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Some people may think that having to put up with a hot summer is inevitable if they have basements or garage workshops without a central HVAC system.
Older homes without ducting may make residents dread the summer as well.
By using ductless air conditioners to beat the heat, a cheap ductwork conversion can be avoided.
A ductless air conditioner’s air handler is mounted to an interior wall, while the condenser sits outside the home.
Up to 34,000 BTUs (British thermal units) of power may be generated by these strong AC units, which is sufficient to chill a room larger than 1,400 square feet.
Many include heating capabilities as well, which help keep a space warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Depending on each home’s particular requirements, the finest ductless air conditioner on the market must be chosen.
This guide examines the important elements to consider when choosing one of these cutting-edge pieces of equipment.
A thorough analysis of each product’s features, characteristics, and the best reviews went into selecting the best options.
5 Best Ductless Air Conditioners: Overview
Ductless systems are an effective way to increase your comfort, no matter what obstacles your space presents.
Regardless of whether you reside in a freshly constructed residence or a former residence without ductwork, you are adding a room addition, converting an existing space, or wanting greater year-round climate control over a specific room or area of your home.
In its most basic configuration, a ductless, mini-split system consists of one outdoor unit and one inside unit linked by electrical cable and refrigerant tubing.
Without the use of ductwork, the interior unit, which is frequently wall-mounted, forces warm or cooled air into the living area.
This type of system, known as a single-zone system, is intended to deliver heating and cooling enjoyment to a single area.
One outside unit and up to five internal units are combined in a carrier ductless multi-zone system to offer comfort for the whole house.
Ductless HVAC systems are among the simplest and most adaptable to install.
This is because of the variety of interior unit types available and the fact that installation just necessitates a hole in the wall to accommodate the wiring and refrigerant line.
How Does Ductless Air Conditioner Work?
Before installing a new ductless air conditioner or replacing your existing one, it’s imperative to understand how they work.
Individual room units are linked to an outside compressor by mini-splits, often known as ductless air conditioning systems. The inside unit’s evaporator coils are refrigerant-cooled.
The warm air that escapes from the room is absorbed by the coils. The refrigerant then transfers all of the interior heat to the outer unit.
A mini-split system installs small units immediately in each room that pull in warm air and send it out as cold air, as opposed to a central indoor unit connected by huge lengths of ductwork that distributes warm and cool air back and forth.
Because they require far less invasive installation, look nicer in the area, are more energy-efficient, and operate more quietly than traditional air conditioners, mini-splits are a popular alternative to them.
5 Best Ductless Air Conditioners: Pros And Cons
Pros
- The simplicity of installation is the main benefit of mini-split systems over conventional central air solutions.
- Integrated zoning gives you complete control over the temperature in each space.
- Mini-splits use heat pumps to run and may both heat and cool a space.
- Mini-split systems that save energy don’t lose air through duct leakage. Through ducting, 20 to 30 percent of the electricity is wasted.
- Instead of turning down the entire system, inverter compressors adapt to the demands of the system.
- Quiet and unassuming presence in the space.
- No inside wiring, painting, or repairing.
Cons
- A micro split system may cost more to install than a conventional ducted system, but over time you could save money on utility expenditures.
- Mini split units are wall mounted and visible within a room, in contrast to a conventional HVAC system. The majority of designs, however, are elegant and pleasing to the sight.
- Filters for ductless systems must be cleaned once a month to remove dust and debris.
- To run ductless heat, homeowners in extremely cold areas would require a fuel backup.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Ductless Air Conditioner
Zones and Space Size
The zone design should be one of your top priorities when looking for a ductless air conditioner.
There are single-zone and multi-zone ductless air conditioning units, sometimes referred to as ductless mini splits. Multi-zone units may chill numerous rooms, whereas single-zone units only cool one.
Up to four interior air handlers can be located in various areas of the house, and multi-zone units feature an outside compressor.
A few multi-zone air conditioners can chill a whole apartment as well as a small house.
Most single-zone units can manage between 500 and 1,400 square feet, while most multi-zone units can handle up to 2,600 square feet.
Power
The power of a ductless air conditioner is measured in BTUs, much like that of window-mounted air conditioners and space heaters. The air conditioner can create more cool air the more BTUs it has.
The square footage of the room, the level of insulation in the house, and even the environment where the property is located all affect how much electricity is needed for a ductless air conditioner.
In general, a ductless air conditioner with an output of 10,000 BTUs is needed to cool a space of around 400 square feet. A unit with an output of 21,000 BTUs is needed to cool a space of about 1,200 square feet.
A ductless mini split’s efficiency also depends on the climate and a house’s energy efficiency.
A home in a hot climate requires an air conditioner with a higher BTU output than a home of a comparable size in a location with warmer summers.
Similar to older homes that could lack these amenities, a ductless air conditioner will more readily cool contemporary homes with energy-efficient windows and insulation.
Filter Specifications
Ductless air conditioners employ filters to shield the mechanical components from debris and blockages, much like a central AC system does.
By removing impurities like pollen and dust, these filters are also excellent at purifying the air in a space.
Most ductless air conditioners include washable filters, in contrast to house HVAC systems that use disposable filters.
Just take out the filter, give it a quick water cleaning, and replace it.
By removing the need to buy replacement filters regularly, which can be expensive, this design helps to decrease costs.
Type of Installation
Installation by a professional is necessary since installing a ductless air conditioner sometimes necessitates challenging procedures like brazing copper connections and wiring high-voltage lines.
Some versions, nevertheless, are intended for do-it-yourselfers.
These ductless micro splits come with comprehensive instructions made especially for do-it-yourself installation, so there are no specialized tools or difficult chores needed.
This can save installation expenses by several hundred dollars.
Depending on the kind of installation, labor charges to install a ductless air conditioner might cost between $300 and $1,000, according to HomeAdvisor.
Energy Rating
A ductless air conditioner’s energy efficiency is expressed in terms of SEER and HSPF. I advise looking for SEER (20 or higher) and HSPF (8 or higher) when it comes to ductless air conditioners that are energy efficient.
Heating Performance
Many ductless air conditioners also operate as heat pumps for central HVAC systems, similar to how many AC units do so.
As a result, they can manage the environment in a house all year, negating the need for separate heating and cooling systems.
Heat-pump technology is used by ductless air conditioners to produce warm air.
The BTU output and the coverage of the chilling function are often mirrored by the heat-pump function.
However, bear in mind that in areas with subzero temperatures, a heat pump might not be sufficient for warming a space.
Sound Level
Ductless air conditioners utilize a condenser to chill the air, much like central air conditioners and window air conditioners do.
At roughly 50 decibels, which is comparable to the sound of a typical conversation, these condensers are very loud.
Noise is normally not an issue with the compressor of either a central AC or ductless air conditioner unit because it is situated on the exterior of the house rather than in the window.
Air handlers in central air conditioning systems and ductless mini splits use fans to transport the cold air produced by the compressor throughout the house.
However, most central air conditioning systems locate their air handlers, which may be rather loud in the attic, which solves the noise problem.
The air handler of a ductless air conditioner is fixed to the wall of the space it is cooling.
A ductless air conditioner utilizes a significantly smaller fan than a central air conditioner air handler since it does not need to circulate air across a house.
The quietest setting for this little fan is roughly 40 decibels, or the volume of a whisper.
Some ductless versions have additional silent settings, which let them function at decibel levels that are as low as 35.
Aesthetic
The fact that ductless air conditioning systems are more aesthetically pleasing than window air conditioners is one benefit.
Although window air conditioners are an efficient way to cool a space, their boxy design and placement in a window might be unattractive.
In contrast, ductless mini split air handlers are discretely mounted on the wall close to the ceiling.
They also have simplified designs that make it possible for them to blend in with the space more naturally.
The majority of ductless air conditioners have dimensions of 10 to 12 inches in height, 30 to 40 inches in width, and 6 to 8 inches in depth.
Extraordinary Qualities/Features
Multiple settings on ductless air conditioners make them simpler to use. The unit’s remote control is used in “follow-me” mode to determine the ambient temperature.
Most ductless micro split air conditioners offer 24-hour timers that let you program the unit to turn off after a specific period.
For maximum comfort, the temperature gradually rises while you are sleeping.
For systems that only provide climate control while being used, as in a garage, turbo modes quickly cool or heat an area.
The air handler of the unit may run in whisper-quiet modes, which can lower the noise to as low as 30 decibels.
Specifications Of The 5 Best Ductless Air Conditioners
| Products | Weight | Product’s Dimension | Noise Level | Floor Area | Voltage |
| Cooper & Hunter 24,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split AC/Heating System | 199.6 pounds | 8.9 x 42.5 x 13.1 inches | 45 dB | 600 Square Feet | 230 Volts |
| MRCOOL Ductless Heat Pump Split System | 266 pounds | 16 x 30 x 22 inches | N/A | 1500 Square Feet | 230 Volts |
| Pioneer Ductless Air Conditioner | N/A | 31.5 x 7.5 x 11.75 inches | 23 dB | 500 Square Feet | 230 Volts |
| Emerson Ductless Window Air Conditioner with Remote Control | 105.8 pounds | 23.6 x 25.4 x 17.9 inches | 52 dB | 700 Square Feet | 115 Volts |
| Senvill Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump | 66.1 pounds | 10.43 x 26 x 21.26 inches | 28 dB | 700 Square Feet | 110 Volts |
5Cooper & Hunter 24,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split AC
Taking the number 5 spot in this buying guide for the 5 best ductless air conditioners is the Cooper & Hunter 24,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split AC/Heating System.
The Cooper & Hunter Mia Series 24,000 BTU, 2 Ton, 18 SEER, Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump is filled with refrigerant before you buy it.
Also, it works for heating at up to five degrees Fahrenheit.
The system is delivered with an installation kit that includes a 16-foot pre-flared and insulated copper line set, 16-foot communication wires connecting the indoor unit and outdoor unit, a 16-foot drainage extension, and small accessories.
Even more, it is necessary to hire a professional installer to install this equipment.
Whisper Technology for Quiet Operation makes it Ideal for Commercial Applications, Living Rooms, and Additions.
A 7-year compressor guarantee and a 5-year parts warranty provide you with excellent protection.
This system cannot be installed without expert assistance, and warranty registration is necessary.
Pros
- 5-Year Parts Warranty; 7-Year Compressor Warranty.
- Rated at 24000 BTU
Con
- Must be installed by a professional, and several problem reports point to poor quality control.
4MRCOOL Ductless Heat Pump Split System
The 4th best in this buying guide for the 5 best ductless air conditioners is the MRCOOL Ductless Heat Pump Split System
Modern manufacturing technology is used to produce innovative design ACs for you under the MRCOOL brand. Because you can install their third-generation DIY split air conditioner on your own without specific equipment or acquiring any new skills, it is known as the “DO IT YOURSELF (DIY)” model.
By installing the Smart-Hvac APP on your smartphone, you can utilize its Wi-Fi control technology to manage your air conditioner from anywhere in your home. Additionally, it works with Google Assistant and Alexa.
It has a Follow Me feature that makes sure you are as comfortable as possible by adjusting the AC temperature based on where the remote is located in your room.
It is utilized in spaces that need cooling all year round, such as greenhouses, server rooms, etc., because of its low ambient cooling capability that cools down to 5°F. In the summer you may use it as a cooling unit, and in the winter you can use it as a heat pump.
This AC also uses inverter technology to save your power costs and prolong the compressor’s life. This air conditioner’s sleep function automatically adjusts the temperature at night so you can sleep comfortably.
However, after operating in sleep mode for 7 hours, the device turns off automatically. Its leakage-detecting system alerts you to a refrigerant leak when your air conditioner’s refrigerant level drops. This guards against compressor damage.
Pros
- Having a 22 Seer Rating, it is extremely energy efficient.
- Highly user-friendly and simple to use.
- Effective Cooling is provided.
- Good customer support and warranty.
Con
- Costly.
3Pioneer Ductless Air Conditioner
The 3rd best in this buying guide is the Pioneer Ductless Air Conditioner.
When it comes to purchasing AC at the lowest prices in the highest quality, PIONEER has no rival brands. They give you the greatest air conditioners at factory-grade direct wholesale prices, immediately saving you money.
Pioneer air conditioners offer LED displays that make it simple to change the settings. You can regulate your AC from the comfort of your couch thanks to its remote control capability. It may be used as a heat pump for heating in the winter and as a cooling unit in the summer.
It contains automatic swing air discharge louvers that distribute air evenly throughout your space. Your sleep is taken care of and you are forced to concentrate more on your job thanks to its whisper-quiet functioning.
It also contains washable air filters that offer clean air and can be simply replaced if they become clogged. It has inverter technology, which lowers your AC’s operating costs while also extending the life of your compressor.
Pros
- It is reasonably priced.
- When operating, there is very little noise.
- Because of the led panel, it is simple to read the temperature and other information.
Con
- Some users have reported that cooling performance degrades with time.
2Emerson Ductless Window Air Conditioner with Remote Control
The 2nd best in this list of the 5 best ductless air conditioners is the Emerson Ductless Window Air Conditioner with Remote Control.
This 52 dB device is among the quietest in the business and effectively cools up to 700 square feet with a 15,000 BTU window air conditioner. It is perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, flats, and any other space.
Furthermore, its Energy Star efficiency (11.9 EER) lowers your electricity costs.
Intelligent sleep mode goes a step further by gradually regulating the interior temperature and speed of the fan to keep both comfortable overnight while saving you both money and energy. The integrated 24-hour timer may be set through onboard controls or remote control.
An industry-exclusive 1-2-5 warranty that covers 1 year of labor, 2 years of components, and 5 years on the compressor are included with your Emerson Quiet Kool Wi-fi equipped air conditioner; Purchase and use with assurance.
You have eight different ways to direct the flow of cool air depending on where you want it and when you want it thanks to two air exhaust valves (instead of one) and three fan speeds.
Pros
- You may be confident that you will receive a high-quality window air conditioner despite the model’s rather costly price.
- Additionally, it provides enough cold air for any space between 500 and 700 square feet.
- Also, the unit and the accessories include a manufacturer’s guarantee ensuring that you will have dependable equipment all year long.
- My research revealed that the device also conserves electricity.
Con
- The manufacturer’s user manual makes the installation procedure challenging.
1Senvill LETO Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump
Ranking at the 4th position in this buying guide for the 5 best ductless air conditioners is the Senvill Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump
To operate your air conditioner from anywhere, use voice or an app. Utilize routines to change the setting of the temperature when you are away to save up to 40% on energy costs.
With an integrated dehumidifier, fan, turbo function, and heat pump (up to 5F/-15C). DC Inverter, AHRI Certified, UL Listed, Works with Alexa.
High-quality design for an appealing look combined with powerful performance and solid longevity. Excellent for living rooms, bedrooms, extensions, and even commercial usage including shops, restaurants, and warehouses.
Even more, it includes a 16-foot line set and communication cable, an internal air handler, outdoor condensers, and a remote control. up to 25 feet of pre-charged R410A refrigerant.
Backed by a manufacturer’s guarantee that leads the sector, offering a 5-year parts replacement and 5-year compressor warranty. Senville’s trusted quality and design come with free technical support and installation assistance.
Pros
- Powerful, quiet, and adaptable model for residential or business usage that is very energy efficient.
- Automation may be customized to fit various work and leisure schedules thanks to many cooling settings.
- Control is possible anywhere with a smartphone app thanks to Alexa voice compatibility.
Cons
- DIY installation is difficult because of the necessity for 230-volt power and poor instructions.
- Does not includes a wired thermostat. (However, it has a remote thermostat)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the disadvantages of ductless air conditioning?
The cost of mini splits is by far its biggest drawback. Typically, they cost around what conventional AC systems do. The system must be properly sized. Short-cycling, which wastes energy and makes it difficult to effectively control the temperature or humidity, frequently results from oversized or improperly mounted equipment.
2. How Long Does A Ductless System Last?
A ductless HVAC system can run for 20 years or longer. That’s more years than the typical HVAC system would last. With routine maintenance, the majority of conventional furnaces and central air conditioners last up to 15 years.
3. Can ductless AC be installed in any house?
Yes. This not only creates a variable indoor climate, but it may also raise your heating and cooling bills significantly. It’s time to think about a ductless mini-split system rather than carrying on in this manner. Although any type of house can have these systems installed, the greatest prospects are frequently the older ones.
4. How much electricity does ductless AC use?
The quantity of indoor units you have and are using at the same time is one of several variables that affect this. With a single area micro split, you can anticipate using 500–700 watts of electricity each hour. Multiply this by the number of areas that are currently in use for multi-zone mini splits.
5. How big of a ductless AC do I need?
You must multiply the area’s square footage by 25 to obtain the actual BTU rating. Therefore, if you multiply 1,000 square feet by 25 to get BTUs, you get 25,000 BTUs.
5 Best Ductless Air Conditioners: My Final Thought
Because there are so many options, it could be difficult to find the best ductless air conditioner for you. I suggest deciding on a dependable brand first before considering the features.
A multi-zone design will enable you to control more than one area if you need to cool more than one room. Alternatively, if you simply want to focus on one room, a single-zone model will do.
Once you’ve decided on a single or multiple-zone ductless air conditioner, the strongest model with the highest British Thermal Units (BTU) should be taken into account.
If you’re in charge of a sizable area, live in a hot climate, or have poor insulation in your home, the BTU is especially important.
The higher the BTU, the more energy is required to maintain a constant temperature in response to these larger demands.
After electricity, you should take into account any other factors that are significant to you and will have an impact on your daily life.
To save money over time and keep your house warm in the winter, you could wish to purchase a type that also serves as a heater.
If you wish to reduce evening interruptions, devices with specific sleep modes might be most suited to your lifestyle.
I hope you found this buying guide helpful.
Kindly share your thoughts with us by filling out the “Leave A Reply” form at the end of this page.
Further Reading And References
5 Best 15000 BTU Air Conditioners
What Is A Dual Inverter Air Conditioner: Best for Camping
