Today’s heat pump systems are far superior to what many consumers remember from the 70s and 80s. Discover the efficiency of modern electric duct heaters for supplemental heat with ductless heat pump systems and Ducted Indoor Fan Coils.
If you are tired of fighting the winter chill and looking for a solution, it’s time to consider electric duct heaters for supplemental heat with ductless heat pump systems. When the temps fall below freezing, most heat pumps struggle to get the necessary heat energy from the outside air. This leads to less than cozy indoor temperatures.
The key to achieving comfort on colder days is having a supplemental heat source set to operate automatically with the heat pump system. This is where ductless heat pump systems along with ducted indoor fan coils come in to save the day.
Ductless Heat Pump System + Ducted Indoor Fan Coils
Freezing temperatures mean a supplemental heat source is essential; however, the type of supplemental heat will depend on the indoor unit. For example:
- A wall mount unit or ceiling cassette will require baseboard or another supplemental heat type.
- Ceiling and vertical (multi-position) ducted indoor units can utilize an electric duct heater for supplemental heat.
Furthermore, the supplemental heat must be sized for a full load on a winter day.
Unlike a traditional forced air furnace which burns natural gas, Propane or fuel oil to heat the air in your home, an air source heat pump is a system that works by transferring or “pumping” heat from the outside air to inside a home—and vice versa during the summer months.
When an air source heat pump is installed with a ducted indoor air handling unit, supplemental heat can easily be added to the system with an electric duct heater.
The duct heater provides the heat, the air handler provides the air flow, and the result is warmth and comfort on the coldest days.
An electric duct heater can be easily added to either a ceiling concealed or a multi-position indoor air handling unit. The heat pump system’s thermostat can detect a temperature “droop”, meaning that the heat pump can’t provide enough heat to maintain the room temperature. The system will automatically turn off the heat pump, allow the indoor air handling unit to run and energize the duct heater to provide the additional heat required to satisfy the call for heat.
Alex Wilson of Building Green, Inc. posts about his minisplit system’s winter performance. Their family lives in Vermont and saw savings of 58 percent with their heat pump during the 2013-2014 winter season.
Which Ductless Heat Pump Systems Using Electric Duct Heaters Should You Buy for Cold Climates?
If you’re looking for a heat pump for cold climate use, keep an eye on High Season Performance Factor (HSPF) ratings or high-heat models. If temperatures often dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, also look for a model with an electric duct heat component to give you the heat boost you need when necessary. You’ll love their affordable use and the steady comfort they’re capable of creating in your home.
Contact EP Sales, Inc. for more information on switching to a minisplit system this winter.
