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Easier to install than ducted HVAC systems and more efficient than window units, these ductless ACs are the ideal way to beat the heat.
Tired of using loud and unsightly window air conditioners to cool down your home in the summer? Even if you don't have the means to install a full ducted HVAC system in your home, you can still upgrade to a more powerful cooling system with a ductless air conditioner.
These systems, which are often called mini splits, include one or more wall-mounted units inside your home, which are powered by a relatively small outdoor compressor. They offer more power and control than window air conditioners—most double as heaters, too—yet they’re not as complicated or expensive to install as a ducted system, making them a good middle ground for homeowners wanting a more efficient cooling system. There are also smart ductless air conditioners on the market, plus the majority of units come in a range of capacity options, along with single- and multi-zone models.
There are several things you’ll want to consider when selecting a ductless air conditioner. First, you’ll need to decide how many indoor units you need, as well as where they’ll be placed. Unlike window units, mini split systems are a permanent fixture, so you’ll want to put careful thought into where they’ll be most efficient within your home.
It’s also important to select a unit that’s powerful enough for the room it’s in—if your unit is too small, it may not cool your space efficiently. The cooling capacity of air conditioners is typically measured in British Thermal Units, or BTUs, per hour, and as a general rule of thumb, you’ll want a unit that delivers 20 BTUs for each square foot of living space. So, a 200-square-foot room needs at least a 4,000-BTU air conditioner. While shopping, you may see “SEER” with a number next to it, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio (and the higher the number, the better). Those who are sensitive to noise should pay attention to decibels when the unit is on quiet mode. Generally speaking, anything that’s 30 dB or less is considered very quiet.
Finally, don’t forget to factor in installation. Most ductless air conditioners require professional installation (though there are some DIY models available), so you’ll need to take this expense into account and make sure your installer is comfortable working with the unit you select.
To ensure our list of ductless air conditioner caters to a wide range of needs, we looked at units from a variety of well-respected brands, and we selected models of various sizes and at different price points. All the models are well-regarded by reviewers, and many are equipped with useful features, including programmability, dehumidification settings, and, in a few instances, smart functionality.
For more on cooling solutions, check out our stories on The Best Portable Air Conditioners and The Best Window Air Conditioners.
This highly-rated model from Senville comes in a number of sizes, ranging from 9,000 BTUs all the way up to 24,000 BTUs, and it comes in 120- and 230-volt models. It has 4-in-1 functionality, working as an air conditioner, heater, dehumidifier, and fan, and it operates at just 34 decibels, making it an extremely quiet option for a bedroom or nursery.
All of its settings can be controlled via the unit’s included remote. The air conditioner comes with a 16-foot installation kit, including a communication cable and copper lines, but it’s important to note the brand requires professional installation for the unit’s 5-year warranty to be valid.
This ductless, high-efficiency mini-split system is specifically designed for DIY installation—and no special tools are required. It's compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, and features an auto restart if there's a power outage, leakage detection, and sleep mode on the remote to automatically adjust temperature during the night. The unit heats and cools, with 24,000 BTUs of power and a SEER rating of 20. Operation is also relatively quiet. Overall, it's a great package, albeit a pricey one.
If you’re planning to install your ductless air conditioner in a large room, this model delivers 36,000 BTUs per hour, making it powerful enough to efficiently cool spaces over 1,000 square feet. It can be used for both heating and cooling, operating in ambient temperatures between 5 and 122 degrees Fahrenheit, and it comes with a comprehensive installation kit.
You’ll get an insulated and pre-flared 25-foot line set, communication wires, as well as a drainage extension and remote control, and the unit can even be equipped with wifi if you elect to purchase the brand’s USB adapter (sold separately).
If you want the ability to adjust your air conditioning from your smartphone, this model from Senville includes built-in wifi connectivity, allowing it to be operated remotely from an Android or iOS device. It’s suitable for large space, thanks to its four-zone setup and 36,000-BTU output, plus it also has heating, dehumidification, and fan settings.
The unit has Turbo and Quiet modes for even more versatility, and it can automatically switch from cooling to heating based on the ambient temperature. The Senville air conditioner comes with a 16-foot installation kit, but professional installation is recommended.
This model from Della is a great value, and it still delivers 24,000 BTUs/hour, making it suitable for rooms up to 1,500 square feet. In addition to cooling, this unit has settings for heating, dehumidification, and ventilation, and it has a variety of useful features, including a 24-hour timer, sleep mode, energy-saving mode, and multiple fan speeds, all of which can be adjusted using the included remote control.
It comes with a full installation kit, including a 10-foot line set, and it operates between 30 and 41 decibels, depending on the settings.
The large, rectangular indoor units that come with most ductless air conditioners can be a bit cumbersome on your wall, and if you prefer a more streamlined appearance, this unit uses a ceiling cassette instead.
The 9,000-BTU system can be used for both heating and cooling in spaces up to 450 square feet, and it comes with a 16-foot line set, as well as all necessary installation equipment. The system has a 24-hour timer, sleep mode, turbo function, and 12 indoor fan speeds, and it operates as low as 25 decibels, making it ideal for bedrooms.
Daikin is a premium brand that offers a 10-year warranty on parts, plus free technical support from in-house experts. This wall-mounted unit has a 24,000-BTU output that allows it to effectively cool 1,500 square feet of space, and operation can be controlled through the app on your Android or iOS device, or via the included remote control.
Other highlights include sleep mode for automatic temperature adjustment overnight, quiet mode, eco-mode, and turbo mode, plus it comes with a 15-foot installation kit. It's also available in 12,000-BTU and 18,000-BTU models.
Air conditioning systems often use a lot of electricity, but you can minimize costs with this Energy Star-certified model from Bosch. It comes in several sizes, ranging from 9,000 to 36,000 BTUs, and the indoor unit has a sleek, modern design that’s not as much of an eyesore as other models.
The product offers a number of handy features, including a timer, automated “follow-me” settings, and “turbo” speed settings, and when you put it on silent mode, it operates at a whisper-quiet 20 decibels. You can choose between a 16- or 24-foot line set with this air conditioner, and it includes everything needed for installation.
If you’re hoping to install multiple ductless wall units throughout your home, you’ll need a multi-zone mini split air conditioner, like this one from Bosch.
This system can be customized with anywhere from two to five zones, and you can also choose from a wide range of BTU options with the ability to get units of different sizes. This product is Energy Star-certified for more efficient operation, and each unit comes with its own remote, allowing you to control them independently—ideal if you like one room to be warmer than another.