If you’ve been hearing more and more people talk about the benefits of mini splits, it’s for good reason. These systems have become extremely popular thanks to their energy efficiency, flexible installation options, and ability to save homeowners a lot of money on energy consumption compared to traditional central systems.
But as you start researching, you’ve probably noticed terms like “mini split” and “ductless system” get thrown around like they mean exactly the same thing. Are they? Sort of. While people often use the two terms interchangeably, there are some small differences between them that are helpful to understand before you choose what’s best for your home.
In this blog from Doc Dancer Plumbing, Heating, AC & Generators, we’ll help clear up the confusion and share more about our ductless mini split installation services.
What Is a Mini Split?
Let’s start with the term you’ll hear most: mini split, or more specifically, a ductless mini split system. This is one of the most popular types of ductless systems.
The system is called a split because it’s made up of two main components:
- One outdoor unit (this is the condenser and compressor that sits outside your home).
- One or more indoor air handlers (also called indoor air handling units) that deliver heated or cooled air directly into your living spaces.
The “mini” part refers to how these systems are smaller and more compact than traditional central air systems, both in the size of the equipment and the amount of space they cool or heat at a time. Instead of blowing air through long ductwork that runs all over your house, mini splits send the cooled or heated air directly into each room through small indoor air handlers mounted on the wall or ceiling.
Since there’s no ductwork, the system moves refrigerant through small refrigerant tubing to each indoor unit. This lets you control the temperature in each room or area separately.
You’re only heating or cooling the rooms you’re actually using, which makes mini splits extremely energy efficient. And because you’re not losing air through old or leaky ducts like you might with a central system, you often get much better efficiency and comfort overall.
What Is a Ductless System?
Here’s where things get a little confusing. When people say mini split (or ductless split), they’re talking about a ductless mini split system. But if they’re just talking about a ductless system, it could technically be a mini split, a window AC, or a portable AC. Technically, a ductless system is a more general term for any heating or cooling system that doesn’t require ductwork.
Here’s the easy way to remember it: all mini splits are ductless, but not all ductless systems are mini splits. Got it? Good!
Considering a Ductless Mini Split Installation? 3 Things to Know
As more homeowners around Fort Wayne are learning, a ductless mini split installation comes with some real benefits. They’re efficient, flexible, and don’t require you to tear up your house to install ductwork. You can often avoid some of the biggest costs that come with retrofitting old central systems. Plus, they help lower your energy losses, which can mean extra long-term savings.
According to the Department of Energy, ductless mini splits can reduce energy use by as much as 30% compared to traditional systems! But before you jump in, here are a few important things to keep in mind.
1. Some Mini Splits Only Cool, Others Heat and Cool
When you’re looking at ductless mini splits, you’ll see that different models are available depending on what your home needs. Some systems are designed for cooling only, while others provide both heating and cooling.
- If you only need cooling, you can choose a ductless air conditioner—perfect for certain spaces or seasonal needs.
- If you want year-round comfort, you’ll need a ductless mini split heat pump, which provides both heating and cooling in one system.
Which option you choose depends on your home, your space, and how you plan to use the system.
2. Ductless Mini Splits Can Be Installed in Several Areas
Since you’re not limited by ductwork, you can install a ductless mini split unit in many places where a ducted furnace and AC combo wouldn’t work.
Some of the most common installation locations include:
- Room additions or retrofit add-ons where extending ducts isn’t practical
- Finished basements, attics, or garages
- Sunrooms, enclosed porches, or workshops
- Bedrooms, home offices, or bonus rooms that need extra comfort
- Older homes with no existing ducts
- Detached spaces like guest houses or sheds
- Small apartments
The indoor air handling unit can be mounted flush to the ceiling or placed high on the wall, giving you plenty of design flexibility based on your space.
3. You Need a Qualified Mini Split Installer
Even though ductless mini split systems are known for their easy installation, that doesn’t mean a DIY ductless mini split installation is a good idea. A lot more goes into it than simply hanging a unit on the wall. The system needs to be properly sized for your home, carefully placed, and installed by experienced mini split contractors like us who know exactly how all the pieces work together.
During a professional ductless mini split installation, the technician picks the right spot for both the outdoor unit and the indoor air handlers to make sure each room gets the heating or cooling it needs. They’ll drill clean openings to run the refrigerant tubing, power cable, and condensate drain through your walls, make sure everything is sealed up tight, and connect all the lines properly. After installation, they’ll test the system completely to ensure it’s running safely, efficiently, and using the least amount of energy consumption possible.
Even more important: if something goes wrong during a DIY mini split install, it can damage the system or void the warranty. Most manufacturers require professional installation by a qualified HVAC contractor for the warranty to stay valid. Having a trained professional install your system helps protect your home and your wallet.
Want to Learn More About Ductless Mini Splits?
If you’re thinking about whether a ductless mini split makes sense for your home, we’re here to help. The Doc Dancer team can walk you through the benefits, show you where these systems can be installed, and explain exactly how the installation process works, step by step.
We’ve been helping Fort Wayne area homeowners stay comfortable since 1946. Our certified and insured HVAC technicians know how to properly size, install, and maintain both ductless mini split heat pumps and ductless air conditioners so your system runs smoothly for years to come. As a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, we offer access to some of the highest quality, most reliable equipment on the market.
From helping you pick the right model, to expert installation, to ongoing repairs and maintenance, we have all of the mini split services that you need. And with our financing options, getting a ductless mini split system installed may be more affordable than you think.
Request a Quote for Your Mini Split Installation in Fort Wayne
Now that you know exactly what to look for, are you ready to get started? Contact Fort Wayne’s most trusted mini split installation company—Doc Dancer Plumbing, Heating, AC & Generators! Simply give our office a call or use our online form.