Ducted and Ductless
Heat Pumps

Cool in the summer, warm in the winter. Whisper quiet and energy-efficient. We bring the very best heat pump technology to our customers for maximum comfort and quality.

How does a heat pump work? 

A heat pump is an electrically powered system that transfers heat very efficiently from one place to another. The direction of that transfer is reversed to cool spaces. It’s a little like the technology used in a refrigerator, except that a heat pump can operate in both directions, providing cooling in one season, and heating in another.

Mini-split (ductless) Heat Pumps

At the heart of a mini-split heat pump is a compressor unit located outside the building, which is connected to one or more indoor air handling units via refrigerant lines. The indoor units can be mounted on walls, ceilings, or floors, and they are responsible for distributing conditioned air into the living or working spaces.

Cooling

During the cooling mode, the mini-split heat pump absorbs the heat from indoor air and transfers it outside. The refrigerant inside the system evaporates in the indoor coil, absorbing heat from the air. This low-pressure, low-temperature vapor is then sent to the outdoor unit, where the compressor increases its pressure and temperature. As the refrigerant condenses, it releases the absorbed heat into the outdoor air. The cooled refrigerant is then pumped back indoors to repeat the process.

Heating

When it’s time for heating, the system’s operation is reversed using a reversing valve. The heat pump absorbs heat from the outdoor air, even in colder temperatures, and releases it indoors. This process is highly efficient and can provide effective heating even when the outside temperature is well below freezing.

Comfort a zone at a time

One of the notable advantages of mini-split heat pumps is their zoning capability. Each indoor unit can be controlled independently, allowing different rooms or zones to be heated or cooled to different temperatures based on individual preferences. This level of customization not only enhances comfort but also contributes to energy savings by avoiding the need to condition unoccupied spaces.

Mini-split heat pumps utilize the principles of heat transfer and heat exchange to provide efficient and versatile heating and cooling solutions. Their compact design, zoning capabilities, and ability to work in a wide range of temperatures make them an attractive option for achieving comfort and energy efficiency in various settings.

Ductless mini-split versus ducted central systems

Ductless mini-split heat pumps are ideal when size and flexibility for zoning for heating or cooling individual rooms is your priority. Each unit provides heating or cooling directly into a specific space.

Ducted central systems are large single systems delivering heating and cooling to different spaces through ductwork hidden in the walls and ceilings.

Federal and Provincial Government rebates

GroundHog sells, installs and services a wide array of rebate-eligible equipment, so you get the best quality product at the best possible price, installed by experts.

Ductless and ducted heat pump FAQs

What does a mini ductless split look like?

A ductless split consists of a compressor and condenser. They are installed on the outside of the building and ‘ductwork’ is eliminated by using thin copper tubing that pumps refrigerant directly to a wall mounted unit inside the building.

Does a Ductless Split 'heat' pump work as air conditioner too?

YES! A Heat pump is not just for heat. A Ductless Split works as an air-conditioner in the summer and supplies heat in the winter.The result? Efficient cooling and heating year-round.

Will I have to do major renovations to my home to install a Ductless Split?

No! Copper tubing running through a small 3 to 4-inch opening in the wall easily connects the indoor and outdoor units. Refrigerant is cycled through the lines from the outdoor condensing unit to the indoor evaporator unit, where the air is quietly distributed into the interior space.

How much does a Ductless Split cost?

Every home is different, with different layouts and square footage. Each homeowner has specific needs for heating and air conditioning. Ground Hog Geothermal and Heat Pump Ltd. will come to your home or business and perform a free site survey and provide a quote suited for your specific needs.

Can I get a heat pump that will work with my existing duct work?

YES! A heat pump add-on is ideal to work with existing duct work

Will I have to change out my existing duct work to put in a new ducted air source or geothermal heat pump?
Only in some cases. Often heat pumps can use existing duct work.
Is professional installation required for a mini-split ductless heat pump?

Yes, professional installation is recommended to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. Proper sizing, placement, and refrigerant handling are crucial. Licensed GroundHog technicians can assess your needs and install the system correctly for reliable operation.

What are the advantages of using a mini-split ductless heat pump?

Mini-splits offer flexibility in zoning, allowing you to customize temperatures in different rooms. They’re energy-efficient, eliminating duct losses, and can be easily installed in spaces lacking ductwork. They’re also quieter and provide excellent comfort with individualized control.

What kinds of systems does Groundhog install?

We install highly-rated heat pumps of both varieties to meet the needs of our customers. Each customer may have different needs that may be better served by ducted or ductless, so we work with customers to determine which investment would most meet their needs and put together a plan to install the best system that works for them.

Fujitsu Mini-Split Heat Pumps

We install Fujitsu products when a mini-split system is the best solution for a customer. We have spent years evaluating the systems available and selected Fujitsu as the most reliable, efficient and affordable system that delivers comfort for our customers.

Fujitsu & York Ducted Heat Pump Systems

Fujitsu and YORK central ducted systems are unmatched for quality and comfort and it’s for that reason the GroundHog team has been installing these systems confidently for our customers for years.