Ductless systems connect an outdoor unit with one or more indoor units to heat and cool specific zones of a home without the use of ductwork. An outdoor, inverter driven condensing unit is placed outside your house on a HVAC pad or stand. That outdoor unit is connected to one or more indoor units by communication wires, cables, and refrigerant lines. There are multiple types of indoor units that can be mounted in various places inside your home, including on the wall, ceiling, floor, and more. Indoor units can be controlled with a wall controller, or a remote controller.

• Highly energy efficient cooling system

• Easy installation

• No patching, painting, or indoor wiring

• Efficiently cool a room added to an existing home

• Effectively cool a space converted into living space, like a basement, attic, or garage

• Preserve the integrity of an older home without space for ductwork or vents

• Preserve the décor of indoor spaces with low-profile units

• Add cooling power to a room with existing air conditioners and/or uneven temperatures

• No matter the room’s ceiling height, high wall units can be mounted directly to an interior wall

• Console units work for rooms where wall mounting isn’t possible or desirable

• In-ceiling units are an example of a ducted unit which is hidden from view if ceiling space allows

• Cassette units can be mounted directly to the ceiling surface

• Different sizes of ductless AC units allow for customized heating and cooling depending on the room’s square feet

• Cost of installation of a mini split system can be higher than a traditional ducted system (but you may save on the utility costs over time)

• Unlike a traditional HVAC system, mini split units are wall mounted and can be seen within a room. However, most designs are sleek and unoffending to the eye

Ductless systems, oftentimes referred to as mini-split HVAC, can be single-zone or multi-zone HVAC systems, depending on the number of ports on the outdoor unit. Single-zone systems have only one port on the outdoor unit and one corresponding indoor unit, therefore it can control the temperature in just one room or area in your home. Multi-zone ductless systems have multiple ports on the outdoor unit, so there can be multiple corresponding indoor units. That means, multi-zone ductless systems can heat and cool multiple rooms or areas throughout the home, with the temperature in each room being controlled independently.

Ductless systems, or mini-splits, are a great heating and cooling option for homeowners who need to control the temperature in specific rooms or spaces of their home. Single-zone ductless systems work well in spaces like a garage, bonus room, home office, or sunroom, and can even be an entire temperature solution for tiny homes. Multi-zone ductless systems are even more versatile, as they can be applied in multiple rooms throughout your home, and give you the ability to individually control each room's temperature. Multi-zone ductless systems can work as whole home temperature solutions or compliment a ducted system, while single-zone ductless systems work best in conjunction with a central HVAC option. And, ductless systems come in many varieties — from mini split air conditioning to mini split heat pumps, a ductless system can help with multiple temperature needs.

The main difference between a mini split system and central air conditioner is the way they deliver cool air into your home. 

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An air conditioner uses a network of ducts to distribute cool air throughout your home. The ducts are typically installed in the walls, ceilings, or floors, and the cool air is delivered through registers or vents. Central air conditioners are typically installed as a part of a forced-air heating system, which means that the same ductwork is used to distribute warm air during the heating season. In contrast, a mini-split system does not use ducts to deliver cool air. Instead, it consists of one or more indoor units that are mounted on the wall or ceiling of each room or zone in your home. These indoor units are connected to an outdoor unit via a conduit that houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, and condensate drain. Each indoor unit has its own thermostat, which allows for individual temperature control in each room. 

Another difference between a mini split and an air conditioner is that a mini split is typically more energy-efficient. Since ductwork can be a source of energy loss, a mini split can avoid this issue and deliver cool air directly to the room where it is needed. Additionally, mini splits typically have inverter-driven compressors, which can adjust the cooling output to match the needs of each room, resulting in less energy waste. 

Overall, the decision between a central air conditioner and a mini split depends on various factors, including the size of your home, your cooling needs, and your budget. If you have a larger home or need to cool multiple rooms or zones, a central air conditioner may be a more practical choice. However, if your home currently doesn’t have ductwork, a mini split system could be a good option since the cost to install ductwork in a pre-existing home can be very expensive. Also, if you want personalized temperature control and energy efficiency, a ductless system may be the better option.