What Is the Difference Between Ducted and Ductless Heat
The main difference: ducted heat pumps distribute conditioned air through a home’s ductwork; ductless (mini-split) heat pumps use individual wall-mounted indoor units in each room or zone. Both are heat pumps — the choice depends on your home’s infrastructure and goals. ROMA Heating & Cooling has been Greater Vancouver’s trusted HVAC contractor since 1999. We’re TSBC-licensed, fully insured, and rated 4.8★ by over 158 verified customers.
Ducted Heat Pumps — How They Work
A ducted heat pump connects an outdoor unit to an air handler (like a furnace, but a heat pump coil instead of a gas burner). The air handler circulates conditioned air through your existing ductwork to every room in the house. Some ducted systems use a dedicated slim-profile heat pump air handler (like the Daikin Fit or Mitsubishi Zuba-Central).
Best for: Homes with existing ductwork in good condition; whole-home heating and cooling in one system; replacing a gas furnace while keeping existing duct distribution.
Ductless (Mini-Split) Heat Pumps — How They Work
A ductless system connects an outdoor unit to one or more indoor wall units via refrigerant lines running through a small hole in the wall. Each indoor unit heats or cools its zone independently. No ductwork is required.
Best for: Homes without ductwork; adding heating/cooling to a specific room or suite; older homes and heritage properties where duct installation is impractical; zoned comfort control.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Ducted | Ductless |
|---|---|---|
| Requires ductwork | Yes | No |
| Indoor units visible | Only vents (same as furnace) | Wall units in each zone |
| Whole-home coverage | Yes, with existing ducts | With 3–4 zones |
| Installation disruption | Less (uses existing ducts) | Minimal (small holes for line sets) |
| Zone control | Limited (without zone dampers) | Independent per indoor unit |
| Typical cost | $7,000–$14,000 | $3,000–$14,000 (varies by zones) |
| Efficiency | Very high (but duct losses apply) | Highest (no duct losses) |
ROMA’s Recommendation for Greater Vancouver Homes
For homes with ductwork in good condition, a ducted system offers seamless whole-home coverage. For older Vancouver homes without ducts, or for homes adding a basement suite or addition, ductless is the practical and economical choice.
Service Areas
We install ducted and ductless heat pumps throughout Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, New Westminster, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Delta, Langley, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, and Abbotsford.
- Can I have both ducted and ductless heat pumps in the same home?
- Yes — hybrid configurations are common in Greater Vancouver. A ducted heat pump handles the main floors; a ductless mini-split serves a basement suite or garage conversion independently. ROMA designs combined systems regularly.
- Are ductless heat pumps as efficient as ducted systems?
- Ductless systems are typically slightly more efficient because they eliminate duct losses (ducted systems lose 15–25% of heat through ductwork in unconditioned spaces). However, ducted systems with well-sealed, insulated ductwork in conditioned spaces can achieve comparable efficiency.
- Do ductless heat pumps require any construction?
- Minimal. Installation requires a small (3-inch) hole through the exterior wall for the refrigerant lines, and a 240V electrical circuit from your panel. No ductwork, no framing, no major renovation. A typical single-zone ductless installation takes 4–6 hours.
- How many ductless zones do I need to heat a typical Greater Vancouver home?
- A 1,500–2,000 sq ft open-plan home typically needs 2–3 zones (main living area + master bedroom + optional basement or upper floor). More compartmentalized floor plans may need 4–6 zones. ROMA assesses your floor plan and makes a zone recommendation during the site visit.
- Which heat pump type qualifies for better rebates in BC?
- Both ducted and ductless systems are rebate-eligible, provided they meet efficiency requirements. Ducted systems used as the primary heating source typically qualify for maximum CleanBC rebates. ROMA confirms rebate eligibility for your specific system during the assessment.
Related Services
- furnace repair Greater Vancouver
- boiler repair Greater Vancouver
- heat pump installation Greater Vancouver
Book Your Service
Call ROMA Heating & Cooling at (604) 924-7273 or request a free quote online. Serving Greater Vancouver since 1999 — TSBC licensed, fully insured.
What Greater Vancouver Homeowners Say
“Nelson worked hard to get the NTI unit fixed. He was always polite, courteous and on time.”
“As always Nelson was super efficient. Showed up on time and was quick to work. I had a full maintenance done on the fireplaces and furnace. He was awesome. I won’t use anyone else.”
“Excellent service. Andy had a spare Carrier inducer with him which saved us time.”
“Was very prompt to respond to our issues. Technician was scheduled for the day following my initial call.”
“Very professional heating company. Price is reasonable, excellent work.”
“Highly recommend this company. It was a pleasure dealing with Shawn and Nelson.”
“Professional and courteous technicians with attention to detail and customer needs.”
“Always great, friendly service. Serviced the hot water on-demand system. Honest and informative. Thanks!”
“Speedy response time, honest, and professional service from start to finish.”
Why Greater Vancouver Trusts ROMA Heating & Cooling
ROMA Heating & Cooling has installed, repaired and maintained heating and cooling systems across Metro Vancouver since 1999. Our team are TSBC-licensed gas fitters (Gas LGA0202903) and Red Seal-trained technicians — licensed, bonded and insured — and we back every job with upfront, flat-rate pricing and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We hold a 4.8★ rating from 221+ Google reviews.
- Authorized for 30+ brands (Lennox, Carrier, Viessmann, Navien, Rheem & more)
- Upfront flat-rate pricing — no overtime or hidden fees
- Free, no-obligation estimates on new installations
- Locally owned & operated in Burnaby, BC
No Hidden Fees
Our service rates are transparent and easy to understand. You approve upfront, flat-rate pricing before we start — so you never get a bill you didn’t expect.
Licensed & Bonded
ROMA is a TSBC-licensed gas contractor (Gas LGA0202903). Our technicians are bonded, insured and Red Seal-trained — qualified for any heating or cooling system.
Free Estimates
We offer free, no-obligation estimates on new installations — furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, air conditioners, tankless and hot-water tanks.
ROMA Heating & Cooling is a trusted HVAC contractor serving Metro Vancouver since 1999. We specialize in furnace repair, heat pump installation, boiler services, air conditioning, and emergency heating solutions for residential, commercial, and government clients. Available 24/7, our certified technicians deliver fast, reliable, and affordable HVAC services across Greater Vancouver.