System type
Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Ductless mini-split systems connect an outdoor unit to one or more indoor wall- or ceiling-mounted units, each controlling its own zone without any ductwork. They're a common choice for additions, converted spaces, older homes without existing ducts, or anyone wanting room-by-room temperature control.
Good fit for
- Room additions or converted spaces (garages, sunrooms, finished attics)
- Homes without existing ductwork, or homes where adding ducts isn't practical
- Supplementing uneven heating or cooling in a specific room
- Households wanting independent temperature control in different zones
Worth considering
- Each indoor unit is visible on the wall or ceiling, which is a different look than a hidden duct register
- Multi-zone systems let one outdoor unit serve several indoor heads, each set independently
- Efficiency and capacity should match the specific room or zone, not the whole home
- Installation typically requires less structural work than adding ductwork, but still involves running a line set and drainage
Questions to ask a company
- How many zones would this setup need, and how were they determined?
- What's the expected noise level for the indoor units?
- How does maintenance differ from a ducted system?
- What's involved in running the line set to each indoor unit?
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