Complete Ductless Mini-Split Services: Installation, Repair, Maintenance & Replacement
Are you looking for a versatile, energy-efficient way to heat and cool your home without the hassle of ductwork? Priority One Heating & Air Conditioning provides complete ductless heat pump solutions for homeowners in Eugene, Springfield, and the surrounding Lane County areas. Whether you need a new installation for a home addition, emergency repair for an existing unit, a full system replacement, or seasonal maintenance, our expert technicians are here to help.
Ductless mini-split systems are the perfect solution for Eugene’s varied housing stock, offering year-round comfort with a single system. We service all major brands and offer 24/7 emergency repair services to ensure you are never left without heating or cooling when you need it most. From single-zone units for a master bedroom to comprehensive multi-zone systems for whole-home comfort, Priority One is your trusted partner for all things ductless.
Call us today at 541-689-1004 to schedule your free assessment or service appointment.
What Are Ductless Systems?
Ductless mini-split systems, often simply called “ductless heat pumps,” are a modern HVAC technology that provides both heating and cooling without requiring traditional air ducts. A standard system consists of two main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser unit and one or more indoor air-handling units, usually mounted high on a wall. These components are connected by a conduit housing the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and a condensate drain.
Unlike central forced-air systems that can lose energy through leaky ducts, ductless systems deliver conditioned air directly into specific zones. This makes them incredibly efficient, a key advantage for Eugene’s moderate climate. Because they don’t rely on ductwork, they are an ideal retrofit solution for many of Eugene’s older homes, particularly those built before 1980 in neighborhoods like the Whiteaker or South Eugene, that were originally constructed with baseboard heat or wood stoves and lack the infrastructure for central air.
Ductless technology allows for “zoning,” meaning you can control the temperature of individual rooms independently. You can have a cool bedroom for sleeping while keeping the living room warmer, or simply turn off units in unoccupied rooms to save energy. Whether you choose a single-zone system for a specific problem area or a multi-zone configuration to condition your entire home, ductless heat pumps offer a flexible, efficient, and quiet solution for year-round comfort.
Ductless Installation Services
When to Install a Ductless System
Ductless systems are incredibly versatile and are often the best choice for specific scenarios common in Eugene:
- Older Homes: Ideally suited for pre-1980s homes that rely on electric baseboard heaters or radiant heat and lack existing ductwork.
- Home Additions & Renovations: Perfect for adding heating and cooling to a new room, converted garage, or sunroom without the expense and mess of extending your home’s existing ductwork.
- Room-Specific Comfort: Excellent for fixing “hot” or “cool” spots in your home, such as a master bedroom that never seems to get comfortable or a home office that needs precise temperature control.
- New Construction: A cost-effective alternative to installing extensive ductwork in new builds, allowing for greater architectural flexibility.
- Efficiency Upgrades: Replacing inefficient window AC units or costly electric furnaces with a high-efficiency heat pump.
Our Professional Installation Process
At Priority One, we ensure your ductless installation is seamless and perfectly tailored to your home:
- Free In-Home Assessment: We visit your home to evaluate your space and discuss your comfort goals.
- Load Calculation: We perform precise calculations to determine the exact heating and cooling capacity required for your space.
- System Design: We recommend the right system size and configuration (single vs. multi-zone) and plan optimal placement for indoor and outdoor units.
- Expert Installation: Our technicians mount the outdoor condenser on a slab or bracket, install the indoor units securely, and run refrigerant lines through a small, discrete 3-inch hole in the wall.
- Electrical & Testing: We handle all electrical connections, test the system thoroughly to ensure peak performance, and guide you through the user controls and warranty registration.
Single-Zone vs. Multi-Zone
- Single-Zone Systems: Consist of one outdoor unit connected to one indoor unit. These are perfect for conditioning a single room, a garage, or an addition.
- Multi-Zone Systems: Connect one powerful outdoor unit to multiple indoor units (typically 2-5). This setup is popular in Eugene for achieving whole-home comfort without the invasiveness of ductwork, allowing for independent temperature control in every room.
Cost Factors: Installation costs vary based on system capacity (BTUs), the number of zones, brand selection, and the complexity of the installation site. We provide transparent, upfront quotes so you know exactly what to expect.
Ductless Repair Services
24/7 Emergency Ductless Repair
Because ductless systems provide both heating and cooling, a breakdown can impact your comfort at any time of year. In the winter, a failure means no heat; in the summer, it means no relief from the heat. We understand the urgency.
- Winter Emergencies: Immediate response when your primary heat source fails during a freeze.
- Summer Emergencies: Rapid repair when cooling is lost during a heat wave.
- Call 541-689-1004 Anytime: We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency repairs.
Common Ductless Problems We Fix
Our technicians are trained to diagnose and repair a wide range of issues specific to ductless technology:
Not Heating or Cooling Properly:
- Refrigerant Leaks: Low refrigerant levels often indicate a leak in the line set or connections.
- Compressor Issues: The heart of the system; failure here stops all heating and cooling.
- Reversing Valve: If stuck, the system cannot switch between heating and cooling modes.
- Frozen Coils: Dirty filters or low refrigerant can cause the indoor or outdoor coils to freeze.
- Outdoor Unit Icing: In Eugene’s damp winter climate, the outdoor unit can ice up if the defrost cycle isn’t working correctly.
Unit Won’t Turn On:
- Electrical Issues: Tripped breakers, blown fuses, or loose wiring.
- Control Problems: Issues with the remote control pairing or batteries, or a faulty thermostat sensor.
Strange Noises:
- Grinding or Squealing: Often indicates a failing fan motor or bearings.
- Rattling: Loose panels or components inside the unit.
- Hissing: Can be a sign of a significant refrigerant leak.
Water Leaking Inside:
- Clogged Drain Line: Algae or debris can block the condensate drain, causing water to back up and leak down the wall, a common issue in our region.
- Pump Failure: If your system uses a condensate pump, failure can lead to overflows.
Our Repair Process
We follow a systematic approach:
- Fast diagnosis
- Check refrigerant levels
- Inspect indoor and outdoor units
- Test electrical components
- Examine the condensate drain system
- Identify the root cause
- Provide upfront pricing
- Perform expert repair
- Thoroughly test the system
Ductless Replacement Services
When to Replace Your Ductless System
Even the best systems eventually need replacement. Consider upgrading if:
- Age: Your system is over 15 years old.
- Frequent Breakdowns: You are facing expensive repairs or refrigerant leaks frequently.
- Inefficiency: Your energy bills are rising despite regular maintenance.
- Changes in Needs: You need more capacity or want to add more zones than your current outdoor unit supports.
- R-22 Refrigerant: Older units using phased-out R-22 refrigerant are becoming prohibitively expensive to service.
- Cost of Repair: If a repair costs more than 50% of the price of a new system, replacement is usually the smarter financial move.
Benefits of Replacement
Replacing an aging unit brings immediate benefits:
- Higher Efficiency: Modern systems have significantly higher SEER and HSPF ratings, lowering your monthly energy bills.
- Enhanced Comfort: Improved technology offers better humidity control and more consistent temperatures.
- Quieter Operation: Newer models are virtually silent compared to older generations.
- Smart Features: enjoy WiFi connectivity and smart home integration for remote control.
- Warranty Peace of Mind: New systems come with comprehensive manufacturer warranties.
The Replacement Process
- Assessment: We evaluate your existing setup and discuss your current needs.
- Recommendation: We suggest a modern replacement that fits your home and budget.
- Safe Removal: We pump down and recover old refrigerant according to EPA regulations and remove the old equipment.
- Installation: We install the new system, often utilizing existing line set paths if compatible, or running new lines as needed.
- Commissioning: We test the new system for optimal performance and handle all warranty registration and disposal of the old unit.
Ductless Maintenance Services
Seasonal Maintenance for Peak Performance
Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and efficiency of your ductless system. Because it works year-round, it needs attention twice a year.
Spring/Summer (Cooling Season):
- Clean reusable filters on indoor units.
- Wash the outdoor coil to ensure proper heat exchange.
- Check refrigerant charge levels.
- Inspect and clean the condensate drain pan and lines to prevent leaks.
- Test the cooling operation and airflow.
Fall/Winter (Heating Season):
- Deep clean filters again.
- Test heating performance and heat output.
- Inspect the defrost cycle operation (critical for Eugene winters).
- Clear debris from around the outdoor unit.
- Test the reversing valve for smooth mode switching.
Why Maintenance Matters
- Prevent Breakdowns: Catching small issues early prevents costly emergency repairs later.
- Maintain Efficiency: A clean system uses less energy, keeping your utility bills low.
- Extend Lifespan: Well-maintained ductless systems can last 20+ years.
- Protect Warranty: Many manufacturers require proof of regular maintenance to keep warranties valid.
- Ensure Comfort: A tuned-up system provides consistent heating and cooling when you need it most.
Maintenance Plans
Priority One offers comprehensive maintenance plans designed for ductless owners. Our plans include annual or bi-annual service visits, priority scheduling for repairs, discounts on parts and labor, and extended warranty options.
Why Ductless Systems Are Perfect for Eugene
Climate & Efficiency Synergy
Eugene’s climate is uniquely suited for ductless heat pump efficiency.
- Mild Winters: With average winter lows in the 35-47°F range, our temperatures rarely drop below the freezing point, where older heat pumps struggled. Modern ductless systems maintain high efficiency even in much colder temps.
- Cool Summers: Our summers are warm but generally mild (avg 82°F). Ductless systems can cool homes efficiently without the energy waste of oversizing.
- Year-Round Solution: One system handles it all. You don’t need a separate furnace and air conditioner.
- High ROI: In a region with specific electricity costs, the high efficiency of ductless systems (often 30-40% more efficient than baseboard heat) translates to significant savings.
Ideal for Eugene’s Housing Stock
Older Homes: Many charming homes in River Road, College Hill, and Friendly Street were built without ductwork. Installing central air in these homes is often prohibitively expensive or aesthetically damaging due to the need for bulkheads. Ductless preserves the architectural integrity of these homes while providing modern comfort.
Additions: As Eugene homeowners expand their living spaces, extending existing ductwork is often impractical. A single-zone ductless unit is the perfect, independent solution for a new master suite or family room.
Problem Rooms: From converted garages to sunrooms that get too hot, ductless allows you to target specific comfort issues without overheating or overcooling the rest of the house.
Ductless Energy Efficiency & Cost Savings
Unmatched Efficiency Ratings
Ductless systems are among the most efficient HVAC products on the market.
- SEER Ratings: While standard central AC units often range from 13-16 SEER, ductless systems frequently achieve 18-30+ SEER.
- HSPF Ratings: Heating efficiency (HSPF) is similarly superior, often reaching 10-12+.
- Zero Duct Loss: In traditional forced-air systems, 20-30% of the energy is lost as air travels through uninsulated or leaky ducts in attics and crawlspaces. Ductless systems eliminate this loss entirely.
- Inverter Technology: Unlike traditional systems that cycle on and off (wasting energy), ductless compressors use inverter technology to run continuously at variable speeds, using only the precise amount of energy needed to maintain the set temperature.
Real-World Savings in Eugene
Replacing traditional heating sources with a ductless heat pump yields substantial savings:
- Electric Baseboard: Expect 30-40% lower heating costs.
- Window AC: Ductless is 40-50% more efficient and much quieter.
- Wall Heaters: You gain not just savings, but significantly better heat distribution and comfort.
- Payback: Most homeowners see a return on investment within 5-8 years through energy savings alone, and sooner if replacing particularly inefficient equipment.
Ductless Brands We Install & Service
We believe in offering our customers choices that fit their budget and performance needs.
Premium Tier
- Mitsubishi Electric: The market leader and a favorite in Eugene. Known for exceptional reliability, Hyper-Heating capabilities for cold weather, and whisper-quiet operation.
- Daikin: A global leader in heat pump technology, offering robust systems with excellent warranties and Japanese engineering.
- Fujitsu: Renowned for high efficiency and compact designs.
Mid-Tier Quality
- LG: Offers stylish units with great features and solid performance at a competitive price point.
- Samsung: Known for innovative features like “Wind-Free” cooling and strong WiFi connectivity.
- Carrier / Bryant: Trusted American HVAC names delivering durable and reliable ductless options.
- Trane / American Standard: Synonymous with durability and long-term performance.
Budget-Friendly
- Pioneer & MRCOOL: We also install and service these entry-level and DIY-friendly brands, ensuring they are set up correctly for safe operation.
All Brands Serviced: Even if we didn’t install it, we can fix it. Our technicians have access to parts and technical support for virtually every ductless brand sold in the US.
Why Choose Priority One for Ductless?
Eugene’s Dedicated Ductless Experts
At Priority One Heating and Air Conditioning, we don’t just do ductless on the side; it’s a core part of our business.
- Installation Excellence: Proper sizing is critical. An oversized unit will short-cycle and leave the room humid, while an undersized unit will run constantly. We get the sizing right. We also prioritize aesthetics, ensuring line sets are covered and run neatly to blend with your home’s exterior.
- Local Knowledge: We know Eugene. We understand the specific heating loads required for our rainy winters and how to protect outdoor units from our local elements. We are experts in navigating local building codes and permit requirements.
- Service Expertise: Our factory-trained technicians carry the specific diagnostic tools needed for inverter-driven systems. We stock common parts to aim for first-visit repairs.
- Transparent Pricing: No games. We provide clear, upfront quotes for installation and honest assessments for repairs. We will never push you to replace a system that can be cost-effectively repaired.
- 24/7 Availability: We stand behind our work with round-the-clock emergency service because we know that comfort is a necessity, not a luxury.
Ductless FAQs for Eugene Homeowners
How much does ductless installation cost in Eugene?
Costs vary based on the specific requirements of your home. A single-zone installation typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000. Multi-zone systems (3-4 indoor units) generally range from $8,000 to $15,000. Factors include the brand, system capacity, and complexity of the install (e.g., electrical upgrades). We provide free, detailed quotes.
Can a ductless system heat my entire house?
Yes! A multi-zone system can effectively heat and cool an entire home. By placing indoor heads in key living areas and bedrooms, you can achieve whole-home comfort often superior to central air due to the ability to zone each room.
Do ductless systems work well in Eugene winters?
Absolutely. Modern ductless heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently at temperatures well below freezing (some down to -13°F). Given Eugene’s average winter lows are usually in the mid-30s, they are an ideal and highly efficient heating source.
What maintenance do I need to do?
The most important task for homeowners is cleaning the air filters on the indoor units once a month. This ensures good airflow and efficiency. Beyond that, we recommend professional maintenance once or twice a year to check refrigerant levels and clean the coils.
Are they noisy?
No, they are incredibly quiet. Indoor units typically operate at 19-25 decibels, quieter than a whisper. You will barely notice it is running. The outdoor units are also significantly quieter than traditional central AC condensers.
Will ductless lower my energy bills?
In most cases, yes. If you are switching from electric baseboard heat, wall heaters, or window AC units, you can expect to see energy savings of 20-40%.
Service Areas
We provide comprehensive ductless installation, repair, and maintenance services throughout Lane County, including:
- Eugene, OR: (97401, 97402, 97403, 97404, 97405, 97408)
- Springfield, OR: (97477, 97478)
- Surrounding Communities: Cottage Grove, Junction City, Creswell, Veneta, Pleasant Hill, and Lowell.
Get Started with Ductless Today
Don’t settle for inefficient heating or noisy window AC units. Upgrade to the modern comfort of a ductless heat pump system.
Call Priority One today at 541-689-1004
- Free Ductless Assessment & Quote
- Expert Installation (Single & Multi-Zone)
- 24/7 Emergency Repair Service
- Seasonal Maintenance Plans
- Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Perfect for Eugene Homes: Whether you are renovating a vintage home in the Whiteaker, building an addition in South Eugene, or just want to lower your energy bills, Priority One has the ductless solution for you.
Serving Eugene, Springfield, and Lane County with Integrity and Excellence.
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