Are Ductless Heat Pumps Right for an Older Victoria Home?
Many older homes in Oak Bay, Fairfield, Gordon Head and beyond were never built for ducts. Ductless heat pumps add efficient heating and cooling without tearing open walls.
Request an HVAC technicianThe problem with adding ducts
Running new ductwork through an older house means opening walls and ceilings, losing closet space and sometimes disturbing plaster or heritage finishes. In many homes it simply isn't practical.
How ductless solves it
Each indoor head connects to the outdoor unit through a line set that needs only a small hole in the wall. Heads are placed in the rooms that need them most.
Working with what you have
Ductless heads can supplement baseboards, boilers or a wood stove rather than replacing them outright. Many owners start with the main living area and add bedrooms later.
Looks and placement
Heads are visible on the wall, so think about placement with the technician. Line sets can often be routed through closets or along exterior walls in a cover that blends in.
Electrical capacity
Older homes may have smaller electrical panels. Ask the contractor to check whether a panel upgrade is needed before you commit.
Next steps
See ductless mini-splits or send a request listing the rooms you want to heat and cool.
Heritage considerations
If your home is on a heritage register or in a heritage conservation area, your municipality may have rules about what can be mounted on the outside of the house. Check before choosing where the outdoor unit and line sets go; a rear or side wall usually works.
Running costs
Compared with electric baseboards, a ductless heat pump usually uses much less electricity for the same heat, especially in Victoria's mild winters. How much you save depends on the home, insulation and how you run it.
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