Best Ductless Mini Splits for Your Home
Learn about ductless mini-splits and which system is right for heating and cooling your space. Find the features that matter most: energy efficiency, quiet operation, and value.
By Anne Fonda
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.
What is a mini-split?
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.
Indoor unit options
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.
“The best part about ductless is its versatility and ability to provide personalized comfort in any room of your home. With our partnership with Mitsubishi Electric Trane US Inc, there are options available for every application and for every budget.”
- Ryan Goodwin, Senior Product Manager, Trane Technologies
Unmatched quality, uncompromising control
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.
Best single-zone ductless mini-splits
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.
Most efficient mini-split
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. Some highlights:
- Up to 32.2 SEER2
- Up to 11.9 HSPF2
- ENERGY STAR®-certified
- 100% heating at 5°F
- Hyper-heating H2i plus® performance down to -13°F
- 3-D i-see-Sensor™ to save energy when a room is empty
- Econo Cool to temporarily adjust airflow to maintain comfort while using less energy
- Swing Mode to move air like an oscillating fan
- Powerful Mode to raise or drop the temperature quickly to your set temperature
- Blue Fin anti-corrosion treatment on the heat exchanger
- Available in multiple capacities
- Double-vane air delivery for enhanced circulation
- Whisper-quiet indoor unit
- Control the indoor unit with a remote control or app
Best value
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.
Some highlights:
- Up to 18 SEER2
- Up to 8.5
- Cooling up to 115°F outdoor temperature
- Heating operation range down to as low as -4°F
- Econo Cool
- Swing Mode
- Available in multiple capacities
- Whisper-quiet indoor units
- Control the indoor unit with a wall unit, remote control, or app
Best mini-split for historic homes
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.
Some highlights:
- Up to 20 SEER2
- Up to 10 HSPF2
- Econo Cool
- Swing Mode
- Available in 9,000 and 12,000 BTU/H capacities
- ENERGY STAR®-certified
- 100% heating at 5°F
- Control the indoor unit with a wall unit, remote control, or app
Best mini-split AC unit
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-GS Cooling-Only Wall-Mounted Unit pairs with the single-zone heat pump.
Highlights include:
- SEER2 up to 28.4
- Econo Cool
- Swing Mode
- Powerful Mode
- Available in multiple capacities
- ENERGY STAR®-certified
- Control the indoor unit with a wall unit, remote control, or app
Quietest mini-splits
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.
Best multi-zone ductless multi-splits
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.
Most efficient multi-splits
Multi-zone Heat Pump (MXZ) system ranks as the most efficient multi-zone ductless system. Some highlights:
- Up to 20 SEER2
- Up to 11 HSPF2
- Multiple ENERGY STAR® combinations for high efficiency
- Available in multiple capacities
- 100% heating down to 5°F
- Hyper-heating H2i performance down to -13°F
- Long-term continuous heating
- Auto changeover mode
- Mix and match flexibility with indoor unit styles and combinations
- Flexible options for complex multi-room installations
- Auto-restart after a power outage
- Self-check function with integrated diagnostics
- Control indoor units with a remote control or app
Quietest
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.
Most versatile mini-split/multi-split product
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.
Some highlights:
- Up to 32.2 SEER2
- Up to 11.9 HSPF2
- 100% heating at 5°F
- Available with Hyper-heating H2i plus® performance down to -13°F
- Inverter-driven compressor to minimize energy usage while maintaining the set temperature
- ENERGY STAR®-certified
- Quiet operation, as low as 46 dBa
- Other features depend on the indoor unit
- Control via wall unit, remote control, or the app
Scheduling multi-split or mini-split installation
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.
Contact your local comfort specialist
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 federal tax credits/ rebates.
Anne Fonda, Content Writer
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Expert review by Ryan Goodwin, Senior Product Manager, Ductless
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