Ductless mini split air conditioners come with two units: indoor units that deliver cooled air into the room, and an outdoor unit that processes and expels warm air from your home. The two units are connected through the copper tubing and refrigerant line, cycling coolant between the two units. The ductless air conditioner is one of the popular types of aircons.

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner

Budget

Mini split systems come in a wide range of models and brands across different budgets. Inverter units tend to be more expensive than conventional units, but may provide lower operating costs in the long run. Mini split units may range between $500 -$5000 in price, so you can most likely find an adequate model at any budget! 

Energy consumption

Most ductless air conditioners on the market now feature Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating, and the best ductless air conditioners should be energy efficient, while still providing ample cooling capacity to chill large spaces. Mini split systems have an average between 15 and 18 SEER ratings, making them energy efficient systems.

Space Requirements

The outdoor unit may require more space than the indoor one, but still uses relatively less space than central air conditioner units. The indoor ductless air conditioner uses minimal wall space as it makes use of available space on the wall to mount on.

Some air conditioning systems, such as the portable air conditioner and window air conditioners, do not require professional assistance to install. However, mini split systems do, particularly with installing the compressor unit. These cooling systems often come pre-charged with refrigerant, which can only be handled by professional HVAC technicians.

Cooling Power

Ductless mini split air conditioners are known to be efficient in cooling small to large rooms, and some systems can cool multiple rooms at once using several indoor units. With an average British Thermal Units (BTU) range between 12,000 BTU to 60,000 BTU, mini split air conditioners are capable of cooling homes up to 2,000 square feet!

Maintenance

Maintaining a mini split air conditioning system is relatively simple: clean the filter every two weeks, and give the AC system a wipe down to keep it clean. Most aircon servicing companies can handle a ductless air conditioner, and there are multiple brands and models on the market to choose from.

Best Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner Models - A Complete Guide

Cooper & Hunter Single Zone Ductless Air Conditioner

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Our rating: ★★★★★

The Cooper & Hunter Single Zone AC covers up to 2,000 square feet of space with its 36,000 BTU capacity. The aircon has a SEER rating of 16, which makes it an energy efficient cooling system. It also features a heating system with an adequate heating seasonal performance factor for cold winter months.

Senville Quad Zone Mini Split Air Conditioner

Our rating: ★★★★☆

The Senville Quad Zone system is a smart AC system that can be controlled via app or the remote control. It has a high SEER rating of 22.5, and is efficient as it is energy-saving. Its four-zone setup allows for cooling, heating, or dehumidifying, and can automatically adjust the room temperature according to the ambient outdoor temperature.

Daikin Wall-Mounted Ductless Air Conditioner

Our rating: ★★★☆☆

The Daikin Wall-mounted unit offers the best warranty in the market, with a 10-year warranty on all parts and with technical support. The Daikin app connects smart devices to their line of air conditioners, so you can easily control the AC unit remotely from anywhere.

Bosch Multi-Zone Ductless Air Conditioner

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Our rating: ★★★★★

Looking to cool multiple spaces at once? The Bosch Multi-zone Air Conditioner is your solution to efficiently cooling down your entire space with just one system. Boasting a cooling capacity of 36,000 BTU, this air conditioning system is one of the most cooling ductless AC units in the market - perfect for installing in different rooms at once!

Mr. Cool DIY Installation Ductless Air Conditioner

‍Our rating: ★★★☆☆

The Mr. Cool AC system was designed specifically for DIY installation. The system requires no special tools or expertise needed for the installation, and the AC unit is compatible with smart home assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Ductless Air Conditioner Installation Process

The ductless air conditioner will need professional assistance when it comes to installation. The first half of the installation process, however, can be done DIY:

First, secure the mounting brackets on a non-load bearing wall, ensuring the brackets can withstand the weight of the ductless air conditioner. Your installation kit should include all parts necessary for the brackets.

Next, tie the copper cord, condensate drain line, and refrigerant lines together, and loop these cords through a hole drilled through in the wall. These wires will connect to the outdoor compressor unit. Set up the wire casing to prevent weather and outdoor elements from damaging your wires.

Secure the air conditioner on its mount, and place the compressor unit outdoors, right behind the wall where the indoor AC is mounted. Mount the compressor unit to a sturdy stand by drilling the unit into a platform. A professional technician will then connect the two units.

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