With another hot summer right around the corner, it may be time to reevaluate your air conditioning options. Your current system might be on its last legs, or you might want to upgrade to a unit that’s more efficient and effective than the one in your home now. Whether you’re in the market for something new or you just want to improve your existing setup, consider installing a ductless Mini Split AC system from a reputable brand like Mitsubishi Electric.
The name “ductless” refers to the absence of ductwork, unlike traditional central air systems. Instead, an outdoor compressor/condenser unit and multiple indoor air-handling units (each equipped with an evaporator coil, blower, and a refrigerant line) connect to each other via a conduit that houses power cables, suction tubes, and refrigerant tubing. Some models are capable of connecting up to four indoor units to a single outdoor unit.
Ductless mini splits are a great solution for spaces that either don’t have ductwork or cannot accommodate ducts, such as homes built before the arrival of central air, additions on old houses, or rooms converted from garages or sheds into living space. In these cases, a ductless system can provide impressive heating and cooling performance without the need to tear up walls or ceilings for ductwork.
They also help reduce energy waste by delivering conditioned air directly to occupied rooms, rather than heating or cooling an entire house and emptying out spaces that are rarely used. Some models are even capable of zoning, so you can heat and cool only the areas that need it.
In fact, a ductless system is up to 40% more efficient than traditional window AC units in terms of energy-saving capability. The efficiency gains are thanks to variable speed technology, which ensures that the compressor always operates at just the right pace to deliver optimal comfort and avoid energy waste.
As a result, you can enjoy high efficiency and savings throughout the cooling season, plus a shortened cycle length that helps extend your system’s lifespan. Some models are even eligible for tax credits, rebates, and incentives at the federal, state, or local level.
Despite these benefits, there are some reasons you might still opt for a standard system over a ductless mini split. For one, a ductless system isn’t as powerful as some traditional models. It can only heat and cool up to 4,000 square feet, so it isn’t ideal for large homes or businesses. It’s also not as efficient as a ducted model in terms of energy consumption, but it will still save you money.