Heat Pump Hillsboro


Offering Ductless Heat Pumps and Regular Ducted Heat Pumps in Hillsboro and All Surrounding Areas

Residential Heat Pump Installation on the exterior wall of an aesthetically-pleasing living room

In recent years, heat pumps have become one of the most widely used and efficient ways to heat and cool your home. According to IESO research, home heat pumps can save heating expenditures by 60%. No wonder so many homeowners are searching for information about the best heat pump option for their home because of the increased emphasis on saving money on energy.

Could a ducted heat pump system be a viable alternative to mini-splits? You may find it difficult to decide whether one of the numerous models, kinds, and combinations is the best fit for your home and your particular heating and cooling requirements.

Various criteria will determine the best heat pump option for you. Do you have a bungalow, or do you prefer a more open floor plan? Is there a duct system in place already? If so, which rooms in your house do you wish to cool or heat at the same time? Ductless (mini-split) heat pumps and ducted systems both have their advantages and disadvantages, and it's up to you to weigh those advantages and disadvantages before making a decision.


Looking quick and reliable heat pump installation services for your home? We've got the right team!

Quick FAQs:

  • Which Heat Pump is Best for You?

    You have a wide range of options to choose from when installing a new air conditioning system or a heat pump in your home nowadays. Do you prefer a traditional heat pump that utilizes duct ventilation for ventilation? Or are you considering the ductless mini-split alternative, which uses a series of air handlers to distribute air around the house?


    A person's unique set of circumstances frequently dictates the answer to a question like this. When making a purchase, you should always consult with a professional, and we at Best Owner Direct HVAC & Electrical believe this to be the case. We'll take a closer look at some of the elements that could influence your decision.


  • Ducted vs Ductless Heat Pump

    There are a few things to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to go with a ducted or ductless heat pump. Installing a heat pump can help you save money on your utility bills, especially when heating your home with electricity. Because of the many options, how can you know which one to go with?

  • What is a Heat Pump?

    A heat pump shifts heat from one location to another. This is a more efficient and "greener" way to generate heat than using a furnace. A heat pump is often cheaper than that of a furnace when you're purchasing new.


    Heating isn't the only function of a heat pump; despite its name, You can also use your heat pump as a cooling system. Remove heat from within your home and send it outside by using this method.

    On the other hand, heat pumps can't be used in areas where there isn't enough heat to go around. You should avoid a heat pump if you reside where the temperature frequently falls below freezing.


  • How Does a Heat Pump Work?

    Heat is transferred from one location to another utilizing a compressor and a liquid or gas refrigerant, known as heat pumping. 


    The heat is taken from the outside and brought inside. Between two heat exchangers, the refrigerant is pumped by the compressor—low-pressure evaporation of the refrigerant in single-coil permits it to absorb heat.


    The refrigerant is then compressed and delivered to the second coil, where it condenses under high pressure. Afterward, the heat is disbursed throughout the house.

  • When Should You Choose a Ductless Heat Pump?

    The fact that ductless heat pumps recycle energy makes them more efficient than other HVAC systems. They also use electricity, which can be a benefit, instead of burning gas. On the other hand, ductless systems may not be appropriate or functional in every home.


    If the cooling/heating needs or gain-rate/heat-loss isn't too high, they perform well. This means that they must be used in conjunction with high-quality insulation and seals. They're also ideal for smaller homes and apartments, and buildings with only a few rooms that require cooling or heating.


    The opposite also works fine. If you're putting a mini-split heat pump (MHP) in a small house or a specific room that's well-insulated and airtight, you're definitely installing far more than that room needs. Manufacturers produce MHPs in a variety of sizes. A well-designed forced-air system can deliver the ideal amount of energy to a room. A mini-split system requires you to choose the one that works best for your home's heating and cooling needs.


    That being said, self-modulating mini-split heat pumps with well-made mini-splits that can be adapted to the room's heating or cooling requirements are beginning to emerge. Modulating units, such as a heat pump or gas furnace, can be installed in the ceiling or wall-mounted mini-split units even when the ducted system is not suitable.


  • When Should You Choose a Ducted Heat Pump?

    Mini-split heat pumps may be more expensive to install than other systems, despite lower rebates and running costs that help offset the upfront costs. On the other hand, ducted systems provide a more integrated aesthetic that many people might prefer over the ductless system's indoor characteristics, even though they require more substantial installation.


    Ductless systems also necessitate a location to drain condensate water from each indoor air handler. Due to the relatively new design of the ductless unit, many users are more familiar with and satisfied with ducted heat pumps as a preferred heating option.


    There's a strong reason to continue with what you're familiar with, such as a good exchange rate, humidity control, filtration, and airflow. You should also take into account the layout and structural design of your home when deciding which system is most suited for your needs.


    The installation must properly size the location of each unit to ensure adequate humidity and temperature management. Heating and cooling experts can help you select which unit is best for your home and your wallet by doing a home visit or analyzing images before installing the equipment.


Ductless Heat Pumps

The most prevalent type of heat pump is the ductless mini-split. The heated or cooled air is blown straight into the room. They are better suited for heating smaller areas, as the air can't be pushed around.


A head unit is mounted on the wall in the interior of the house. An associated unit is mounted on the building's exterior. This system comprises two elements that work together to warm the air inside by drawing heat from the outside and bringing it in.



When the temperature drops below -15 degrees Celsius, ductless heating systems are an excellent energy-efficient heat source. Still, you'll need a backup heat source to maintain a comfortable temperature. Most homes with ductless mini-split heat pump systems keep their baseboard heating units in place and only switch them on when the temperature drops below freezing.

Pros of Ductless Heat Pumps

A ductless heat pump is an excellent choice in many situations.

  • You can achieve minimal intrusion by using ductless heat pumps. You only need to drill a small hole in the wall (but don't try this at home!)
  • To put it another way, they're cheaper than ducted heat pumps.
  • The ideal temperature settings for each room can be created using ductless heat pumps.
  • They're efficient, so that's a bonus. When compared to electric resistance-based solutions, you can save 60% on heating expenditures. Traditional air conditioners are 30 percent more expensive to run.
  • You may be able to get a discount from your utility company.
  • According to your preference, it can be placed on the wall, the floor or the ceiling.

Ducted Heat Pumps

Internal and external units in ducted heat pumps are used to distribute and process energy from the outside air into a system that can be used to heat a home. A ducted heat pump system takes longer to install, especially if an electrical update is required.


There are many advantages to installing a ducted heat pump in a home with ductwork. A more energy-efficient forced-air system can be installed to replace your old one by utilizing your existing ductwork.

Pros of Ducted Heat Pumps

If you hear the term "heat pump," you're more likely to think of a ductless model. Ductwork can be useful in the home.

  • They're effective and efficient at what they do. An air-source heat pump can deliver up to three times as much heat energy as it consumes by an electrical power source. It's even more efficient to use ground-source heat pumps.
  • Having a duct system is a time-saver. A single heating unit can be used to heat an entire house if the ductwork is extended throughout the property (depending on size).
  • When a room isn't in use, the vents can be closed.
  • There are no ugly components in view because the ducts are encased in the walls.
  • This is the most common type of heat pump; therefore, most contractors should be able to handle the job.

We're Your Local Commercial and Residential Heat Pump Professionals

A commercial ductless heat pump installed on the grassy area near the gray exterior walls of a building

Knowing which option to choose for your home can be confusing.


It all relies on your circumstances and what is most essential in your life as far as we're concerned. You should consider a ducted heat pump if:

  • You’re Building a new house.
  • Do you already have ducting in place?
  • Are you worried about the price of installation?
  • A mini-split system doesn't appeal to me.
  • If any of the following situations apply:
  • Is it possible to efficiently heat and cool a smaller structure, such as an outbuilding or an addition?
  • Are there several rooms on your property that are rarely used?
  • Dust allergies are a problem for me.
  • Want a minimally invasive system for a historic or older home that allows for more precise temperature management in each space

When trying to figure out whether or not ductless or ducted heat pumps are better for your home, contact Best Owner Direct HVAC & Electrical. You can rely on our team of experts to help you find a solution that works best for your home.

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Best Owner Direct HVAC & Electrical is your local, independent, family-owned and operated, residential and commercial HVAC service, repair and installation team. We're a trade ally of the Energy Trust of Oregon and our certified professionals offer services for all major brands. With over 20 years of experience, our team can handle all of your HVAC needs.


Free estimates available for installations. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment!

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