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Centrally Ducted Heat Pumps

What they are, how they work, and why you need one.

Ducted heat pumps don’t usually get the credit — but they’re the workhorse behind whole-home comfort. If your home already has ducts or vents that push air throughout your home, a centrally ducted heat pump is the smartest way to upgrade your heating and cooling without overhauling everything.

Jetson Air Outdoor Unit

What is a centrally ducted heat pump?

A centrally ducted heat pump is a whole-home system that uses your existing ductwork to deliver both heating and cooling throughout the house. Because it connects to the same vents you already use, comfort is distributed evenly from room to room, with no need for visible wall units or new pathways carved through your home. This makes it an especially appealing option for homeowners who want modern performance without changing the look or layout of their space.

Think of it as the electric replacement for your gas furnace and air conditioner, but with a big step forward in technology and efficiency. Instead of creating heat by burning fuel, a heat pump simply moves heat in or out of your home, using far less energy to do the job. The result is quieter operation, more consistent indoor temperatures, and a system that’s better for both your utility bills and the environment.

The indoor unit is typically installed where your furnace used to be, making the swap straightforward in many homes. Outside, the heat pump unit manages heat transfer efficiently, even when temperatures drop well below freezing. Together, these components create a single, all-in-one comfort system that upgrades your home’s heating and cooling without the disruption or expense of a full renovation.

How does it compare to ductless systems?

Ductless heat pumps, often called mini-splits, are a solid option for homes without existing ductwork. But if your home already has a central system in place, a ducted heat pump usually makes more sense and feels more seamless. It uses the ducts you already have to deliver even, consistent heating and cooling to every room in the house.

With a ducted system, there’s no need for wall-mounted units or separate remote controls in every zone. You keep the layout and airflow you’re already comfortable with, while upgrading to cleaner electric energy and newer, more efficient technology working quietly behind the scenes.

What makes Jetson’s ducted system different?

Our cold-climate ducted systems are designed to work efficiently, all-year round  — down to –22°F (–30°C). With variable-speed operation, you get smoother, quieter airflow and smarter temperature control. Every system comes with remote monitoring, smart scheduling, and built-in air quality sensors. And because we use your home’s existing ducts, installation is done in just one day.

Diagram of heat exchange for a jetson whole home heat pump

  • Fits right into existing ductwork
  • 2–5× more efficient than gas or electric furnaces
  • Remote diagnostics + smart scheduling
  • All-electric comfort in every room
  • Runs in temperatures as low as –22°F (–30°C)
  • Built-in air quality + energy monitoring

Will it heat my whole home?

Yes. That’s the beauty of a ducted system. A properly sized heat pump will evenly heat and cool your entire home through your central ductwork. No cold bedrooms. No overheated living room. Just consistent comfort, room to room.

What if my ducts are old or undersized?

In most cases, we can reuse your existing ductwork with only minimal modifications, which helps keep projects simpler, faster, and more cost-effective. Homes that already have a functioning central system are often a great fit for this kind of upgrade, since the basic airflow pathways are already in place.

Before installation, we take the time to carefully assess your duct size, layout, and overall condition to make sure the system will run efficiently and deliver comfort evenly throughout your home. If any updates or improvements are needed, we’ll explain exactly what’s required and why, so you know what to expect. No surprises, no guesswork, just clear guidance and practical solutions.

Is installation complicated?

Not with Jetson. We handle the entire process — from permits and load calculations to install day and final inspection. Most systems are up and running in a single day. And because we use your existing ducts, there’s no drywall repair or major disruption.

Can it replace my gas furnace?

Absolutely. In fact, that’s exactly what it’s designed to do. A cold-climate ducted heat pump is built to deliver reliable, whole-home heating even when outdoor temperatures drop well below freezing. It provides the same steady, comfortable warmth you’d expect from a traditional furnace, but without burning fossil fuels or venting combustion gases into or out of your home.

Instead, the system runs on efficient, all-electric technology that moves heat rather than creating it, which dramatically reduces energy waste. As a bonus, that same system also provides powerful, efficient cooling in the summer, replacing your air conditioner at the same time. The result is one streamlined setup that handles heating and cooling year-round, with fewer moving parts, cleaner energy, and quieter operation.

How long do ducted heat pumps last?

With regular maintenance, a centrally ducted heat pump typically lasts 15–20 years — just like a traditional HVAC system. At Jetson, we offer 10-year warranty, remote performance monitoring, and zero-cost repairs in our Care Plus subscription so your system stays efficient (and your home stays comfortable) for the long haul.

Jetson Air heat pump outside in the winter

We’ve reimagined what central heating and cooling should be. We kept the ductwork, ditched the fossil fuels, and added smart technology that makes your system easier to live with — and easier to love. It’s everything you want from home comfort.

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