Key takeaways
- Have good ducts? A central heat pump uses them and stays out of sight.
- No ducts, or problem rooms? Ductless mini-splits heat and cool room by room.
- Many Toronto homes mix both: central for the main floors, a ductless head for the attic room or addition.
Side by side
| Ductless (mini-split) | Central (ducted) | |
|---|---|---|
| Ductwork | None needed | Uses existing ducts |
| What you see indoors | Wall, ceiling or floor units | Just your existing vents |
| Temperature control | Room by room (zones) | Whole home (zoning optional) |
| Best for | Radiators, baseboards, additions, problem rooms | Homes with good existing ducts |
| Efficiency | Very high — no duct losses | High; depends on duct condition |
| Rebate | Eligible | Eligible |
Are your ducts good enough?
Heat pumps deliver slightly cooler air than a furnace, so they need enough airflow. Undersized or leaky ducts can cause noise and uneven rooms. Your installer should check:
- Duct size and static pressure
- Leaks and disconnected runs, especially in basements and attics
- Return-air paths from bedrooms
- Whether any rooms were always too hot or too cold
Planning ductless zones
Each indoor head serves one zone. Open-plan floors may need just one; closed-off bedrooms often need their own. One outdoor unit can serve several heads (multi-zone), or each zone gets its own (single-zone) for maximum efficiency.
Wall-mountedMost common and affordable. Mounted high on an exterior wall.
Ceiling cassetteSits flush in the ceiling and spreads air four ways. Needs space above.
Floor consoleLow on the wall — good under windows and for heating-focused rooms.
Ducted mini-splitA small concealed air handler with short ducts to serve a few rooms.
Common questions
Can I add ductless to just one room?
Yes. A single-zone ductless system is a common fix for a cold addition, attic or basement.
Are ductless heads noisy?
Indoor heads are among the quietest HVAC equipment — often around the level of a whisper on low speed. See our noise guide.