Single-Zone vs. Multi-Zone Heat Pumps

Are you familiar with the pros and cons of single-zone vs. multi-zone heat pumps? A high-efficiency, air-source heat pump can provide one-and-a-half to three times more heat energy to a home than the electrical energy it consumes. That’s huge! Making the switch could mean energy savings for your home and dollar savings for your wallet. Find out which of these systems is right for you and your family.

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Air Source Heat Pumps

In general, air source heat pumps (ASHPs) work by transferring heat between your house and the outside air. They use refrigerant-flow technology to effectively absorb and transfer heat – a process that’s more energy-efficient than the procedure used by your electric heater. Indeed, these devices can trim electricity use by 30 to 40 percent in moderate climates, a great investment for any home or business.

The demand for higher-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) products – coupled with increases in regulated energy efficiency – has made ASHPs more widely available in recent years. Single-zone and multi-zone heat pumps are some of the most popular products for residential applications. In fact, single- and multi-zone ductless systems are set to account for nearly 30 percent of the revenue for all North American energy-efficient systems by 2020. There’s good reason for this:

Benefits

  • Energy Efficient: ASHPs deliver one to three times more energy than the electricity they consume.
  • Versatile (All Year Long): ASHPs can heat your home in the winter and cool your home in the summer.
  • Energy Effective: An ASHP can help lower your fuel bills, especially if you are replacing older, inefficient heating and cooling systems.
  • Easy: ASHPs are easy to install and require little maintenance.
  • More Control: ASHPs offer more precise control of your indoor temperature.
  • Reduced Dust and Allergens: Variable speed blowers on ASHPs can lower the amount of dust and allergens blown into your home.
  • Improved Design: ASHPs have improved electric motor and two-speed compressor designs.

Single-Zone vs. Multi-Zone Heat Pumps

Are you ready to compare single-zone vs. multi-zone heat pumps? Single-zone systems are designed for a single room with one outdoor condenser matched to one indoor head. Multi-zone installations, on the other hand, can have two or more indoor heads connected to one outdoor condenser. Multi-zone indoor heads vary by size and style and each creates its own “zone” of comfort, allowing you to heat or cool individual rooms, hallways, and open spaces.

  1. Multi-Zone Pros
    • Less expensive than purchasing more than one single-zone system
    • Only one outdoor unit is affixed to the side of your home, which can be more aesthetically pleasing
    • You have much more control over how warm and cool different rooms are
    • Can be equipped with remote controls
  2. Multi-Zone Cons
    • One outdoor unit means that if there’s an issue with that unit, all of your indoor heads go down
    • The more indoor units that are attached to the same outdoor unit, the lower efficiency you’ll get from that system
    • Most popular brands don’t make their most efficient models available as a multi-zone system
  3. Single-Zone Pros
    • You’ll have the option of buying the most efficient models for each brand
    • If there are issues with the outdoor unit, you only lose one indoor zone
    • They are 20 to 30 percent more efficient than multi-zone systems
    • Work better at colder temperatures
    • Less equipment means fewer repair issues
    • Longer-lasting
    • You diversify your investment when you purchase more heat sources
  4. Single-Zone Cons
    • Generally more expensive on a “per head” basis than a multi-zone system (however they cost less to run)
    • You will have more than one outdoor unit affixed to the home, which some people dislike aesthetically

What’s The Right Choice For Your Home?

There are a lot of factors to consider when comparing single-zone vs. multi-zone heat pumps for your home. At Long Heating and Cooling, we can complete a room-by-room heat loss analysis of your home before recommending a product. We can also work with you to plan and install your single- or multi-zone heat pump properly.

Long Heating and Cooling has been in the heating and cooling business for over 35 years. We believe our invaluable experience aids us in every step of the installation process and gives us a critical advantage over the competition. We serve Springfield, Branson, Ozark, and many of the surrounding Missouri communities. Call us today at (417) 581-8138 or schedule a service online. We’ll provide you with a free estimate!