Best Ductless Mini-Splits for Your Home

When it comes to heating and cooling spaces without ductwork, ductless mini-splits rule. But how do you choose the system that’s right for your space? This guide will introduce you to our recommended ductless mini-splits and help you make an informed decision.

Mini-split, ductless mini-split, and ductless HVAC systems are all names for the same thing. Mini-split HVAC systems heat and cool your home or other space without the use of a ductwork system that you would see in a traditional central air/furnace split system.

Mini-split systems have an outdoor unit (mini-split heat pump) and one or more indoor units, based on the type of system – single-zone or multi-zone. The indoor units and outdoor ductless heat pumps are connected by refrigerant lines.

When it’s cold out, the heat pump extracts heat from the air outside and transfers it into the indoor units. When it’s warm out, the heat pump reverses operation to pivot to a cooling function by removing heat from the home and sending it outside.

You also have the option to install a ductless mini-split air conditioner, which provides cooling only. A mini-split AC unit might be appropriate if you have a temperate winter and don’t necessarily need to heat a space, but you want to cool it in the summer.

The indoor units are mounted on the ceiling, high on the wall, or low on the wall at floor level. In the ceiling, there are even options available to incorporate ducted units with ductless. You control each mini-split unit individually via remote control, app, or wall control. You achieve custom heating or cooling in each room.

Some of the indoor units are equipped with a 3-D i-see-Sensor®, which scans each room to provide a thermal profile based on room size, the number of occupants, body temperature, and movement. It then directs the system to customize heating and cooling based on the thermal profile. When a room is unoccupied, the sensor can direct indoor units to enter an energy-saving mode.

Trane and Mitsubishi Electric Heating & Air Conditioning have a unique partnership when it comes to mini-split and multi-split systems. Each Mitsubishi mini-split is made by Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US (METUS).

Mitsubishi mini-split systems and multi-splits are the top-selling brand of zoned air conditioning and heating systems. You will enjoy cleaner air and superior control of heating and cooling. Because of the energy efficiency of these units, you may see a lower monthly electric bill. In addition to being quiet, intelligent, and efficient, these systems provide extraordinary service life for a lower cost of ownership.

We will break down what we view as the best mini-splits into two categories: single-zone ductless mini-splits and multi-zone ductless mini-splits. Then, within each category, we’ll break it down further. Let’s get started.

For custom recommendations for your home, you will want to speak with your local Trane Comfort Specialist.

A single-zone mini-split system is designed to cool one space, such as a home addition, attic, or detached garage. There is one indoor unit and one outdoor unit. Indoor air units must be matched with an appropriate mini-split heat pump.

Deluxe Wall-Mounted Indoor Unit (MSZ-FS) and Universal Single-Zone Heat Pump (SUZ) paired system ranks as the most energy-efficient single-zone ductless system.

The 18 SEER2 Wall-Mounted Indoor Unit (MSZ-WR) is the most cost-effective indoor unit. It pairs with a compatible outdoor heat pump. This system offers reliable performance at a great value.

The 115V Wall-mounted indoor unit (MSZ-JP) is best for bringing energy-efficient electric heating and cooling to historic homes. It’s a single-zone unit that connects to the single-zone heat pump. This indoor unit plugs into a standard electrical outlet, helping you avoid extensive electrical work or construction.

Single-zone mini-split units are also available in cooling-only models. These mini-split air conditioners are suitable for a space where you already have or don’t need heat, but you need cooling. The MSY-GX Cooling-Only Wall-Mounted Unit pairs with the single-zone heat pump.

There really is no Mitsubishi mini-split that ranks best for being the quietest. That’s because all of the outdoor units run at 53-55 decibels (dB) – so they are all very quiet. Many of the indoor units offer whisper-quiet operation.

Multi-zone ductless systems enable you to achieve customized climate control, offering room-by-room temperature control and comfort. An outdoor unit connects to as many as 8 indoor units. From designer units to recessed units and floor mounts, you have options to suit your style.

Multi-zone Heat Pump (MXZ) system ranks as the most efficient multi-zone ductless system.

As we mentioned previously, no Mitsubishi multi-split unit ranks best for being the quietest. They are all quiet and unobtrusive when it comes to noise level.

Finally, we’ll feature a mini-split/multi-split product that is the most versatile. Goodwin says he would call the most Versatile the SUZ Single-zone Heat Pump as it can be used with multiple different indoor options. This high-tech unit helps increase the energy efficiency of your ductless system while maximizing comfort.

For optimal efficiency and performance, be sure to arrange for multi-split or mini-split installation with an HVAC contractor with experience in this area. They should be able to go over your options and explain the pros and cons of the types of ductless systems. You may want to get several proposals.

The contractor you choose must have expertise with these systems, from designing the system to properly locating the outdoor unit. Proper location and elevation may vary depending on your region.

Mini-split/multi-split heating and cooling can be a great solution for any area of your home, detached garage, or shed, and can be a solution for your entire home with the right system.

Not sure which mini-split or multi-split heating and cooling system is right for your space? Your local Trane Comfort Specialist can help you make an informed decision by offering a customized evaluation of your heating and cooling needs and following up with personalized product recommendations. This includes giving you information on financing and which mini-split heat pump systems are eligible for heat pump rebates.