Replace Oil Heat with Efficient Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pumps

100-year-old home in Linntown converts from oil to Bryant Mini-Split Heat Pumps in every space.

The owner of this classic Linntown home is a scientist and a professor at nearby Bucknell University. When she took ownership of this special home in the tightly-knit Linntown neighborhood of Lewisburg, PA, there was no question that she would convert her heating system from fossil fuel to electricity and get world-class air conditioning with a modern, multi-zone heat pump solution.

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Installation Profile: Lewisburg, PA Two-story single home

Based on $2.87/gallon for oil and 18 ¢/kWh for electricity, this shows how the cost of heating with a heat pump compares to other sources of heat.

Technical Specifications: Modern Heat Pump Evolution

• Variable-Speed Technology: Inverter-driven compressor modulates output based on demand, eliminating inefficient on/off cycling
• Low-Temperature Operation: Advanced refrigerant management enables heat extraction from ambient air at 0°F and below
• HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor): Latest Bryant models achieve ratings exceeding 10.0
• SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio): Cooling efficiency ratings up to 30+ SEER
• Refrigerant Transition: R-410A refrigerant offers zero ozone depletion potential

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Property Value & ROI Analysis

Homeowner Benefits (Lewisburg, PA Single Home, Multi-Zone Case Study):

• Increased Property Value: Modern HVAC system adds market appeal
• Reduced Maintenance Calls: Eliminates the burning elements that frequently failed or required annual maintenance
• Flexibility=Savings: Only heats the room or rooms in use. Dramatic energy savings.
• Long-Term Investment: Over 15-20 years, this is a cash flow positive heating solution that also cools

Energy Cost Projections:

• Eliminate 80,000 pounds of retail, local carbon emissions annually
• Elimination of home heating oil cost ($2,500/year)
• Average annual savings: $1,200 or more by not conditioning rooms not in use
• Federal tax credits and utility rebates were available to reduce the initial investment

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System Configuration: Lewisburg, PA Installation

Two Outdoor Condensers Power:

→ High-wall unit (all four bedrooms): now they can be heated and cooled as needed

→ a single high-wall unit to condition the kitchen, dining room, and living room spaces

→ Separate hand-held remote controls for each indoor air handler

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Understanding this Homeowner’s Savings

Energy Consumption Breakdown

Study Methodology:

• Period analyzed: 6 months (cooling and shoulder seasons)
• Comparison years: 2020 (old system) vs 2022 (Bryant ductless)
• Variables controlled: Similar weather patterns, occupancy, usage habits

Key Factors Contributing to 32% Reduction:

1. Variable-Speed Operation: Eliminates energy spikes from on/off cycling
2. Zone Control: Conditions only occupied spaces
3. Improved SEER/HSPF: Modern efficiency ratings vs 18-year-old technology
4. No Duct Losses: Direct room delivery eliminates 20-30% typical duct losses

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Technical Insights

Q: How do heat pumps produce heat at 0°F when traditional models fail at 35°F?

A: Advanced Bryant heat pumps utilize enhanced vapor injection (EVI) technology and variable-speed compressors. This allows the refrigerant cycle to maintain efficiency at much lower temperatures by managing compression ratios and refrigerant flow rates dynamically. The system can extract ambient heat energy even when outdoor temperatures approach zero.

Q: What makes the 32% energy reduction sustainable long-term?

A: Unlike window units that degrade rapidly (10-15% efficiency loss over 5 years), Bryant ductless systems maintain performance through:

• Sealed refrigerant systems with no seasonal disconnection
• Protected outdoor components designed for year-round operation
• Self-diagnostic capabilities that maintain optimal performance
• No mechanical wear from installation/removal cycles

Q: How does eliminating resistance heat impact overall efficiency?

A: Resistance heating operates at 100% efficiency (1:1 energy conversion), while modern heat pumps achieve 300-400% efficiency through heat transfer. By maintaining heat pump operation to 0°F, the Bryant system avoids the significant energy penalty of resistance strips that traditional heat pumps require below 35°F, resulting in 3-4x lower heating costs during cold weather.

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“Take a look at what the HSPF ratings are, the heat seasonal performance ratings. Take a look at the SEER ratings and take a look at what you’re going to get in the long run, so far as the return on investment for the consumer.”

– David Lamb, Peirce Phelps (Bryant Product Manager)

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Additional Considerations for Second-Floor Applications

The State College case study highlights a common challenge in Cape Cod and similar home designs. Traditional ducted systems often fail to adequately condition second floors due to:

• Insufficient duct sizing in retrofit applications
• Natural stratification of heated/cooled air
• Extended duct runs resulting in thermal losses
• Inadequate return air pathways

Bryant ductless systems solve these challenges through direct-room delivery and independent zone control, ensuring optimal comfort while maximizing efficiency.

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Our Promise to Your Family

Let’s chat about those questions you might have about ductless mini-split systems! We love helping neighbors like you find the perfect comfort solution for your home.

We understand that your home is where your heart is. That’s why we’re committed to helping you make every corner of it feel just right. A Bryant ductless system brings gentle comfort to those special spaces where you and your loved ones gather, create memories, and share life’s precious moments.

Every family deserves a home that feels comfortable and welcoming in every room, all year round. We’d be honored to help make that happen for you.

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Installation Process: Timeline & Procedures

Phase 2: On-Site Assessment & Load Calculation

Duration: 60-90 minutes
Contractor performs:

• Manual J load calculation for accurate BTU sizing
• Evaluation of electrical infrastructure
• Assessment of installation locations and refrigerant line routing
• Documentation of existing HVAC equipment specifications

Data collected:

• Square footage per zone
• Insulation R-values
• Window specifications and orientation
• Current energy consumption baseline

Phase 3: System Design & Proposal Development

Delivery timeframe: 2-3 business days post-assessment
Proposal includes:

• Equipment specifications (model numbers, SEER/HSPF ratings)
• Itemized cost breakdown
• Energy savings projections based on load calculations
• Available rebates and tax credit documentation
• Installation timeline and warranty terms

Technical specifications provided:

• BTU capacity per zone
• Electrical requirements
• Line set lengths
• Sound level ratings

Phase 4: Installation Execution

Single-zone installation: 4-8 hours
Multi-zone installation: 8-16 hours

Installation procedure:

1. Mounting bracket installation (indoor unit)
2. Refrigerant line set and condensate drain routing
3. Electrical connection (dedicated 220V circuit)
4. Outdoor unit placement and connection
5. Vacuum and pressure testing
6. Refrigerant charge verification
7. System commissioning and testing

Completion metrics:

• Temperature differential: 18-22°F (cooling mode)
• Refrigerant pressures within manufacturer specifications
• Electrical draw within rated amperage

Phase 5: System Commissioning & Documentation

Final procedures:

• Performance verification across all operating modes
• Control system programming and configuration
• Documentation of installation parameters
• Warranty registration
• Maintenance schedule establishment

Owner documentation provided:

• Operation manual
• Maintenance requirements
• Warranty documentation
• Energy efficiency certificate
• Service contact information

Key Performance Indicators

• Installation accuracy: 99.7% first-time success rate
• Timeline adherence: 95% completed within quoted timeframe
• Post-installation issues: <2% callback rate
• Customer measured savings: Verified through 12-month consumption analysis

Quality Assurance Standards

All installations performed to:

• ACCA Manual J, S, and D standards
• Local building codes and permit requirements
• EPA 608 certification requirements
• Manufacturer installation specifications
• AHRI performance rating conditions

Note: Timeline and specifications subject to site-specific variables. All installations include comprehensive testing and verification procedures to ensure rated performance levels are achieved.

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Ductless Mini-Split System: Technical Specifications & Cost Analysis

1. System Cost & Investment Analysis

Single-zone system: $5,000-$8,000 (installed)

Five-zone system: $25K-$40K

Cost variables:

• BTU capacity requirements (based on Manual J calculations)
• Number of zones/indoor units
• Equipment efficiency rating (SEER/HSPF)
• Installation complexity factors

Multi-zone pricing: Add approximately $1,500-$2,500 per additional zone

2. Energy Efficiency Metrics & Projected Savings

Efficiency ratings:

• SEER: 16-30+ (cooling efficiency)
• Traditional systems: 13-18 SEER
• Efficiency improvement: 23-67%

Typical cooling cost reduction: 30-40% based on field data Annual savings range: $300-$800 depending on usage patterns and local utility rates

3. Heating & Cooling Capacity Specifications

System type: Air-source heat pump with reversing valve Operating modes: Heating, cooling, dehumidification, fan-only Temperature range:

• Cooling: Down to 5°F outdoor temperature
• Heating: Effective to -13°F (standard), -22°F (hyper-heat models)

COP (Coefficient of Performance): 3.0-4.0 at 47°F ambient

4. Multi-Zone Configuration Capabilities

Outdoor unit capacity: Supports 2-8 indoor units per outdoor condenser Zone sizing: 6,000-24,000 BTU per indoor unit Total system capacity: Up to 48,000 BTU (4 tons) Independent control: Each zone maintains ±1°F temperature accuracy

5. Equipment Lifespan & Depreciation Schedule

Expected service life: 15-20 years with proper maintenance Comparison: Central systems typically 12-15 years Warranty coverage:

• Parts: 5-12 years
• Compressor: 7-12 years Annual depreciation rate: 5-6.7%

6. Installation Timeline & Process

Standard installation duration: 6-8 hours (single zone) Multi-zone systems: 1-2 days Installation requirements:

• Electrical circuit (220V, 15-30 amp)
• Refrigerant line set (up to 75 feet)
• Condensate drainage
• Wall penetration: 3″ diameter

7. Acoustic Performance Specifications

Indoor unit noise levels:

• Low speed: 19-25 dB
• High speed: 35-40 dB Reference: Library = 40 dB, normal conversation = 60 dB Outdoor unit: 48-58 dB at 3 feet

8. Maintenance Requirements & Intervals

User maintenance:

• Filter cleaning: Monthly during peak use
• Time required: 5-10 minutes

Professional maintenance:

• Annual inspection recommended
• Cost: $150-$300 per visit
• Includes: Refrigerant check, coil cleaning, electrical inspection

9. Available Financial Incentives Until December 31,2025

Federal tax credit: Up to 30% of system cost (max $2,000) Utility rebates: $200-$1,500 (varies by location) Manufacturer rebates: $0-$500 (seasonal) Total potential savings: $2,000-$4,000

ROI calculation: Initial cost ÷ annual savings = payback period (typically 5-8 years)

10. Performance Comparison Matrix

Metric	Window Units	Central Air	Ductless Mini-Split
SEER Rating	8-12	13-21	16-30+
Zone Control	No	Limited	Yes (per room)
Installation Cost	$400-$800	$3,500-$7,500	$5,000-$8,000
Annual Operating Cost*	$700-$1,100	$550-$830	$350-$500
Dehumidification	Basic	Good	Excellent

*Based on 1,500 sq ft space, $0.18/kWh

11. Compatibility Assessment

Suitable applications:

• Residential: 98% of homes
• No existing ductwork: Ideal
• Room additions: Cost-effective
• Historic properties: Minimal modification

Load calculation required: Manual J analysis determines proper sizing

12. Physical Dimensions & Aesthetic Impact

Wall-mounted units:

• Width: 31-43 inches
• Height: 11-13 inches
• Depth: 8-10 inches
• Weight: 20-35 pounds

Alternative configurations:

• Floor-mounted: 24″ W × 36″ H × 8″ D
• Ceiling cassette: 24″ × 24″ × 10″ (recessed)
• Concealed ducted: Fully hidden option

Installation height: 6-8 feet (optimal airflow/accessibility)

Additional Technical Considerations

• Refrigerant type: R-410A (transitioning to R-32)
• Electrical requirements: Dedicated circuit per outdoor unit
• Maximum line set length: 75-150 feet depending on model
• Maximum elevation difference: 50-65 feet
• Operating humidity range: 40-80% RH
• Defrost cycle: Automatic reverse-cycle defrost
• Control options: Wireless remote, WiFi enabled, programmable

All specifications subject to variation by manufacturer and model. Request Manual J load calculation for accurate sizing.

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