Wall-mounted Heat Pump vs Central Heat Pump: What’s the Difference?

A heat pump acts as both an air conditioner in the summer and a supplemental heating system in the winter. This dual-purpose device helps lower your annual electricity costs and increases energy efficiency, all while operating year-round. With more affordable options on the market, heat pumps have become an ideal choice if you’re looking for a versatile system. You’ll typically choose between a wall-mounted heat pump and a central heat pump. But which one is right for your home?

Wall-mounted Heat Pump

A wall-mounted heat pump consists of two units: one inside your home and one outside. The indoor unit closely resembles a standard wall-mounted air conditioner. The outdoor unit extracts heat from the air and distributes it indoors through the interior unit—or vice versa when used for cooling. Wall-mounted heat pumps are easy to install and require minimal maintenance. Since the motor and fan are located outside, the system runs quietly indoors.

It’s important to work with experienced professionals to make sure your heat pump has the right capacity to effectively heat or cool your space. The placement of the unit is also key to ensuring even temperature throughout your home.

Central Heat Pump

A central heat pump features an outdoor unit connected to ductwork that runs through your entire home. It works the same way as a wall-mounted system but offers a major advantage: it provides consistent and even heating or cooling throughout all rooms, as it connects to every air vent in the house.

If you’re replacing an outdated central heating system, a central heat pump is an excellent option—especially if your home already has ductwork in place. On the other hand, if your home doesn’t have ventilation ducts and you want to avoid major renovations, a wall-mounted heat pump may be the more practical solution.