Types of Heat Pumps 2026: Air-Source vs Ground-Source vs Mini-Split

Type	Cost	Efficiency	Best For
Air-Source (Ducted)	$8-16K	HSPF 9-12	Existing ducts
Mini-Split (Ductless)	$3-5K/zone	HSPF 10-14	No ducts, zoning
Ground-Source	$20-30K	HSPF 12-16	Max efficiency

1. Air-Source Heat Pumps (Ducted Central Systems)

Installation Cost

$8,000-16,000

Efficiency Rating

9-12 HSPF

Lifespan

15-20 years

The most common type. Looks like a traditional central AC with an outdoor and indoor unit connected via ductwork.

How It Works

Air-source heat pumps extract heat from outdoor air and distribute it through your home's existing ductwork. The outdoor unit contains a compressor and coil, while the indoor air handler connects to your ducts. They're essentially reversible air conditioners that can both heat and cool.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

Works with existing ductwork (no renovation needed)
Lower upfront cost than ground-source
Simpler installation (1-2 days)
Heats and cools entire home evenly
Available in cold-climate models (-13°F+)

Disadvantages

•Requires existing ductwork (or $5K+ to install ducts)
•Less efficient than ground-source
•Efficiency drops in extreme cold
•No zone control (whole house only)
•Duct losses reduce overall efficiency

Best For

Homes with existing ductwork in good condition
Replacing an old furnace + AC combo
Whole-home heating/cooling without individual room control
Budget-conscious homeowners (lowest upfront cost)

2. Mini-Split Heat Pumps (Ductless Systems)

Cost Per Zone

$3,000-5,000

Efficiency Rating

10-14 HSPF

Lifespan

15-20 years

Ductless systems with an outdoor unit connected to 1-8 indoor wall-mounted units via refrigerant lines.

How It Works

Mini-splits bypass ducts entirely. One outdoor unit connects to multiple indoor "heads" (wall-mounted units) via small refrigerant lines that run through 3-inch holes in walls. Each head independently controls temperature in its zone. This is why they're also called "multi-zone" or "ductless" systems.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

No ductwork required (perfect for old homes)
Zone control - set different temps per room
More efficient (no duct losses = 20-30% energy savings)
Quiet operation (whisper-quiet indoor units)
Easier to install in additions or renovations

Disadvantages

•Higher cost for whole-home (need multiple zones)
•Visible indoor units (aesthetics matter to some)
•Each room needs its own head (or open floor plan)
•Regular filter cleaning required (monthly)

Best For

Homes without existing ductwork (avoid $5K+ duct installation)
Room additions, converted garages, or detached structures
Homeowners who want zone control and maximum efficiency
Multi-story homes with uneven temperatures

Cost Example: 3-Zone Mini-Split

To heat/cool a 2,000 sq ft home, you might need 3 zones (living room, bedrooms, kitchen). Cost: $9,000-15,000. More expensive than ducted but you get zone control and higher efficiency.

3. Ground-Source Heat Pumps (Geothermal)

Installation Cost

$20,000-30,000

Efficiency Rating

12-16 HSPF

Lifespan

20-25 years

The most efficient option. Uses underground pipes to exchange heat with the earth, which stays a constant 50-60°F year-round.

How It Works

Ground-source heat pumps circulate fluid through pipes buried 4-6 feet underground (horizontal) or 100-400 feet deep (vertical). The earth's constant temperature makes heat exchange more efficient than air-source systems. In winter, the ground is warmer than air; in summer, it's cooler. This stability means consistent performance regardless of weather.