Best Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioners

Are you considering a ductless air conditioner but not sure which one to get?

Do you like the idea of a mini split AC system and want to know what the top types are available?

If so, you’ve landed on the right page.

In this guide, we’ll not only show you what the best ductless air conditioner is for every size house, but we’ll also help you find the best mini split AC unit that meets your needs and budget.

These days, ductless air conditioners are the next best thing to central air conditioning. And that’s the number one reason why they’re so popular.

So, if you’re searching for the best split air conditioner for your home, you’ll find everything you need here.

We’ll start with a list of the best ductless mini split air conditioner models for you to compare, then answer some common questions about these AC heating and cooling systems.

Table of Contents

Disclosure: Home Air Guides is reader-supported. As an Amazon associate and affiliate for independent brands, we earn from qualifying purchases made through the links on our site. Learn more.

Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioners Reviewed in This Guide

Here’s a quick comparison chart showing the top ductless mini split air conditioners. We’ll cover each aspect of these units in the reviews section below, but this gives you an idea of what’s available and an easy way to compare them.

ImageAir Conditioner DetailsPrice
PIONEER WYS 19 Series Mini Split AC Unit
  • Best value for single rooms
  • Zones: 1
  • BTUs: 9,000; 12,000; 18,000; 24,000 or 36,000
  • Coverage: 400 to 2,700 sq. ft.
  • Heat Pump: Yes
Check Price
MRCOOL DIY Wi-Fi Mini Split AC Unit
  • Top Wi-Fi unit for single rooms
  • Zones: 1
  • BTUs: 12,000; 18,000
  • Coverage: 500 to 750 sq. ft
  • Heat Pump: Yes
Check Price
PIONEER 2 Zone Mini Split AC System
  • Most popular dual zone system
  • Zones: 2
  • BTUs: Mix and match for 18,000 to 24,000
  • Coverage: 800 to 1,1100 sq. ft.
  • Heat Pump: Yes
Check Price
Senville 3 Zone Mini Split AC System
  • Good for three similar-sized rooms
  • Zones: 3
  • BTUs: 12k + 12k + 12k (36,000 total)
  • Coverage: 550 sq. ft. per evaporator (1,650 sq. ft. in total)
  • Heat Pump: Yes
Check Price
Cooper and Hunter 3 Zone Mini Split AC System
  • Top choice for three rooms of various sizes
  • Zones: 3
  • BTUs: Mix and match 9k to 24k
  • Coverage: 400 sq. ft. minimum per evaporator (1,200 sq. ft. in total)
  • Heat Pump: Yes
Check Price
Senville 4 Zone Mini Split AC System
  • Good for four similar-sized rooms
  • Zones: 4
  • BTUs: 9k + 9k + 9k + 9k (36,000 BTU)
  • Coverage: 400 sq. ft. per evaporator (1,600 sq. ft. in total)
  • Heat Pump: Yes
Check Price
Cooper and Hunter 4 Zone Mini Split AC System
  • Top choice for four rooms of various size
  • Zones: 4
  • BTUs: Mix and match 9k to 24k (36,000 to 60,000 BTU total)
  • Coverage: 400 sq. ft. minimum per evaporator (1,200 sq. ft. in total)
  • Heat Pump: Yes
Check Price

Best Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioners List

PIONEER WYS 19 Series Mini Split AC Unit with heat pump

1. PIONEER WYS 19 Series Mini Split AC Unit

Single Zone Ductless Air Conditioner
BTU Options: 9,000; 12,000; 18,000; 24,000 or 36,000
Square Footage: 400 to 2,700 sq. ft.
Heat Pump: Yes

If you’re looking for the best ductless air conditioner for a single room, this is going to be your top choice.

PIONEER gives you the option of fine-tuning this mini split AC unit to meet your exact needs for space.

Not only does this save you money on the initial purchase, but it also guarantees you won’t spend more on your electricity bill each month than you have to.

Another advantage of this appliance is that it’s an all-in-one split system air conditioner that provides both air conditioning and heating. Therefore, you get perfect comfort all year long.

It includes an LED display of the desired temperature on the front panel, has a remote control, and automatic swinging louvers (air vents) to spread the conditioned air around more evenly.

Something else you may like is that there’s also a version with ceiling cassettes.

Ceiling cassettes are cooling evaporators that are mounted on the ceiling, not on the wall. 

If that appeals to you, then it may be worth the extra cost. If not, this wall-mounted version will do just fine and is the best split air conditioner for most people’s needs.

Check Price and Reviews


MRCOOL DIY Wi-Fi Mini Split AC Unit with Heat Pump

2. MRCOOL DIY Wi-Fi Mini Split AC Unit

Single Zone Ductless Air Conditioner
BTU Options:
12,000; 18,000
Square Footage: 500 to 750 sq. ft.
Heat Pump:
Yes

Perhaps you’re looking for the best mini split AC unit that’s easy to install and comes with Wi-Fi smart controls.

If that’s the case, then you’ll be more than happy with this product right here.

The MRCOOL DIY ductless split system air conditioner was designed with do-it-yourselfers in mind. No special tools, equipment, or training is required to get it up and running.

Just follow the included instructions and you’ll have personalized air conditioning and heat in just a few hours.

For smartphone users, the SmartHVAC app allows you to control the unit from any Apple or Android device.

It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice-activated control.

What more could you want in a single zone mini split AC system?

Check Price and Reviews


PIONEER 2 Zone Mini Split AC System

3. PIONEER 2 Zone Mini Split AC System

Multi-Zone Ductless Air Conditioner
BTU Options: Mix and match 9,000 to 12,000 (18,000 to 24,000 BTU)
Square Footage: 800 to 1,1100 sq. ft.
Heat Pump:
Yes

If you liked the looks of our #1 best ductless air conditioner review above, then you’ll be happy to know that it also comes in a dual zone system.

What’s also great about this brand is that you can choose the combination for each indoor evaporator, including:

  • 9k + 9k
  • 9k + 12k
  • 12k + 12k

Those combinations give you the ability to chill two 400 sq. ft. rooms, two 550 sq. ft. rooms, or a variation between the two.

If this sounds like the ductless air conditioner you’ve been looking for, then you’ll just need to message the Amazon seller (HighSEER) after purchasing to select the BTU for each evaporator.

Using that special tip will you’ll get the best deal on this split system air conditioner.

Also, keep in mind that this system does tend to sell out quickly. If you need a good alternative option, then Senville 18000 Dual Zone System is going to be your best choice.

Check Price and Reviews


4. Senville 3 Zone Mini Split AC System

Multi-Zone Ductless Air Conditioner
BTU Options:
12k + 12k + 12k (36,000 BTU total)
Square Footage: 550 sq. ft. per evaporator (or 1,650 sq. ft. in total)
Heat Pump:
Yes

Do you have three larger rooms—or areas of the home—that you need to cool and heat?

If so, then this is the best mini split air conditioner system for you.

Each evaporator unit will cool or heat up to 550 sq. ft of space.

And that’s more than enough to cover most applications.

Senville also made this a very easy system to install. An experienced HVAC technician should be able to have it up and running in under three hours.

The LED temperature setting is easy to see on the front panel and individual remote controls allow you to personalize the cooling and heating comfort in each room.

The most attractive benefit, however, is the 7-year warranty on the outdoor compressor and 2-year warranty on parts.

Check Price and Reviews


Cooper and Hunter 3 Zone Mini Split AC System

5. Cooper and Hunter 3 Zone Mini Split AC System

Multi-Zone Ductless Air Conditioner
BTU Options:
Mix and match 9k to 24k (18,000 to 60,000 BTU total)
Square Footage: Varies, 400 sq. ft. minimum per evaporator (1,200 sq. ft. in total)
Heat Pump:
Yes

If you want a three zone system but have rooms of varying sizes, then Cooper and Hunter make the best mini split AC system for you.

With this brand, you can mix and match the indoor evaporator units to meet each room size perfectly.

The number of options for each evaporator would be too many to list, but some examples include:

  • 9k + 9k + 9k
  • 9k + 12k + 18k
  • 12k + 12k + 18K
  • 18k + 18k + 24k
  • and more

If you want a comfortable home no matter what the outside temperature is, Cooper and Hunter is a great choice.

This split system air conditioner also has a better warranty than the previous Senville model—7 years on the compressor and 5 years on parts.

Check Price and & Reviews


Senville 4 Zone Mini Split AC System with Heat Pump

6. Senville 4 Zone Mini Split AC System

Multi-Zone Ductless Air Conditioner
BTU Options:
9k + 9k + 9k + 9k (36,000 BTU)
Square Footage: 400 sq. ft. per evaporator (1,600 sq. ft. in total)
Heat Pump: Yes

The best ductless AC system that comes in a four zone system for medium to large size rooms is this package right here.

It offers all of the same perks as our #4 best split air conditioner review but gives you one extra room of coverage.

The BTU for each evaporator unit is a bit smaller at 9,000 BTUs; however, 400 sq. ft. of coverage per head is still a lot of space.

If convenience and affordability are what you’re after, then this Senville system is an excellent choice.

It’s also super quiet and you can barely hear it when it’s running unless you listen close.

Check Price and Reviews


Cooper and Hunter 4 Zone Mini Split AC System

7. Cooper and Hunter 4 Zone Mini Split AC System

Multi-Zone Ductless Air Conditioner
BTU Options:
Mix and match 9k to 24k (36,000 to 60,000 BTU total)
Square Footage: Varies, 400 sq. ft. minimum per evaporator (1,200 sq. ft. in total)
Heat Pump:
 Yes

Similar to our #5 review, Cooper and Hunter is the best brand that gives you the most flexible options for each evaporator unit.

If you want a four zone mini split AC system and need to mix and match the BTUs on the evaporators, this is the system you’ll want.

The combination of each unit is endless.

You can do 4 x 9K, 4 x 24k, or any other variation in between.

This system can truly meet the needs for any size room: small to large.

Cooper and Hunter is also a name you can trust to keep you perfectly cool and warm during each season of the year.

Check Price and Reviews




Mini Split Air Conditioner Buying Guide

What is a Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner?

A mini split air conditioner is an AC system that doesn’t full-sized air ducts to work as a central air system. A ductless mini split system uses an individual evaporator unit for each room instead of distributing cold air via large ducts throughout the home like a central AC system.

Ductless mini split air conditioners were developed in the 1970s to provide spot cooling inside a home where a whole-house system couldn’t be installed. A prime example is houses built before the 1960s where structural restraints prevent the installation of ductwork. The same thing is true for many business buildings that exist today.

How Does a Mini Split Air Conditioner Work?

A mini split air conditioner works like a regular central AC system but without the ducts. Mini split air conditioners are a two part system that links individual evaporator units to an outdoor compressor.

  • The indoor evaporator unit blows warm air from your home over cold evaporator coils. The refrigerant running through these coils absorbs the heat from the air and sends it through a small set of tubes to the compressor.
  • The outside compressor unit is where the refrigerant dumps all the heat that it removed from the indoor air through the evaporator.

Compared to other AC types, a mini split air conditioner is the most popular alternative for cooling and heating because the installation is less intrusive, are quiet, and very energy efficient.

Ductless AC vs Central AC

How does a ductless air conditioner differ from a traditional HVAC central air conditioning system?

The answer boils down to the use of ductwork.

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning and a traditional central air conditioner is a whole-house system that sucks air in through a large vent, cools the air, and pushes it back out to each room through a series of ducts (or pathways) that are hidden behind the walls.

The only part of a central cooling system you see indoors is the vents on the ceiling (or floor) that blow cold air. The indoor unit is usually located in the attic or closet while the compressor is outside.

Ductless mini split AC systems don’t use ducts to deliver air. They work by pulling air directly from the room that they’re located in, cooling it down, and pumping it back out into the same space for you to enjoy. The indoor unit is actually in the room it’s cooling while the compressor is located outside.

With a ductless mini split air conditioner, you can choose to cool down a single room or multiple rooms all at once. Central AC is an “all or nothing” type of system. You can’t spot cool rooms like you can with a mini split AC system.

This difference also relates to cost of mini split vs central air. Because ductless mini splits can spot cool, they are much cheaper to use on a monthly basis. For example, an average mini split electric bill can be as low as $50 per month for a 6,000 BTU system that runs for 8 hours per day.

Mini Split vs Window Unit

Although the initial price and installation for a ductless mini split air conditioner system are far greater than that of a window AC unit, the eventual electricity bills and longevity of a mini split unit is far less.

When you compare a mini split vs window unit, you’ll come to the conclusion that mini split offers a much higher range of BTU cooling and heating output. These units are also more efficient and better suited for long-term use.

A window air conditioner, on the other hand, is a good temporary solution and that is considered a good air conditioner for small spaces that need cooling only.

Something else worth mentioning here is that there are wall mounted air conditioners that look like window units; however, they must be installed inside the cavity of a wall through a metal sleeve.

The best wall AC units are good choices for providing both heating and cooling like a mini split air conditioner. But keep in mind that wall mounted ACs don’t last as long as ductless air conditioners. Nor are they as quiet.

What Does “Mini Split” Mean?

Split system air conditioner components

The concept of how a ductless air conditioner works is simple enough, but what does the term “mini split” in the name mean?

Ductless air conditioners are also called “mini split AC systems” because they’re made up of two parts:

  • Evaporator, which is installed inside.
  • Compressor, which is installed outside.

Central air conditioners are also split systems that have the same two parts; however, the size of the evaporator and compressor in a ductless mini split air conditioner are much smaller.

Hence the word, “mini” in “ductless mini split AC system”.

The evaporator is the unit that delivers the cool air into a room. It’s where you control the temperature and fan speed settings.

The compressor moves the refrigerant between the evaporator and condenser coils and changes the refrigerant to gas or liquid as needed.

The indoor evaporator on a mini split air conditioner is connected to the outdoor compressor through a line set of copper tubing. When installing, only a 3-inch hole in an exterior wall is needed for the tubing to go through.

How to Choose the Best Ductless Air Conditioner Size

Even the best ductless mini splits are not created equal.

To get the right air conditioner system for your home, you’ll need to consider three things:

  1. Number of zones you need
  2. BTU of the unit(s)
  3. If you want AC only or a heat pump included

Deciding on those things will help you get the most value out of your purchase and make the process of choosing an air conditioner much easier.

We’ll go more in-depth about each one next.

1. Number of Zones

Ductless mini split air conditioners come in two types:

  • Single-zone unit
  • Multi-zone system

As the names suggest, a single-zone unit is designed to cool just one room while a multi-zone system is made to cool multiple rooms or even an entire house.

Depending on the manufacturer, a multi-zone mini split system air conditioner can handle between 2 to 6 zones on one compressor.

That means you can install up to six separate evaporators and have them all powered by one outdoor unit.

If you want to install more than six evaporators in your house, then you’ll need to invest in a second compressor and system.

The major benefit of multi-zone mini splits is that each indoor unit operates independently of the others, providing you with personalized comfort in each room.

2. BTUs

BTU is short for British Thermal Unit, which is a measurement that indicates the cooling power of a ductless AC unit.

BTUs correlate with square footage.

The higher the BTU number, the more square footage the mini split AC unit can handle.

When you’re deciding on which ductless mini split air conditioner to buy, it’s best to measure the square footage of the room (or rooms) that you’re going to use it in.

Then, you can match the total square footage with the appropriate BTU number to get the right system for your needs.

Here’s how to do just that:

Finding Square Footage

Single Room:

Measure the length and width in feet, and multiply those two numbers together. If a room is an odd length, like 13′ feet 4″ inches, just round the number up.

For example, a 15′ 7″ x 20′ room would be 320 square feet (sq. ft.)

  • 16 x 20 = 320 sq. ft.

Multiple Rooms:

If you’re buying a multi-zone mini split AC system, then you would add together the square footage totals for each room you plan to cool.

For example, if you had three rooms with these square footage numbers below, then together they would add up to 640 total square feet.

  • 320 + 120 + 200 = 640 sq. ft.

Square Footage to BTU Chart

Once you have your total square footage for a single room or multiple rooms added together, you can find the correct BTU rating for a ductless air conditioner system.

The chart below will help make the process of finding the best ductless AC for your needs easier.

Area To Be Cooled (Square Feet)BTU Needed
Up to 250 sq. ft.6,000 BTU
300 to 350 sq. ft.8,000 BTU
350 to 400 sq. ft.9,000 BTU
400 to 450 sq. ft.10,000 BTU
450 to 550 sq. ft.12,000 BTU
550 to 700 sq. ft.14,000 BTU
700 to 1,000 sq. ft.18,000 BTU
1,000 to 1,200 sq. ft.21,000 BTU
1,200 to 1,400 sq. ft.23,000 BTU
1,400 to 1,500 sq. ft.24,000 BTU
Up to 2,700 sq. ft.36,000 BTU

3. Air Conditioner Only or Heat Pump Included

This section is fairly straight forward.

Some mini split units provide air conditioning only while others include a heat pump to produce hot air as well.

If you’re going to invest in a ductless mini split unit or system, we suggest that you get one with a heat pump.

The cost difference is not that much and it offers you substantial savings on energy in the long run.

Advantages of a Split Air Conditioner System

Best split air conditioner system

Now that you know what a ductless mini split air conditioner is and how it works, here are the main benefits to buying one of these systems:

Quick to Install

A mini split AC unit only takes about 3 to 10 hours for installation depending on the number of evaporators you use.

Can Be a DIY project

While a licensed and qualified HVAC technician is always recommended for installation, some people who have electrical and carpentry knowledge have been successful in installing their own units.

Most Efficient AC System

In a typical house, 20 to 30% of cooling and heating is lost through the ductwork. No loss occurs in a ductless mini split system, which lowers your energy consumption and electric bill.

Easy to Upgrade

If you have a multi-zone system, an additional evaporator can be installed in another room at any time. Most units can handle up to six cooling evaporators.

Doubles as a Heater

Some ductless air conditioners also include a heat pump. This allows the unit to double as a heater for keeping your warm during the winter.

Filtered Air

Ductless air conditioners use an air filter to keep the internal parts from getting dirty. This also creates cleaner air for you to breathe. As indoor air is recycled, the fresher the air becomes.

Unobtrusive

Alternative air conditioning solutions, like the best window AC units and even affordable portable air conditioners, take up window and floor space. The best ductless AC systems can be installed on any wall or ceiling which keeps them of your way.

Quiet

Ductless AC units are much quieter than the competition because the compressor is located outside and there’s no need to push air through ductwork.

Variable Speed

Most quality mini split systems use variable-speed motors in their compressors. This conserves energy and makes the cooling and heat more efficient.

With a variable-speed motor, the ductless air conditioner will run at a slower speed on mild and cooler days and faster on hot days. This constant running of the motor consumes less energy than an air conditioner, like a window unit, that constantly cycles on and off.

With a variable-speed motor in a mini split AC system, there is never a dead stop or full-on start, which can waste energy.

Best Alternative to Central AC

Compared to any other type of air conditioning system, mini split air conditioners are the closest thing to matching the conveniences of a central air conditioning system.

According to market research, “Ductless Heating & Cooling Systems market worldwide is projected to grow by US$39.2 Billion, guided by a compounded growth of 7.4%.” and “Poised to reach over US$62.7 Billion by the year 2025, Split Systems will bring in healthy gains adding significant momentum to global growth.”

Ceiling Cassettes vs Wall Mount Evaporators

You have two options when it comes to installing your mini split air conditioner evaporator: as a wall-mounted unit or a ceiling cassette.

The standard method is to use a wall mount for the indoor cooling evaporator because it’s the easiest to install. All you do is hang the unit with a supporting bracket and you’re done.

The only disadvantage here is that the unit takes up wall space and you can easily see it.

The other method is to use a ceiling cassette where the cooling evaporator is mounted on the ceiling.

This is a more time-consuming installation process because you need to cut a hole in the ceiling for the unit to be placed in.

The upside here is that the unit doesn’t take up wall space and is positioned out of sight.

Common Applications for Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioners

Ductless mini split systems are installed and used for a variety of reasons. Here are the most common:

  • Older houses that don’t have central air conditioning or the physical space to add in the ductwork.
  • Homes where central air conditioning is expensive to run and supplemental AC and heat are needed to offset high energy costs.
  • Homes where the current heating system is costly to run (e.g. baseboard, wall heaters, electric radiant) and a more economical system is desired.
  • Additions or external buildings (e.g. sheds, barns, workshops, garages) where adding a central HVAC system, window air conditioner, or even the best standing air conditioner models are not possible.
  • Spot cooling and heating specific rooms of the house (e.g. sunroom, den, bedroom, basement).

Energy Rebates on Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner Systems

Some local utility companies will give you a monetary rebate for installing a mini split system in your home.

You can earn up to $1,000 per system, depending on what type of current air conditioning system is being replaced.

The reason you may be rewarded for having a ductless air conditioner installed is that these systems can reduce energy use by 30% for cooling and 60% for heating when compared to conventional systems.

How to Install a Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner

Setting up a mini split air conditioner is not as difficult as it may seem and you can save a lot of money doing the installation process yourself.

The information below serves as a general all-purpose guide that applies to most ductless air conditioning installations.

However, instructions for how to install a split AC unit can vary across manufacturers, so if you’ve already purchased a system, make sure to check the owner’s manual for specific installation details.

Additionally, even if you plan on doing the installation yourself, you should still bring in an HVAC professional who knows how to install ductless AC units to assist you with the trickier parts of the process.

This includes things like the electrical wiring, flaring the copper connections, pressure testing, and vacuum pumping.

Even if you’re capable of doing all of those things on your own, it may still be worthwhile to hire a professional to at least look over what your completed work.

Step 1: Gather the Right Tools

The following is a pretty comprehensive list made with the assumption that you will be doing practically everything from start to finish:

  • A Drill with an Impact Driver
  • An Adjustable Wrench and Torque Wrench
  • A Level
  • A Hole Saw or Drill Attachment
  • Metric and SAE Hex Keys
  • Insulated Screwdrivers
  • A Wire Stripper

In addition to the tools mentioned above, you may need an assortment of other supplies, such as wiring, electrical tape, sealant, conduit bender and reamer, and a grinder, if you’re going to do the full electrical installation part of the job too.

Step 2: Install the Indoor Unit

This part of the installation process consists of several steps:

  1. First, take a look at your ductless AC’s installation manual and check to make sure you have all of the necessary parts, such as supporting brackets and screws.
  2. Determine where you’re going to hang the indoor unit. Most indoor units are attached to the wall. Keep in mind that this wall needs to lead to the outside so you can run the refrigerant line to the outdoor condenser. Ideally, you want a location that is free from obstructions, such as furniture, low-hanging light fixtures, and beams.
  3. Attach the air handler’s supporting bracket to the wall, using a level to make sure it is hanging straight. You can use a pencil to mark the location of each screw or create small drill holes. Once the bracket is attached, it’s a good idea to mount the indoor unit to ensure that it attaches and hangs properly.
  4. Drill a hole next to the bracket in your wall for the refrigeration line that will connect to the outdoor unit. You will need to use a hole saw drill bit for this part. The size of the hole will depend on your particular mini-split system air conditioner, but most holes will be between 2 ½ to 3 ½ inches in diameter. When drilling, you should angle the bit slightly downward to encourage better water drainage from the condensation line.
  5. Set up the electrical wiring that will run between the indoor unit and the outdoor condenser as well as attach a control wire, typically by hand. This step will vary depending on the ductless AC model you’ve purchased. So, you’ll need to read your installation manual to find out the exact process.
  6. Take out the refrigeration pipe and wrap it tightly together with the control wire and drainage tubing using insulation wrap. Then push the lineset through the hole you just drilled into the wall.
  7. Next, you’ll need to place and secure your indoor unit on the wall mount.

Step 3: Install the Outdoor Unit

This process consists of these steps:

  1. Determine where you will put your outdoor unit. Depending on the model and the setup of your home, you may be able to install the outside unit on an outer wall, on the ground, or in some cases on your rooftop. Units attached to the wall will have a special bracket (called a pad) that can be adjusted and secured in place with nuts and bolts next to the hole you’ve drilled in the wall.
  2. With the condenser in place, now you can connect the lineset and electrical wiring from your indoor unit to the outside unit. Be sure to consult with your instruction manual to see how these connections are made.
  3. Affix the lineset to the outside wall so they will be held in place. There are special covers you can buy for the lineset that offer greater protection from the elements and are aesthetically nicer.

Once everything is in place, the next step is to run electrical power to the outdoor unit.

The process for electrical wiring and testing is out the scope of this quick installation guide because there are too many variables that come into play during the setup.

To power the mini split AC system, we recommend that you hire an electrician or HVAC professional to finish this part of the job if you don’t have expert knowledge in this area.

Step 4: Test Your AC System

Unless you have the right equipment, this last stage of the installation process should be done by a qualified HVAC professional who knows how to install mini split air conditioners.

It typically includes pressure testing the system with nitrogen and then vacuuming the nitrogen out.

After that, the valves will be opened to release refrigerant into the system.

In some cases, more refrigerant may need to be added, which is best left to an HVAC professional to perform.

Finally, you can turn on the electricity to check if the system is properly conditioning the air.

Best Mini Split Air Conditioner Brands

Best mini split ac unit

Buying a high-quality ductless mini split air conditioner is always important. Especially when you’re making a large investment of money and time to have it installed.

To ensure you get the most value out of your new air conditioner, here’s a list of the best ductless mini split brands you can trust:

Cooper and Hunter

This brand has been around for more than 20 years and is a leading player in the air conditioning and ventilation market.

Cooper and Hunter export products to more than 30 countries and regions around the world.

We consider this to be one of the best mini split brands for three and four zone systems.

Friedrich

This company has been producing air conditioning equipment for more than 130 years.

In fact, you won’t find their name on any other type of product.

Air conditioners are the sole focus of this company.

They don’t manufacture toasters, lightbulbs, televisions, or other household appliances.

So, you can trust that any mini split air conditioner you buy from them is superb quality.

Mitsubishi Electric

For more than 30 years, the Cooling & Heating Division of Mitsubishi Electric has been developing advanced climate control systems for customers worldwide.

This company prides itself on delivering ductless AC systems that provide personalized comfort while also conserving energy and promoting environmental sustainability.

For many HVAC technicians, this is considered the best split air conditioner brand available. But for the home installer, you can find more affordable units that are just as efficient.

MRCOOL

This brand is only a few years old but they’re making a serious impact on the ductless mini split market.

Their products are cutting edge and modern. Plus, there one of the only companies that produce an easy-to-install DIY ductless AC system that includes smart Wi-Fi capabilities.

We consider them to be the best ductless air conditioner brand for do-it-yourselfers.

Pioneer

This brand is managed by Parker Davis HVAC Systems, Inc., which is one of the world’s most renowned manufacturers and suppliers of environmental control apparatuses.

What makes this company’s products so affordable is that they offer direct factory level pricing to the general public.

You can’t get much better than that, which is why we recommend Pioneer as the best mini split air conditioner for single and dual zone systems.

Senville

This company is another leading manufacturer of mini split AC systems.

You can’t buy them directly, but only through a distributor.

While ductless AC is their main passion, this company also sells a few portable air conditioner models.

If you want to go with one of the best mini split brands that offer convenience and easy installation, this is a good choice.

YMGI

Your Modern Green Idea (YMGI) has been manufacturing HVAC technologies for more than 15 years.

Their mission is to deliver high-quality products that create harmony between people and their indoor environments.

With YMGI, you get top-notch components on your ductless mini split system, including a Mitsubishi compressor.

We consider this to be the best ductless air conditioner brand for a five zone system.

Common Questions About Mini Split Air Conditioners

How much do mini split air conditioners cost?

A mini split air conditioner system costs between $700 to $6,000 and the installation averages $3,000. The total cost for a mini split air conditioner system will depend on the number of indoor units you install. A 3 zone system averages around $6,000 ($3,000 for the indoor units and $3,000 for installation).

How long do mini split air conditioners last?

A mini split air conditioner can last about 20 years if properly serviced and maintained. On average, mini split air conditioners are longer lasting than central air conditioning systems that have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

What size mini split air conditioner do I need?

The size of a mini split air conditioner you need depends on the square footage for the area to be cooled. A simple method to determine the right size for a mini split air conditioner is to multiply the square footage by 25. This will give you the total BTU output required.

Enjoy Your New Ductless Mini Split AC

Best ductless air conditioner

We hope you found this guide on how to find the best ductless air conditioner system for your home useful.

When it comes to choosing the best mini split air conditioner for your needs, it really just comes down to the number of zones you need to cover and the square footage of each room.

Once you figure those two things out, you easily shop for a ductless AC package that meets your needs and budget.

Hopefully, the information on this page answered all of your questions about these ductless split air conditioner heating and cooling systems.

Avatar for Patrick Holmes

About Patrick Holmes

Patrick is a Senior Air Quality & Comfort Specialist. He conducts in-depth research and analysis for our product reviews and buying guides in order to offer expert recommendations for people who are seeking to improve their indoor air quality and comfort. (See Full Bio)