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Ductless mini-splits

Connect an outdoor unit to one or more indoor units for targeted cooling; heat-pump models also heat. This collection explains the main equipment formats, selection criteria, installation questions and upkeep for this system.

How ductless mini-splits work

A refrigerant line links an outdoor unit to one or more indoor heads, letting each zone condition its own air.

Performance in a real building depends on the equipment, the distribution path and the installation. Compare a specific product's published specifications with the needs of the room or building before treating a retail listing as a complete solution.

Types and configurations

Single-zone and multi-zone systems with wall, floor, ceiling cassette or concealed duct indoor units.

Different configurations can share a category name while having very different electrical, duct, piping and control requirements. Confirm the exact model and components included in any quote.

Where they are used

Rooms without ducts, additions, and zoned homes. A professional assessment should establish the required capacity and identify any site constraints, especially for permanently installed equipment.

What to compare

Compare each zone’s load, matched combination rating, line-set limits, voltage and low-temperature heating output.

Number of zones, capacity, voltage, cold-weather output, and line-set length. Review warranty conditions and installation requirements along with the headline rating.

HVAC equipment installation illustrating this collection
Illustrative HVAC equipment image. Product appearance varies by model.

Technical details that matter

A single-zone mini-split pairs one outdoor unit with one indoor unit. Multi-zone combinations may have different published efficiency and capacity ratings from their individual components. Refrigerant lines, electrical supply, condensate removal and wall placement are part of the installation.

Example application

A room with 12,000 BTU/h of nominal equipment capacity may not have a 12,000 BTU/h design load. Confirm loads, the matched model combination and heating output at local winter conditions where heat is needed.

Installation and ownership

Allow for equipment, compatible components, labor, controls, site work and any local requirements in the total cost. Published retailer prices represent the stated equipment only unless the listing explicitly includes more.

Clean indoor filters, keep outdoor coils unobstructed and check the condensate path.

Before placing an order: ask for exact model numbers, capacity calculations where appropriate, electrical and mechanical scope, commissioning steps and separate equipment and labor warranties.

Source

US Department of Energy: Heat Pump Systems ↗

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HEATING & COOLING

Heat pumps

Move heat between indoors and outdoors to heat and cool a building. Air-source systems can serve existing ducts or a ductless indoor unit.

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Central air conditioners

Use an outdoor unit and indoor coil to cool air delivered through ducts.

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Window air conditioners

A single unit sits in a compatible window and cools one room.

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