Resources for Ductless Heat Pumps in Colder Climates

A version of this article was originally posted to GoingDuctless.com, which was retired on April 1, 2022.

Cold-climate ductless heat pumps can provide comfortable heating when outdoor temperatures are as low as -15°F. BetterBuiltNW offers multiple resources to help installers select, size, and install these systems to ensure maximum performance and energy savings for their customers.

First, BetterBuiltNW offers a Cold Climate Ductless Heat Pump Installation Guide to assist contractors and utilities in cold climates. In this context, cold climates are defined as IECC Climate Zones 5 and 6 and Northwest Power and Conservation Council Heating Zones 2 and 3.

Northwest Power and Conservation Council: Heating Zones by County

The installer guide is not an exhaustive installation manual, nor is it designed to replace manufacturer training instructions or the Best Practices Installer Guide. Instead, the resource gives installers an accessible, easy-to-use guide for installing reliable and efficient heating and cooling systems in the Northwest’s colder climate areas. When followed, these practices can reduce callbacks and improve the reliability and energy efficient operation of the ductless heat pump.

In addition, the resources listed below—provided by the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA), Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP), and the Center for Energy and Environment—equip installers with the knowledge and tools they need to provide their customers with maximum comfort and savings at the lowest temperatures of the year.

• Cold climate ductless heat pump installation practices (PDF | Blog)
• Instructional videos on how to use NEEA’s free HVAC Sizing Tool to properly size a ductless system for your customers
• Sizing and selection guidelines for heating displacement and replacement with heat pumps
• A list of heat pump products that meet cold-climate specifications

These cold-climate resources are meant to equip installers with the knowledge and tools they need to provide their customers with maximum comfort and savings at the lowest temperatures of the year.