Quick answer
Ducted heat pumps use existing or new ductwork for whole-home distribution. Ductless mini-splits condition rooms via wall or ceiling heads — ideal when ducts are missing, failing, or trapped in wet crawlspaces. Published ranges: ductless $8,700–$17,000; ducted heat pumps $9,935–$21,725.
- No usable ducts → ductless (or new duct design) usually wins.
- Good ducts + whole-home preference → ducted cold-climate heat pump.
- Hybrids (ducted primary + ductless bonus rooms) are common on the peninsula.
- Compare scopes: heads/zones, line-set paths, condensate, and electrical — not only equipment brand.
When the comparison is real
You're replacing electric baseboards, fixing uneven rooms, or a contractor pushed one path without pricing the other.
Compare your options
Ductless
Strong for cottages, additions, and homes with failed crawlspace ducts. Multi-zone systems need careful load and diversity planning so the outdoor unit is not oversized or undersized.
Ducted
Strong when ducts are sealable and sized for heat-pump airflow. May include duct repair that changes the total investment — that work should be visible on the quote.
Pros and cons, honestly
Ductless mini-split
Pros
- Room-level control
- Avoids bad ducts
- Strong retrofit path for cabins
Cons
- Wall aesthetics
- Multiple condensate paths
- Filter cleaning cadence
Ducted heat pump
Pros
- Hidden distribution
- Familiar whole-home feel
- Pairs with filtration upgrades
Cons
- Depends on duct health
- Crawlspace moisture risk if ducts leak
- Higher disruption if ducts need rebuild
Ignoring duct leakage on a 'cheap ducted' bid
A low ducted price that skips sealing can leave cold rooms and high bills. Price duct repair explicitly.
Proof & local validation
- Written for Kitsap & East Jefferson homeowners by Eagle Pipe Heating & Air — 100% woman-owned, dual-licensed HVAC (EAGLEPM867LK) and plumbing (EAGLEPH757C8), based in Poulsbo.
- Reviewed against Eagle Pipe field practice and published pricing — Free Quote Review, No Price Change Guarantee, PSE Preferred / JPUD participating installer.
How we build this guidance
- Straight answers first — options without fluff.
- Written for Kitsap Peninsula and East Jefferson conditions.
- Grounded in Eagle Pipe dual-licensed field practice.
- Updated 2026-07-14.
Methodology: Comparison uses Eagle published install ranges and common Kitsap housing patterns (crawlspace ducts, winterized cottages).
Author: Lori Tschohl, Founder & CEO
Last updated: 2026-07-14
Trade focus: Heating & Air. Intent: Evaluate.
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Common questions
Can ductless heat the whole house?
Yes when zones and capacity are designed for the home's load — including Kitsap design temperatures. Whole-home ductless is a design problem, not a single-head impulse buy.