Ductless Air Conditioning

By Anne Fonda

Ductless air conditioning, also known as mini-split AC or mini-split air conditioning, is a cooling system that doesn’t use ductwork as a traditional HVAC system does.  A ductless cooling system is a common solution for a variety of locations without ductwork, including:

A ductless AC system has two main components: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor ductless AC unit is usually mounted high on a wall. The indoor unit delivers the cooled air and is where you control the temperature manually. You can also control your system with a remote control or with an app.

The indoor unit connects to the outdoor unit via refrigerant lines. The outdoor unit is known as a ductless heat pump. It works much like a standard split-system heat pump but offers cooling only.

Ductless systems are gaining in popularity in the United States because of their adaptability and efficiency. Sunrooms, finished basements or garages, new additions, or homes built without central air are some of the most common uses.

Homeowners have a few options when looking for a ductless mini-split system. In addition to ductless air conditioners, ductless heat pumps connect to indoor units to offer heating and cooling for year-round comfort. Zoning systems allow you to link several rooms together.

Yes, in a multi-zone system, you can cool more than one room. This might be a good option if you live in a historic home with radiator heating and no ductwork. You would want to work closely with an HVAC professional skilled in the design and installation of mini-split systems. This might be a good time to upgrade your heating system as well and opt for a multi-zone heating and cooling system.

American Standard recommends ductless mini-split systems from Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating. Mitsubishi Electric mini-split systems are routinely ranked as one of the best mini-split brands worldwide, offering superior energy efficiency and cost-effective heating and air conditioning solutions.  

Their single-zone ductless mini-split AC systems offer energy-efficient cooling with a SEER2 rating of up to 28.4. A mini-split AC unit is more efficient, quieter, and less visually intrusive than a window AC unit or a through-the-wall air conditioner.

Because of the Powerful mode, their ductless air conditioning systems can deliver more cool air faster. They also come equipped with a swing mode, moving cool air throughout the room like an oscillating fan.

It depends. The best way to get accurate pricing for mini-split installation is to contact your local American Standard dealer for an assessment. You may decide that you want a full heating and cooling solution. Your costs will depend on the indoor unit you(s) choose, the length of the refrigerant line run, the capacity of the system, and much more.

A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need. 

She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.

Expert review by Ryan Goodwin, Senior Product Manager, Ductless and Side Discharge Products