Energy Makeover: Upgrade to a ductless heat pump

If you live in a home without ductwork — or with an outdated system — upgrading to a ductless heat pump could be a smart energy-saving move. PGE employee Sarah faced this challenge with her 1960s all-electric home. Soon after moving in, her radiant ceiling heat failed in several rooms. While the rest of the home had vintage charm, the heating system was outdated and inefficient.

“I knew I needed to replace it,” Sarah said. “And I wanted something that would make my home more efficient, more comfortable and more future ready.”

Why she chose a ductless heat pump

Ductless heat pumps, also known as ductless heating and cooling systems or “mini-splits,” are ideal for homes without ducts. Here’s why Sarah went this route:

1. No ducts, no problem: A ductless heat pump connects an outdoor compressor to compact indoor units via small cables. No major remodeling required.

2. Lower energy costs: These systems can reduce electric heating bills by up to 50%.*

3. Zoned comfort: Sarah started with two indoor units in the areas where the heat had failed and planned to expand over time. Each unit can be controlled separately for customized comfort.

“The system heats my living areas really well — and now I also have air conditioning, which I didn’t have before,” Sarah said.

Quick and easy installation

Sarah reports the installation process was “super easy.”

After getting a couple of bids, she chose Bruton Comfort Control, a PGE-approved contractor. The crew arrived in the morning and had the new system up and running by that afternoon.

Incentives helped cut the cost **

Thanks to Energy Trust of Oregon incentives, manufacturer rebates and a tax credit, Sarah brought her $6,400 installation cost down to $4,300. She received:

• An instant rebate from PGE’s approved contractor

• Manufacturer rebates

• An Energy Trust of Oregon instant incentive

• An Oregon Residential Energy Tax Credit

How does she like it?

“I love the efficiency,” Sarah said. “The house is warm, the heat is evenly distributed across all rooms, and the system is quiet. And, of course, I’m really excited for the air conditioning this summer!”

Is ductless heating and cooling right for you?

Ductless systems are popular around the world and increasingly common in the U.S. They’re especially well suited for:

• Homes without existing ductwork

• Older homes with baseboard or ceiling heat

• Spaces where duct upgrades would be costly and disruptive

• Home additions or detached units like ADUs

• Replacing loud window AC units

Want to learn more?

Check these resources:

• See how a ductless heat pump works

• Take our Heat Pump Quiz

• Cash incentives, special discounts and tax credits on heat pumps

• PGE-approved heat pump contractors

• ENERGY STAR® ductless heating and cooling info

* Compared to electric heat such as baseboards. Savings on a ducted system is up to 40%. Individual circumstances will vary. Ask your contractor for more information.

** Incentives, rebates and tax credits are subject to change. To make sure your heat pump meets all qualifying criteria, consult with your contractor, a tax advisor and visit EnergyTrust.org.