Ductless Mini-Split Systems
We are partnering with Mitsubishi to provide you with the most comprehensive
ductless mini-split product lineup.
Ductless Mini-Splits: A Complete Guide
Ductless mini-split air conditioners and mini-split heating and cooling systems are gaining in popularity in the United States as more and more homeowners discover the benefits. Similar to a traditional ducted split system, a ductless mini-split system can heat and cool your home, only it does it without the use of ductwork. Trane dealers install, maintain, and repair Mitsubishi mini-split systems.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about these ductless mini-split systems.
What is a mini-split heat pump?
A mini-split heat pump, or ductless heat pump, is the outdoor heat pump that is central to heating and cooling (or just cooling) your home. It operates the same way that a traditional split-system heat pump does.
It uses the refrigeration cycle to maintain comfort year-round. When it’s cold out, the heat pump extracts heat from the air outside and transfers it into your home. When it’s warm out, a heat pump reverses operation. A reversing valve redirects the flow of refrigerant. Then, the heat pump pivots to a cooling function and removes heat from the home and sends it outside.
What is a mini-split AC/mini-split air conditioner?
A mini-split AC unit, or mini-split air conditioner, is a ductless air conditioning system. Instead of both heating and cooling your home, these indoor units are designed specifically for cooling. They’re quieter and more efficient than a window AC unit or a through-the-wall air conditioner.
What are the best mini-split air conditioner options? We believe Mitsubishi Electric offers the best mini-split AC units for home use. They are pioneers in ductless systems, and we recommend them to homeowners looking for a ductless cooling solution.
What are the benefits of a mini-split system?
The biggest benefit of a mini-split system is that it gives you the ability to heat and cool a space (or your whole house) without installing ductwork. In an existing home, that’s a big deal. Beyond that obvious benefit, here are some others of a mini-split AC and heat system or a mini-split AC.
- Highly energy-efficient
- Variable-speed for better humidity control
- Personalized comfort in each zone (for multi-zone mini-split systems)
- Control via a wall unit, remote control, smartphone app, or voice assistant
- Whisper-quiet indoor units, quiet outdoor heat pumps
- All-electric heating and cooling can reduce carbon emissions
What are the downsides of a mini-split system?
The initial cost could be a potential downside. Look for available rebates and other financial incentives. HVAC financing can also help you afford the system.
Some people don’t like the aesthetics of the indoor units. But you’d be surprised at how many discreet indoor options are available. Most units are super-quiet.
A mini-split air conditioner or mini-split AC and heat system makes sense in any space you want to heat and cool or simply cool, where there isn’t existing ductwork.
This can include:
- Attached and detached garages
- Room additions
- Backyard sheds
- Attics
- Historic homes
A ductless mini-split AC system works just like a mini-split system described above, except the heat pump and indoor unit only cool instead of heating and cooling. You can choose to have a single-zone mini-split for your garage, attic, sunroom, or other area that needs cooling.
There are multiple options to suit your home and your aesthetics, including
- Wall-mounted mini splits
- Ceiling-mount mini split/ceiling cassettes
- Floor-mounted mini splits
- Even ducted options
Wall-mounted units are most popular for residential applications.
The best way to answer this question is to consult with an HVAC professional. However, you can get a rough idea of the size of mini-split you need by using the square footage of the space you want to heat and cool. To calculate the number of BTUs needed per hour (BTUh), multiply the square footage of each room or zone by anywhere from 12-25, based on how well-insulated your home is.
A new Mitsubishi mini-split system can cost between $3,000 and $10,000+ installed. Your actual cost will depend on the system capacity, number of zones, efficiency of the units, and more. For accurate pricing, contact your local Trane dealer.
Yes. Certain systems do qualify for financial incentives. Some systems may be eligible for state-administered rebates, utility rebates, or manufacturer’s rebates.
In a word, don’t. Installing a ductless mini-split system, whether single-zone or multi-zone, is a job best left to the HVAC professionals. Only licensed technicians can handle the refrigerant lines. In addition, attempting to install a system yourself will likely void any warranty. Leave mini-split installation to the pros.
Ductless system maintenance is similar to traditional HVAC system maintenance, and regular maintenance can help prolong the life of your system. One big difference is that the air filters are cleanable and don’t have to be replaced every few months.
For an existing mini-split system, your best bet is to call the installer. If your system is still under warranty, the cost of parts may be covered. If you’re not sure who installed the system, contact your local Trane dealer, and they should be able to help you out.
These systems are built to last. With proper maintenance, most ductless mini-split systems will last for 15+ years. The mini-split outdoor heat pump and the indoor units all need to be maintained.
Why Trane recommends Mitsubishi mini-splits
Trane recommends 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. They offer superior energy efficiency and are a cost-effective heating and air conditioning solution in all climates.
In 1959, Mitsubishi introduced ductless mini-split heating and cooling in Japan, and ductless systems are now the standard in the Asia-Pacific region. Ductless systems are also gaining popularity in Europe.
We have partnered with Mitsubishi to bring this technology to the residential mainstream in the United States. With these highly energy-efficient systems, you may be able to save energy and reduce your energy consumption by up to 40% over conventional systems.
But your new mini-split system is only as good as the installation. Contact your local Trane dealer to get started.
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