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Interactive · Decision quiz

Ductless or central?
Five questions. One recommendation.

Different homes need different systems. The quiz weighs ducts, zones, climate, motivation, and budget to pick the right one for yours.

Should I get a ductless mini-split or ducted central heat pump?

It depends on four things: your existing ductwork condition, how many zones need independent control, your climate zone, and whether you're replacing a dying system vs adding AC. Ductless wins for no-duct homes and per-room control; central wins for good ducts and whole-house single-thermostat operation.

Question 1 of 5

Does your home have existing ductwork?

Duct condition is the single biggest factor in whether a ducted central heat pump makes sense.

How the quiz works

Each question assigns points to ductless, central, or hybrid based on the answer that a qualified HVAC designer would favor. The highest-scoring system at the end is the recommendation. No hidden weighting — you see the score breakdown on the result card.

For deeper reading on how these systems compare in real installs, see our mini-split vs central heat pump post. For sizing, see the heat pump sizing guide.

When you're ready to get actual installer quotes, use the calculator — three vetted local installers quote your project within 24 hours.

Decision quiz — frequently asked

The quiz surfaces the strongest fit from 5 factors (ducts, zones, climate, motivation, budget). Real installs are influenced by site-specifics — layout, existing electrical service, local code — that only an in-home assessment captures. Use the quiz to narrow to one system type; have installers confirm.
A tie usually means both are valid — the deciding factor is your comfort with wall-mounted indoor units (ductless) versus retrofit work to improve ducts (central). The rebate stack is typically equivalent.
Yes — HEEHRA and most utility programs pay for the heat pump portion. The backup furnace/boiler stays in place unchanged. Your installer should file only the heat pump equipment cost for rebates.
Indirectly — most state programs operating in cold climates (zones 5-7) require a cold-climate heat pump certification (AHRI + NEEP). The rebate amount is the same, but only certified models qualify.
After any major change in your home (duct replacement, panel upgrade, extension built). The answer changes if your existing ducts get rebuilt or your zone count shifts.
Ready to quote

Size it, price it, match installers.

Every rebate stacked against a real ZIP and income band, plus three vetted local installer quotes.

Run rebate lookup →Size my heat pump