Ductless air conditioners, also known as mini-splits, are becoming more popular in homes. These units are a great choice for people who don’t want to deal with a lot of ductwork. They’re perfect for older buildings or adding air conditioning to new rooms without big costs.
The price to install a mini-split system starts between $3,000 and $5,000. A full system for the whole house can cost up to $17,000. This is more than window units or portable ACs which are between $200 and $700. But, mini-splits can save you money over time because they use less energy.
When looking for a ductless mini split, check out brands like Mitsubishi Electric, LG, Daikin, and Fujitsu. These companies are known for their quality and offer long warranties, up to 12 years. Panasonic also makes reliable products but their warranty goes up to 7 years only.
Modern mini-splits come with features that make them even more appealing. They have motors that can change speed to save energy and sensors to adjust temperature. These best mini split system features make them a quiet, efficient choice for homes and businesses.
Who Should Consider a Ductless AC Unit?
For those wanting efficient cooling without adding ductwork, a ductless air conditioner is perfect. If your home doesn’t have ducts, or you want to cool areas like a garage or basement, consider a ductless mini-split. They let you cool specific parts of your house, ensuring comfort and saving energy.
Mini-split air conditioners are great for smaller homes because they offer zoned cooling at a lower cost. They’re ideal for places under 2,000 square feet and don’t require big ducts. Installing them only needs a small 3-inch hole in the wall, which saves time and money.
Ductless ACs usually cost less to install than central air systems. A good ductless system starts at a few thousand dollars, with possible financing options. Monthly payments can be as low as $40. These systems are also efficient, with SEER ratings up to 27, helping you save on energy bills.
Ductless systems can also work as heat pumps, providing heat when it’s above -7°C. They can be the best ductless air conditioner installed quickly, often in less than a day. While central air might be better for larger homes, ductless units are great for most people because they’re efficient, flexible, and cheaper to install.
Benefits of Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Ductless mini-split systems are widely chosen for efficient heating and cooling in homes. They are incredibly energy-efficient. Unlike old-school HVACs that lose much energy through ducts, ductless systems keep energy loss low. Their SEER ratings often go beyond 30, which is way higher than window units that sit around a SEER of 10.
Ductless systems are also kind to your wallet over time. Without ductwork, they avoid the big energy losses seen in central air systems. They use inverter technology, too. This tech not only cuts down on energy use but also helps the system last longer. Together, best ductless air conditioner these benefits can mean big savings on your energy bills.
These systems offer great control over room temperatures. You can connect up to four indoor units to one outdoor unit. This setup allows you to cool specific areas as needed. Each room can have its own thermostat, ensuring comfort while saving energy in rooms not in use.
Ductless systems are also better for the air you breathe indoors. They don’t have the duct losses that can harm indoor air quality. Keeping up with maintenance every few months keeps the system efficient and the air clean.
While the upfront cost of these systems can be higher, rebates and tax credits can help with that. Plus, they’re easy to install, needing only a small hole in the wall. This ease of installation is another big reason people choose ductless mini-splits.
The Best Ductless Air Conditioner: Top Brands to Consider
When looking for a ductless AC unit, choose brands known for their quality and service. Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu, LG, and Daikin are top choices. They’re famous for being reliable and ensuring customer happiness.
Mitsubishi Electric provides many models to meet your needs. Their Hyper-Heating INVERTER and FH Series are known for excellent heating and cooling. They also have a strong service network, making them a trusted name.
Fujitsu shines with its energy-efficient models like the Halcyon and XLTH series. They perform well and have top-notch air filters, ensuring clean indoor air. It’s ideal for saving energy and keeping the air pure.
LG blends modern tech with attractive designs. Their Art Cool Gallery and Multi V models come with Wi-Fi, allowing control from smartphones. This mix of ease and style makes LG stand out.
Daikin is praised for its engineering and reliability, offering high SEER ratings from 17 to 27. Their Daikin Emura and Aurora models have smart sensors to save energy. Plus, Daikin offers up to 12 years of warranty on parts and compressor.
These brands offer great features, looks, and new tech, meeting different needs and tastes. When checking out the best for ductless AC, Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu, LG, and Daikin are great picks. They guarantee a mix of reliability and efficiency in their AC systems.
Our Best Ductless Air Conditioner Picks
Finding the perfect ductless air conditioner might seem tough, but we’ve made it easy for you. At the top of our list is the Senville LETO 30K Smart Mini-Split. It’s great for big rooms. With a powerful 24,000 BTUs, it can cool up to 1,250 square feet. Plus, it’s really quiet, making just 34 dB of noise. Its ability to connect to smart homes makes it one of the best ductless mini split systems.
Then, there’s the DELLA 12K Wi-Fi Mini-Split. It’s super efficient, thanks to a high SEER of 19. This model is perfect for smaller areas, cooling up to 550 square feet without wasting energy. It also keeps things quiet at 41 dB, making it perfect for those who value peace and energy savings.
The Cooper & Hunter 18K Mini-Split is ideal for medium-sized rooms. It offers a powerful 36,000 BTUs, cooling spaces as big as 1,500 square feet. This top rated mini split air conditioners unit is efficient and quiet, with a SEER rating of 16 and a noise level of 36 dB. It’s a great choice for home use.
| Model | Capacity (BTUs) | Coverage (sq. ft.) | SEER | Noise Level (dB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senville LETO 30K Smart Mini-Split | 24,000 | 1,250 | 17 | 34 |
| DELLA 12K Wi-Fi Mini-Split | 12,000 | 550 | 19 | 41 |
| Cooper & Hunter 18K Mini-Split | 36,000 | 1,500 | 16 | 36 |
Looking at their specs, it’s obvious these are the best ductless mini split systems out there. No matter the size of your room or your cool air needs, one of these models will work for you.
Installation Tips for Ductless Mini-Splits
When you install a ductless mini-split system, doing it correctly ensures it works well and lasts a long time. First, you need to choose the best spot for both the indoor and outdoor units. Place the indoor unit six feet high for the best air flow. The spacing of wall studs, whether 16 or 12 inches apart, can influence where you can mount the unit. This helps avoid heat loss and keeps the system running efficiently.
Then, think about how complex your system is. Single-zone systems are easier to set up than multi-zone ones, which control temperature in different rooms but are more complicated. Dual-zone units, which have two indoor units connected to one outdoor unit, are good for several rooms. They’re simpler than full multi-zone systems. You should put the outdoor unit on the home’s east or north side for better cooling. And always make sure it’s on a stable pad, whether it’s on the ground, roof, or an exterior wall.
For the best ductless air conditioner those considering doing it themselves, some mini-splits have pre-filled refrigerant lines to make things easier. Yet, it’s smarter to hire professionals, especially since brands like MRCOOL might only guarantee their products if a licensed contractor installs them. Professional installation ensures everything is connected securely and refrigerants are handled safely. These best ductless mini split system experts can also advise on the ideal system size and placement for your home, considering its design and insulation. Plus, for all electrical work, it’s best to use a licensed electrician to meet local building codes.