Ductwork lets central HVAC systems move conditioned air throughout a house. The performance of the system, and the comfort in the home, depends on the quality of the ductwork.
Moving air through ducts is like blowing air through a series of straws. Ducts can handle a limited volume of air based on their size and layout. And since heat pumps deliver air at a more comfortable temperature (i.e. not the scalding temperatures of a blast furnace!), they need more airflow to move the same amount of heat.
Do your ducts need to be upgraded? It depends. Your QuitCarbon contractor can assess your ducts and recommend next steps. Ultimately, whether you need upgrades will depend on your ductwork, comfort issues in the house, and the type and size of heat pump being installed.
A major advantage of heat pumps is that they heat with a low and slow heat, modulating down to run extra efficiently when your home reaches the desired temperature.
"Low and slow" also means heat pumps have higher airflow requirements than furnaces during colder temperatures. That can make ductwork a limiting factor for heat pump sizing. In general, homes with ducts designed for air conditioning are less likely to require modifications.
Undersized, disconnected, or poorly performing ductwork needs to be assessed. Depending on the severity of the problem, modifications can range from simple (upgrading ducts near the indoor unit) to invasive (upgrading ducts throughout the house). If invasive work is required, alternatives like ductless heat pumps systems can be explored.
QuitCarbon appreciates that all homes, homeowners, and budgets are different. We aim to connect you with the best contractor for your situation, that can address these differences to deliver a comfortable heat pump experience.