Central vs Ductless Heat Pumps for Durham Region Renovations
Planning a major renovation or a new build in Durham Region and weighing your HVAC options? Here is a clear way to choose between a central ducted heat pump, a ductless multi-split, or a hybrid setup that pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace.
Who this guide is for?
Homeowners and builders planning additions, whole-home renovations, or new construction across Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Courtice, and Bowmanville.
The quick answer
Choose central ducted when you want even temperatures across the whole home, a clean look with no wall cassettes, and the option to run a hybrid with a furnace for deep-cold reliability.
Choose ductless multi-split when you are adding space without ducts, need room-by-room control, or want the fastest install with minimal finishing work.
Choose hybrid when winter bills and comfort matter most, and you want the furnace to take over below a set outdoor temperature.
Learn more about systems here:
Heat pumps overview
Ductless mini splits
Central ducted heat pumps: when they shine
Whole-home comfort and quiet: Air moves through a properly designed duct system, so rooms feel consistent without visible indoor units.
Great for new builds and full-gut renos: You can size equipment and ducts together for top efficiency. See how duct design boosts performance here.
Hybrid ready: Add a high-efficiency furnace as backup. The thermostat can switch to gas below a chosen balance point to protect comfort and control costs in a Durham cold snap. Learn about our furnace service.
Considerations: Requires space for a return, supply trunks, and a mechanical area. Existing undersized ducts may need upgrades to hit target airflow.
Ductless multi-split: where they excel
- Additions and top-ups: Ideal when a second-floor is warm, an addition lacks ducts, or you want targeted comfort in a home office or suite.
- Speed and flexibility: Small footprint indoors, minimal disruption to finishes, zoning by room.
- All-electric option: Pairs well with improved insulation and air sealing in smaller homes or suites.
- Considerations: Multiple indoor heads can raise installed cost compared to a single central system. Heads are visible, and filtration is localized to each room unit.
Hybrid heat pump systems in Durham Region
A hybrid uses the heat pump for most of the heating season, then hands off to a gas furnace below a temperature you choose. The result is steady comfort and strong efficiency without the worry of very low outdoor temperatures.
We set the balance point based on your home, equipment, and utility rates, then confirm performance during commissioning. More on furnaces here.
Need financing choices for larger projects?
What matters most in your decision
1.) Envelope and load
Insulation upgrades, new windows, and air sealing reduce the size of equipment you need. Smaller loads widen your options, including all-electric solutions in tighter homes.
2.) Duct design and airflow
If you choose central, the duct system must move the right cubic feet per minute at safe static pressure. That protects efficiency and keeps rooms even. We measure and design for this. Deep dive here.
3.) Zoning and control
Ductless gives each room its own setpoint. Central can use smart dampers or a simple single-zone setup, depending on layout and budget. We match equipment staging and controls to your plans.
4.) Electrical and permits
New equipment may need an electrical upgrade and permits. We coordinate with your electrician and local inspection to keep timelines on track.
Budget and timeline guideposts
Every home is unique, yet most major projects follow this pattern:
Central ducted replacement during a renovation: Fastest when walls are open and returns can be upsized.
New build central system: Design, rough-in, set equipment, final startup, and commissioning happen across the build schedule.
Ductless multi-split for additions: Typically the least disruptive path, with wall patching kept to a minimum.
If you would like a ballpark for planning, we can provide a written range after a short site review. For detailed cost discussion and rebates, start here: hvaczack.ca/heat-pump-rebates
What to expect when you work with HVAC Zack
- Design meeting: We review plans, load assumptions, and your comfort goals.
Option set: Central, ductless, or hybrid paths with clear pros and cons.
Duct and airflow plan: For central systems we size ducts, returns, and filtration for quiet, efficient operation.
Install and commissioning: We verify charge, airflow, static pressure, defrost strategy, and control logic.
Follow-up: You get a simple report with settings, filter sizes, and maintenance notes.
Related services:
Service Areas
We serve Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Courtice, Bowmanville, and beyond.
Planning a renovation or new build in Durham Region? Book a design meeting to compare central, ductless, and hybrid options for your project. We will size it right, lay out the ducts, and commission the system for peak efficiency.
Start here: hvaczack.ca/heat-pumps