Ductless Heat Pumps

Ductless heat pumps, also called mini-splits, are a great option for homes that don’t have ductwork — like those with baseboard heaters, wall heaters, or radiant floor heating. These systems can both heat and cool your home and are much more energy efficient than standard electric heaters, saving 25% to 40% on heating costs.

Mini-splits are also a smart choice for home additions where adding ductwork would be difficult or expensive. Many brands and models are available, so make sure to choose one with an ENERGY STAR label to ensure you’re getting a reliable, efficient unit.

Like traditional heat pumps, mini-splits have two parts: an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units. But unlike regular systems, they don’t use ducts. Instead, each indoor unit is connected directly to the outdoor unit. You can have up to four indoor units, allowing you to create different heating and cooling zones in your home. This means you can heat or cool only the rooms you’re using, which helps save energy.

Installation is fast and easy, usually done in a day or less. Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC) currently offers an $920 rebate* for ductless heat pumps installed by a professional in homes that use electric heat. This rebate does not apply to new construction or homes with gas heat, and it’s limited to one per home, no matter how many systems are installed.

Learn more about ductless heat pumps at the Comfort Ready Homes website.

Year-Round Comfort and Long-Term Savings— A Homeowners Guide (PDF)

Dutless Heat Pumps – At a Glance (PDF)

Ductless Heat Pump Rebate Form (PDF)

*With an increased number of self-installed ductless heat pumps, or DHPs, available on the market, MEC would like to remind members that to qualify for a rebate, the DHP must be installed by a licensed HVAC contractor. Members submitting DHP rebate requests must provide receipt(s) and/or invoice(s) for the purchase and installation of qualifying DHP systems.