mini Split Heat Pumps

When it comes to cooling and heating, mini splits are one of the best choices for many homeowners. Not only do they offer both functions in one convenient unit, they are also renowned for their exceptional energy efficiency, multi-zone capability, and ease of installation.

And when it comes to the heating aspect, mini split heat pumps are highly energy efficient — more so than standard electric heat and gas in many instances. But while many split systems include heat pumps, it’s important to choose a ductless heat pump that’s rated to work in your climate.

In this article, we delve into the world of mini split heat pumps, their advantages, and things to keep in mind when purchasing a ductless mini split heater.

What is a Mini Split Heat Pump?

A mini split heat pump is a device integrated in a mini split system that allows it to provide heating, not just cooling. 

Due to their unique construction, mini split heat pumps circulate refrigerant through tubing that connects to both the inner and outer modules. They draw only 50% of the energy required by a typical central air system, which makes them very energy efficient

In normal cooling mode, the refrigerant works as it does in other AC units – by absorbing indoor heat and expelling it outdoors. But in heating mode, the flow is reversed: the heat pump draws heat from the outside air and moves it inside the home. This process is efficient even in colder climates.

The Benefits of Mini Split Heat Pumps

There are many advantages to using a ductless mini split heating system as a main heat source, from ease of installation, to pinpointed air delivery, to cost and energy efficiency. 

Apart from these clear benefits, here are a few more perks of mini split heat pumps.

✔ Compact size

Mini splits are renowned for their compact size and ease of installation. Requiring only a 3-inch hole in the wall through which to pass the conduit, they are easy to add to any home and don’t take up a large amount of space compared to traditional ducted units.

✔ Individual zone control 

By installing a mini split, each room can have its own set temperature. These make great A/C or heat units for multi-level or -family homes, or additions. More importantly, you can choose to heat only specific rooms instead of the whole house.

✔ Convenience

A single outdoor unit can support up to 8 indoor units, offering you the ability to temperature-control nearly every room in the house, and keeps things simple with ONE conducting source. Mini splits are also great for supplementing baseboard heating in old homes and helps slash your energy bill dramatically. No more bulky and inefficient window units in every room!

✔ Cost Effective

One of the biggest reasons homeowners switch to using mini split heat pump systems instead of forced air is because they are highly cost-effective. Due to their combined functions of heating/cooling, you no longer need to have one unit for the former and another system entirely for the latter. 

In addition, they require much less energy to function. The refrigerant lines within each system deliver cool or warm refrigerant in a much more energy-efficient way than central forced air systems can. 

In contrast, forced air systems have to push warm air up through wide ducts throughout the entire house, and often lose up to 30% of it along the way.

✔ Quiet Operation

Mini-splits emit less noise than other HVAC options, especially compared to traditional split systems or central furnaces.

✔ Effectiveness

Unlike the first generations of mini splits, new hyper-heating models now offer comfortable heating even in sub-zero weather, making them great alternatives for all climates.

✔ Customizations

While traditional heaters have somewhat rigid controls, mini splits often offer increased control over the temperature, with timers and built-in sleep functions so that you can use your heater only when and where you need to. 

Some systems even offer Wi-Fi control with an app, along with smart home integration and custom routines.

Types of Mini Split Heat Pumps

There are three types of mini-split heat pumps to suit different needs:

1. Single-Zone Systems

These heat pumps cool and heat one specific room. Since they are limited to one area, they are best for small spaces like studios, tiny homes, or individual rooms that cannot be connected to existing ductwork or mini split systems.

2. Multi-Zone Systems

Multi-zone systems connect multiple indoor units to one outdoor unit, allowing for individual climate control in different rooms.

Multi-zone mini splits are labeled by the number of indoor units that can be connected, such as dual-zone or quad-zone.

3. Cold-Climate Heat Pumps

Specifically designed for colder regions, these systems maintain efficiency and operate effectively even in very low temperatures. Such cold-climate models use advanced refrigerants and technology for optimal performance in below-freezing conditions.

How to Choose a Mini Split Heat Pump

1. Mini Split Heat Pump Sizing

Choose a model with a BTU rating that matches the requirements of your space. Larger rooms may need more powerful units, while smaller rooms will require less. Use our mini split heat pump sizing calculator to determine the BTU capacity needed for your intended zones.

2. Operating Temperature Range

If you live in a cold climate, check for systems rated for operation in low temperatures. Cold-climate mini-split heat pumps can typically operate in temperatures as low as -15°F or lower.

3. Energy Efficiency

Mini split efficiency is measured by Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) for cooling and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) for heating. Higher SEER and HSPF ratings indicate better energy efficiency.

In addition, an ENERGY STAR certification means the mini split has been certified to be more efficient than others in its class, based on stringent EPA and DOE standards. ENERGY STAR-rated units are among the most energy-efficient on the market and provide significant energy savings in the long term.

4. Inverter Technology

Units with inverter technology automatically adjust the compressor speed to heating and cooling demand, optimizing efficiency. This also prolongs their life and minimizes operating noise.

5. Smart Controls and Programmability

Many modern mini-split systems come with smart controls, like Wi-Fi compatibility, allowing you to set temperatures remotely via mobile apps. Some also boast voice control and offer integration with smart home routines using popular smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

6. Programmable Thermostats

Useful for creating schedules to reduce energy use when heating is not needed.

Using Mini Split Heat in Colder Climates

In the past there’s been concern that the ductless heat pump isn’t suitable for extremely low temperatures. However, mini split technology has since improved.

In addition to hyper-heating models that are made specially for use in colder areas, there are several ways to get the maximum benefit and save the most money with your mini split heat pump.

☑ Shield the compressor

If you live in a climate where it snows in the winter, the outdoor unit needs to be installed 2 feet from the ground to allow for good airflow, and under the eaves or awning of the roof to keep snow OFF. When a condenser is clogged with snow, the efficiency of your unit is drastically reduced and instead of heating the house, your unit is struggling to melt the snow instead.

☑ Size the heat pump with the lowest temp

Heat pump output tends to drop as the temperatures decline, so size the heat pump to have enough capacity at the lowest expected temperature, and if you’ll need more heat once in a while, rely on backup sources. 

Generally, as long as you’re not expecting your mini split to warm the whole house from freezing in a few hours, you should be pleased with the results.

☑ Strategic heat setting

Unlike conventional gas or electric resistance heating, heat pumps work best when you set the temperature and leave it alone. Even if you are not home, leaving the temperature at its normal setting will allow the unit to run more efficiently over time.

Our Recommended Mini Split Heat Pumps for 2025

If you’re in the market for a new heating and cooling system, take a look at these best-selling units:

Single-zone mini split with heat pump:

Friedrich FPHW183D 18000 BTU 21.0 SEER2 Floating Air Pro Series Single Zone Mini Split – Heat and Cool

This 18,000 BTU single zone mini split system can service up to 600 sq. ft. of space. It uses the new R454B refrigerant, making it compliant with the new A2L class of refrigerants mandated by the EPA. It features high efficiency ratings including a 21.0 SEER2 and 12.95 EER2 and 

This system not only meets the standard, rigid criteria needed to receive an Energy Star Rating, it also meets the more specific, stricter standards for heating capacity and qualifies as Cold Climate Energy Star Rated. It boasts a rated heating capacity of 18,000 BTUs at 17°F and a maximum heating capacity of 18,000 BTUs at 5°F! But with its low ambient heating capacity, maximum capacity is 11,500 BTUs with temperatures down to -13°F. 

It is Smart Home Ready with built-in WiFi and access to Friedrich ComfortPro App for wireless control, as well as support for Google Assistant and Alexa voice commands.

Multi-zone mini split with heat pump:

Daikin 4MXS36WMVJU9 36000 BTU Configurable Quad-Zone Heat & Cool Split System

This quad-zone system is rated for 36,000 BTU cooling capacity and requires a minimum of two indoor units, with a total connected BTU rating of up to 48,000 BTUs. It features high energy efficiency ratings of 20.6 SEER, 11.8 EER, and 9.7 HSPF in non-ducted installations.

With the Quick Warming Function, the compressor preheats to reduce the time required for warm air discharge. It utilizes R410A refrigerant, the industry standard, and includes anti-corrosion treatment of the outdoor Heat Exchanger Fin for enhanced durability.

The series uses an enhanced drain pan that provides excellent drainage to reduce ice build-up in extreme conditions. It is also compatible with the Daikin Cloud WiFi Adapter for complete comfort control from anywhere using your tablet or smartphone.

Bring the Heat with our Mini Split Heat Pumps

Ductless mini split heaters are an energy and cost-efficient alternative to your typical central air heating. In addition to using less power to keep your home warm and toasty, their quick installation, quiet function, and ease of use make them perfect for any environment.

If you are looking for a heating and cooling solution for your home that is versatile, dependable, and budget friendly, then you’ve come to the right place.

Browse our selection of high-quality systems today.

Also check out our related articles:

The Best Way to Heat a House

Ducted Heat Pump vs Mini Split: Which One is Better?