Ductless mini-split (interior) installed by Russell's Heating Cooling Electric & Plumbing
April 7, 2020

No doubt that as a Virginia homeowner, you’ve heard talk about heat pumps or mini splits. These electric heating and cooling systems offer an environmentally friendly alternative to combustion furnaces and boilers, while using a fraction of the energy.

But are there any downsides to scheduling mini split installation in your home? Do you live in the right climate to benefit the most from heat pump technology? Let’s explore the pros and cons of mini splits and solve this question for homeowners in Russell’s service area, including Suffolk, Chesapeake, and Newport News.

Are Ductless Mini Splits Air Conditioners or Furnaces?

Well, actually—ductless mini split heat pumps (yes, they can go by a number of different names) function as both heating and cooling for your home. That’s just one of the benefits.

Ductless mini splits are a type of air source heat pump, an all-electric HVAC system that transfers heat instead of generating it. Heat pump technology can be used year-round to replace both your furnace and air conditioner, and it offers ultra high efficient operation, actually producing several times the amount of energy that it requires to run (for contrast, even the highest efficiency furnaces still only operate in the 95% range).

In addition to their dual-season performance capabilities, all heat pumps:

  • Save money on energy bills

  • Stop using fossil fuels to heat your home

  • Avoid the air quality risks of combustion heating systems

But ductless heat pumps, or mini splits, go even further. Without requiring a central ductwork system to operate, mini splits can be installed throughout your home, giving homeowners the opportunity to customize their heating and cooling preferences by room. 

If some members of your family like it cooler (or warmer) than others, ductless mini splits will get the job done. You can also turn off mini splits in areas of your home you don’t use as often to reduce energy usage and save even more money.

A Few Signs You Could Benefit from Ductless Mini Splits

Does your home fit the following criteria? If so, ductless mini splits could be a great match for you.

Smaller, well-insulated homes with proper air sealing

The indoor component of ductless mini splits only cover specific areas, making smaller homes with high home performance (good airtightness with sufficient insulation) the best candidates to benefit from heat pumps while keeping HVAC costs down. 

That said, an increasingly popular alternative in larger homes are what are called hybrid systems, where a furnace works in tandem with ductless mini splits to lower energy costs in a home without sacrificing comfort during very cold weather.

Homes in mild climates

While heat pump technology can still heat your home when it’s very cold out (impressively, as low as -13°F!), mini splits become less and less efficient as the temperatures drop, and homes in areas with bitter cold winters can struggle to produce enough heat to keep you comfortable throughout the entire winter (another reason why hybrid systems are becoming more common).

Heat pumps and mini splits are much more effective for homes with milder climates, like Virginia, where the average lows in December, January, and February remain above freezing. Under these conditions, heat pumps are much more efficient and can deliver reliable whole home comfort.

Russell’s Installs Mitsubishi Electric’s Ductless Mini Splits Near You

Russell’s is a Mitsubishi Diamond Dealer, and the Mitsubishi Electric mini splits we install in homes around the Hampton Roads area are among the best in the industry in efficiency and performance. If you’re looking for an air conditioning company in Virginia Beach that services mini splits, give our team of residential heating and cooling experts a call. From easy controls and energy savings to simple installation and customizable zone heating options, you’ll be glad you made the switch to a ductless mini split air conditioner heat pump system.

Is it time for an HVAC upgrade? Call (VA) 757-995-2807 / (NC) 252-489-4431 or contact us today to find out if your home is right for ductless mini split heat pumps!

Save money and get year-round comfort with ductless mini splits.

Talk to Russell’s today about a free quote!

(VA) 757-995-2807 / (NC) 252-489-4431

Schedule Service

CALL NOW

Maintenance Plans

Russell's HVAC, HVAC service technician, VA

Regular annual maintenance keeps your system operating at peak efficiency. Experience has shown that a system that runs well keeps your utility costs in line — in fact, independent 3rd party research shows that you can save over $30 per month on utility bills.

What Our Customers Are Saying

  • I can't complement your team enough on the wonderful job done with regard to the installation of the new system in our home. More specifically, we want to recognize the outstanding efforts of: Roberto-- the initial visit and diagnosis of the problem.

    Dan & Connie, Virginia Beach
  • I recently had your team install a new gas package unit including all new duct work at my house in Chesapeake. I had a split system that had undersized ducting which was removed by your installers.

    Mike & Sandi, Chesapeake, VA
  • We purchased a one time service for $79. They came out on time, checked out the geothermal system...they were very professional and kind.

    Nicholas H., Chesapeake, VA
  • We would like to thank your company for an excellent job. We are very pleased with the new (Mitsubishi ductless mini split) system that was installed last week. It works wonderfully at heating our home.

    Danny and Teresa S., Chesapeake, VA
  • Not one single idea for improvement. Keep doing what you do. OUTSTANDING!

    Charles J., Norfolk, VA
  • Great job!...World class employees!

    Colleen & Jim C., Suffolk, VA
  • Everything went great! This is the second big project we've had done through Russell's and we couldn't be more happy! We had the most dedicated, polite, and respectful crew! The team consisted of Elliot, Chase and Sean. Sean was here for the removal process on day one, and did awesome!

    J. Luhan, VA Beach
  • Hi Nate, please pass along our appreciation for you, Elliot and Steve. We are very happy with you being able to arrange our ( Lennox ) replacement system so quickly!

    T. Johnson, VA Beach
  • Thank you for running a top notch company and sending over to us two excellent folks Terry and Shawn. They did an awesome job putting in our new furnace system. Also thank you for Donald and Nate who did a superb job as well. Please reward these guys with some sort of commendations or rewards....

  • ...folks need to know how wonderful working with Russell's Heating & Air Conditioning is. They were very professional all the way thru the process of getting our unit installed down to the payment plan. I have been telling our neighbors and my co-workers about the experience.

    Pamela F., Chesapeake, VA
  • Every moment from the time an appointment was set up until the day the work was completed was a pleasure. Every employee was a delight to work with. The proof that the product was great came when the electric bills started coming in the airconditioning season.

    Douglas P., VA Beach
  • I am extremely satisfied with both the Lennox unit I purchased and the employees of Russell's. Even with poor window and door quality in this overly tired house, I am actually cooled off sufficiently enough to call it chilly.

    Robin W., Chesapeake, VA
  • Over the years I have gained the utmost trust in my service technician Corey Lesko's knowledge and work ethic while servicing my system.

  • I am writing this letter to commend your company on a great job! We were very pleased with how the company performed in every area...the installers did an impeccable job. They were very knowledgeable, efficient, and hard workers—staying focused to the task in the extreme heat.

    Pastor Larry E. O'Brien, Churchland Assembly of God
  • A year ago, I contracted with Russell's to tune up and clean the heating and cooling system. How impressively your specialist cleaned my system...he also found a defective automatic (programmable) thermostat. Quite quickly, he replaced my automatic thermostat. The results?

    R. Snider, Norfolk, VA
  • You recently installed a new Trane unit for us. We want you to know we are completely satisfied. The outside unit is now a hum versus the roar of the old one...we also want to recognize the installer...we cannot overstate what we think of his workmanship.

    K. Hawkins, Portsmouth, VA
  • Great and prompt service – as usual. Everything from ordering the a/c unit to installation went smoothly. Thanks for everything.

    B. Fenstermaker, VA Beach
  • Everyone was very nice. I felt well informed about my purchase. Your staff is great! I don't usually return opinion forms, but you need to know you have a staff you can be proud of!

    V. Horn, Chesapeake, VA
  • You have a new customer for life and I will definitely tell all my friends about your prompt, courteous service, your knowledgeable technicians, and your very reasonable prices. Thank you very much Russell's. You warmed much more than just my heart!

    G. Knoop, Chesapeake, VA
  • Your company was very responsive to my needs. The quality of your work was extremely high.

    Ms. Bright, Chesapeake, VA
  • Your workers actually made this total replacement project an enjoyable learning experience...they were always willing to stop and answer any questions. Their pleasant and cooperative attitudes cannot be praised enough!

    J. Wellons, Portsmouth, VA
  • Very pleased with both the price and service. The installation went off without a hitch and everything exceeded our expectations. When finished, the work areas, including the attic, were so clean you couldn't tell anything had been done.

    T. Marsh, VA Beach
  • Great expertise and timely service.

    H. Turbeville, Chesapeake, VA