Understanding the Two Types of Heat Pumps
If you’re researching heat pump options for your Bay Area home, you’ve probably encountered two main system types: ductless mini-splits and central (ducted) heat pumps. Both use the same heat pump technology to move heat rather than generate it, but they deliver conditioned air to your home in fundamentally different ways.
Understanding the differences between these systems is essential for making the right choice for your Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose, or other Bay Area home.
The short answer: Mini-splits don’t use ductwork and heat/cool individual rooms. Central heat pumps connect to your home’s duct system and condition the entire house at once. But there’s much more to consider.
What Is a Ductless Mini-Split?
A ductless mini-split system consists of an outdoor compressor/condenser unit connected to one or more indoor air-handling units mounted on walls, ceilings, or floors. Refrigerant lines, power cables, and a condensate drain run through a small 3-inch hole in the wall, eliminating the need for ductwork.
How Mini-Splits Work
- The outdoor unit compresses and circulates refrigerant
- Refrigerant travels through insulated copper lines to indoor units
- Each indoor unit has its own fan, evaporator coil, and air filter
- Individual units can be controlled independently for zone-by-zone comfort
Mini-Split Configurations
- Single-zone: One outdoor unit connected to one indoor unit
- Multi-zone: One outdoor unit connected to 2-8 indoor units
- Ceiling cassette: Recessed into ceiling for minimal visual impact
- Wall-mounted: Most common, mounted high on interior walls
- Floor-mounted: Low profile, ideal for rooms with limited wall space
- Concealed duct: Small ducted unit for closets or attic installation
What Is a Central (Ducted) Heat Pump?
A central heat pump works just like a central air conditioning system, but with reverse capability for heating. It consists of an outdoor unit and an indoor air handler connected to your home’s existing ductwork. The system heats or cools the entire home simultaneously through supply and return vents.
How Central Heat Pumps Work
- The outdoor unit contains the compressor and reversing valve
- Refrigerant travels to/from the indoor air handler
- The air handler’s blower pushes conditioned air through ductwork
- Supply vents deliver heated or cooled air to each room
- Return vents pull air back for reconditioning
Central Heat Pump Configurations
- Split system: Separate outdoor and indoor units (most common)
- Packaged unit: All components in single outdoor cabinet
- Single-stage: On/off operation
- Two-stage: High and low settings for better comfort
- Variable-speed: Modulates capacity for optimal efficiency (like Carrier Infinity)
Key Differences: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Ductless Mini-Split | Central Heat Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Ductwork required | No | Yes |
| Zone control | Built-in (each unit independent) | Requires dampers/zoning system |
| Typical efficiency | 20-42 SEER2 | 15-24 SEER2 |
| Installation complexity | Lower (no duct work) | Higher if ducts need repair/installation |
| Upfront cost (single zone) | $3,500-$6,000 | $8,000-$15,000 |
| Upfront cost (whole home) | $15,000-$30,000+ | $12,000-$22,000 |
| Visual impact | Indoor units visible | Hidden (vents only) |
| Noise level indoor | 19-32 dB | 35-50 dB (at vents) |
| Best for | Room additions, homes without ducts | Homes with existing ductwork |
Efficiency Comparison: Which Saves More on PG&E Bills?
For Bay Area homeowners dealing with high PG&E bills, efficiency matters.
Mini-Split Efficiency Advantages
Ductless systems typically achieve higher efficiency ratings for several reasons:
No duct losses: Central systems lose 20-30% of conditioned air through duct leaks and thermal transfer. Mini-splits deliver 100% of their output directly to living spaces.
Zone heating/cooling: Only condition rooms you’re using rather than the entire home. A family spending evenings in the living room doesn’t need to heat empty bedrooms.
Variable-speed inverter technology: Most mini-splits use inverter compressors that modulate capacity from 10-100%, avoiding the energy waste of on/off cycling.
Higher SEER2 ratings: Premium mini-splits like the Carrier 40DERA reach 38+ SEER2, while even excellent central heat pumps like the Carrier Infinity 24 max out around 24 SEER2.
Central Heat Pump Efficiency Advantages
Despite lower raw ratings, central systems can be more efficient in some scenarios:
Whole-home heating: If you use most rooms throughout the day, a central system’s slightly lower efficiency may cost less than running 5-6 mini-split heads.
Existing sealed ducts: If your home already has well-sealed, insulated ductwork, duct losses are minimal.
Hybrid/dual fuel capability: Central heat pumps easily integrate with gas furnace backup for a dual fuel system, optimizing efficiency across all temperatures.
Real-World Bay Area Efficiency
For most Oakland and Berkeley homes, both system types provide excellent efficiency. Our mild climate means heat pumps operate in their optimal temperature range (40-75°F) most of the year.
A typical Bay Area comparison:
- Mini-split (22 SEER2): ~$80-120/month heating/cooling
- Central heat pump (18 SEER2): ~$100-140/month heating/cooling
- Older central AC + furnace: ~$180-280/month
Installation Costs: Bay Area 2025 Pricing
Mini-Split Installation Costs
Single-zone mini-split (one room):
- Equipment: $1,500-$3,500
- Installation labor: $1,500-$2,500
- Total: $3,000-$6,000
Multi-zone mini-split (3-4 zones):
- Equipment: $6,000-$12,000
- Installation labor: $4,000-$8,000
- Electrical upgrades: $500-$2,000
- Total: $10,500-$22,000
Whole-home mini-split (5-8 zones):
- Equipment: $12,000-$20,000
- Installation labor: $6,000-$12,000
- Electrical upgrades: $1,000-$3,000
- Total: $19,000-$35,000
Central Heat Pump Installation Costs
With existing ductwork:
- Equipment: $5,000-$12,000
- Installation labor: $3,000-$6,000
- Minor duct repairs: $500-$1,500
- Total: $8,500-$19,500
New ductwork required:
- Equipment: $5,000-$12,000
- New ductwork: $5,000-$15,000
- Installation labor: $4,000-$8,000
- Total: $14,000-$35,000
Dual fuel system (heat pump + furnace backup):
- Equipment: $8,000-$18,000
- Installation labor: $4,000-$8,000
- Total: $12,000-$26,000
For detailed pricing in your area, see our guides on San Jose furnace replacement costs and AC installation costs.
When to Choose a Ductless Mini-Split
Mini-splits are the better choice when:
1. Your Home Has No Existing Ductwork
Many older Berkeley Victorians, Alameda bungalows, and San Francisco row houses were built before central HVAC. Installing new ductwork costs $5,000-$15,000 and may require dropping ceilings, building soffits, or sacrificing closet space.
Mini-splits require only a 3-inch hole per unit, preserving your home’s character and avoiding invasive construction.
2. You’re Adding a Room or ADU
For home additions, garage conversions, or accessory dwelling units (ADUs), mini-splits provide independent climate control without extending existing ductwork.
Many Bay Area homeowners add single-zone mini-splits to:
- Converted garages
- Attic bedrooms
- Sunrooms and additions
- Home offices
- In-law units
3. You Have Uneven Temperatures
If some rooms are always too hot or cold, mini-splits let you address problem areas without overhauling your entire HVAC system. Common scenarios:
- Upstairs bedrooms that overheat in summer
- Bonus rooms over garages
- Sunlit rooms with excessive solar gain
- Rooms far from the main HVAC unit
Our guide on zone control systems explains how to solve uneven heating throughout your home.
4. You Only Need to Condition Part of the Home
If you live alone in a 3-bedroom house, why heat and cool all three bedrooms? Mini-splits let you condition only the spaces you use, potentially cutting energy costs 30-50%.
5. Maximum Efficiency Is Your Priority
For homeowners focused on minimizing energy use and carbon footprint, mini-splits offer the highest available efficiency ratings. The best models achieve COP (coefficient of performance) values exceeding 4.0, meaning 4 units of heat output for every 1 unit of electricity input.
When to Choose a Central Heat Pump
Central heat pumps make more sense when:
1. Your Home Already Has Quality Ductwork
If your Concord, Walnut Creek, or San Ramon home was built in the 1980s-2000s with central HVAC, you likely have functional ductwork. Replacing an old furnace and AC with a heat pump is straightforward and cost-effective.
Before installation, we inspect and seal ductwork to minimize losses. Properly sealed ducts lose only 5-10% of conditioned air.
2. You Want Hidden Equipment
Some homeowners dislike the look of wall-mounted mini-split heads. Central systems are invisible except for supply/return vents, preserving your home’s aesthetic.
Central heat pumps are ideal for:
- Modern homes with clean, minimalist design
- Homes where all rooms need conditioning
- Situations where wall space is limited
3. You Want Dual Fuel Capability
If you’re concerned about heat pump performance during rare cold snaps or want the option of gas backup, central heat pumps integrate seamlessly with gas furnaces. Our dual fuel installation case study shows how this combination works in practice.
Mini-splits can’t use furnace backup, though some models include electric resistance heating strips for emergency use.
4. You Have Multiple Occupants Using the Whole Home
For families who use most rooms throughout the day, central systems’ whole-home approach is more practical than managing 6-8 mini-split zones.
5. You Want Simpler Maintenance
Central systems have one indoor unit to service. Mini-splits require cleaning filters in each indoor head (monthly), and professional maintenance includes checking multiple refrigerant connections.
Our maintenance plans cover both system types with comprehensive tune-ups.
Bay Area-Specific Considerations
Climate Factors
The Bay Area’s mild climate favors both system types:
Coastal areas (San Francisco, Daly City, Pacifica): Rarely need heating below 45°F or cooling above 75°F. Mini-splits excel in this moderate range. Central heat pumps also perform well but may be oversized for minimal heating/cooling loads.
Inland valleys (Concord, Livermore, San Jose): Summer highs reaching 100°F and winter lows occasionally dropping to 30°F. Both systems handle this range, but dual fuel options provide extra security for coldest nights.
Hills and microclimates (Oakland Hills, Los Gatos, Saratoga): Temperature variations within the same property. Mini-splits’ zone control excels at handling sunny vs. shaded sides of the home.
PG&E Rate Considerations
With PG&E electric rates averaging $0.40-$0.55/kWh, efficiency matters. However, both modern heat pump types are far more efficient than older HVAC systems:
- Heat pump COP of 3.0 = 300% efficient
- Gas furnace at 96% AFUE = 96% efficient
- Electric resistance at 100% efficient
Even with high electric rates, heat pumps cost less to operate than gas furnaces for most of the Bay Area heating season.
Rebates and Incentives
Both system types qualify for significant incentives:
Federal tax credit: 30% of equipment and installation costs (up to $2,000 for heat pumps)
PG&E rebates: Energy efficiency incentives for qualifying equipment
HEEHRA rebates: Income-qualified households may receive $2,000-$8,000 for heat pump installations
Visit our Bay Area HVAC Rebate Finder to calculate your potential savings.
Carrier Options: Our Top Recommendations
As a Carrier dealer, we install both mini-split and central heat pump systems from one of the industry’s most trusted brands.
Carrier Mini-Splits
Carrier 40MDQA (Comfort Series):
- 17.5-20 SEER2 efficiency
- Inverter compressor technology
- Quiet operation (24 dB indoor)
- Good value for single-zone applications
- 10-year parts warranty
Carrier 40MQRA (Performance Series):
- Up to 22 SEER2 efficiency
- Wi-Fi capable with Carrier app control
- Enhanced filtration for better indoor air quality
- Multi-zone compatible (up to 5 indoor units)
- 10-year parts warranty
Carrier Central Heat Pumps
Carrier Performance 25HPA8:
- Up to 17 SEER2 / 9.5 HSPF2
- Two-stage operation for better comfort
- Excellent value for duct-equipped homes
- Compatible with dual fuel setups
- 10-year parts warranty
Carrier Infinity 24ANB1:
- Up to 24 SEER2 / 13 HSPF2
- Variable-speed Greenspeed intelligence
- Works with Carrier Infinity thermostat for optimal efficiency
- Ultra-quiet operation
- 10-year parts warranty
For more on Carrier equipment, see our Carrier vs. Lennox furnace comparison and best Carrier AC for Bay Area guides.
Hybrid Approach: Combining Both Systems
Some Bay Area homeowners achieve the best results by combining central and ductless systems:
Common Hybrid Configurations
Central heat pump + mini-split for problem rooms: Main house conditioned by central system, with a mini-split added for:
- Master bedroom for personalized comfort
- Home office with different schedule than rest of house
- Bonus room that central system struggles to reach
Existing furnace + mini-splits for cooling: Keep functional gas furnace for heating, add mini-splits for cooling in homes without AC ductwork. Later convert furnace to heat pump for full electrification.
Central heat pump + mini-splits for ADU: Main home uses central system, accessory dwelling unit gets independent mini-split with separate utility metering.
Making Your Decision: Key Questions
Answer these questions to determine which system fits your situation:
-
Does your home have existing ductwork?
- Yes, in good condition → Central heat pump likely most cost-effective
- Yes, but leaky/damaged → Compare duct repair cost vs. mini-split installation
- No ductwork → Mini-split usually best choice
-
How many zones/rooms need conditioning?
- 1-2 rooms → Mini-split
- Whole home (4+ rooms) → Central heat pump or multi-zone mini-split
- Whole home + problem areas → Hybrid approach
-
What’s your budget?
- Under $10,000 → Single-zone mini-split or basic central heat pump
- $10,000-$20,000 → Multi-zone mini-split or premium central heat pump
- $20,000+ → Whole-home solution with dual fuel or multiple zones
-
How important is aesthetics?
- Want hidden equipment → Central heat pump
- Don’t mind wall units → Mini-split
- Need ceiling installation → Mini-split cassettes or concealed duct
-
Do you want gas backup?
- Yes → Central heat pump with dual fuel
- No → Either system works
Get a Professional Assessment
The best way to determine which heat pump type fits your home is a professional evaluation. Our technicians assess:
- Your home’s existing HVAC infrastructure
- Room-by-room heating and cooling loads
- Ductwork condition (if applicable)
- Electrical panel capacity
- Your comfort priorities and budget
We provide honest recommendations, even if that means suggesting a less expensive solution that meets your needs.
Schedule a free consultation: Request service online or call (510) 391-5597 to discuss your options.
Whether you choose a mini-split, central heat pump, or hybrid solution, Bay Area Climate Control delivers expert installation backed by Carrier factory training and our satisfaction guarantee. We serve homeowners throughout the East Bay, South Bay, and Peninsula with honest pricing and professional service.
Explore financing options to make your heat pump upgrade affordable with payments as low as $99/month.