Ductless mini split systems were not popular a few years ago. However, many homeowners have come to learn about them and their benefits. Today, they are considered the most energy-efficient and easy to install and use air conditioning and heating system you can ever invest in to keep your home comfortable all year long.
In this post, we’ll review some of the best ductless air conditioners that have been tested and proven to provide the best comfort. Most of these units are a little expensive than the ordinary window and portable air conditioners, but they are worth it.
All you have to consider is the size of your room and a few other factors that we’ll cover in the buying guide section.
10 Best Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner Reviews 2021
Last update on 2024-03-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’ve decided that a ductless air conditioner is the right unit for your home, you have two choices – a single or dual zone unit depending on rooms you want to cool. However, if you want to cool more than two rooms, you have the option to choose multi zone mini split systems depending on how many rooms you want to cool.
We understand that it can be really challenging to choose the best ductless heating and cooling unit for your home. For that reason, we’ve reviewed ten best ductless mini-split air conditioners so you can make an informed decision.
While many options come with similar features and offer great results, we’ve picked Pioneer WYS012-17 as the best choice.
It’s affordable compared to other models, energy-efficient, versatile, and will ensure your temperature needs are met. It’s also received positive reviews from other customers.
You can also go through this list to review other models.
1. Pioneer WYS012-117 Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner
Pioneer company has gone to greater heights to bring you a high tech air conditioner in its latest design. They have combined quality, efficiency, and power to come up with a superior appliance. This cutting-edge air conditioner will meet all your heating and cooling needs all year through.
The heating and cooling capacities are important factors to consider when choosing a ductless mini-split system. This particular model we have reviewed has a cooling and heating capacity of 12,000 BTUs are perfect for rooms up to 550 square feet.
We would recommend this unit for single residential spaces. However, it can also be used in commercial buildings as long as it’s not over-strained.
Another thing we like about the Pioneer WYS012-17 is that it’s quiet. You will not hear the noise of the indoor unit as you would with window or portable air conditioners.
This unit comes with a multi-function remote control and complete installation kit. While it’s easy to install, you need basic DIY skills to set it up correctly.
Here is a guide for installing Pioneer ductless mini split air conditioners. The same guide can be used to install other DIY mini split units
Pros:
- Stylish and blends well in any interior decor
- Easy to set up, and the comes with a complete installation kit.
- The air conditioner comes pre-charged with a 17.2 SEER rating.
- You can adjust speed to the desired temperature
Cons:
- High maintenance cost
- It’s not suitable for high ceiling rooms or large sized houses.
- If installed incorrectly may result in short cycling leading to energy wastage and improper temperature or humidity control.
2. Senville SENL – 09CD Air Conditioner
When it comes to keeping single rooms comfortable all year long, turn to Senville SENL-09CD Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump. It is great for small rooms like bedrooms, dens, and home offices.
This system is built for more than just cooling ad heating. It can dehumidify and distribute cold air across the room if you switch the fa mode. These are great features because you don’t have to turn on the heating and cooling mode when the temperature isn’t too hot or too cold.
The LETO Series by Senville is energy efficient thanks to the variable inverter compressor that limits its energy usage. The best part is the 19 SEER rating, which means it uses less power when heating or cooling your room. If you decide to purchase this unit, then you have several options from 9,000 BTU to 24,000 BTU. In this case, we have recommended the 9,000 BTU mini split system.
This unit is easy to use thanks to the included remote control. No matter where you are in the room, you can adjust the temperature or change the mode by just pressing the button on the remote.
Other features and accessories that come with the unit include a 16-foot installation kit, sleep function, ECO mode, turbo button, automatic restart, and angled airflow.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Quiet
- Energy efficient
- Can dehumidify
- Easy to control
- Installation kit included
Cons:
- It requires maintenance once in a while to avoid fan blockage.
- Short warranty period.
3. Amira Mini Split Air Conditioner
If you’re looking for a quiet mini-split system, then this unit by Amira should be on your list. It’s designed to be super silent and one of the quietest on the market.
It uses inverter technology, specifically designed to provide cooling and heating at up to -22F, with up to 75% efficiency. With this unit, you won’t experience any additional cost overages on your energy even as temperatures go lower.
It’s always ideal to go for units that are safe and reliable. The Amira 18000 BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner is definitely one of those on the market because it’s ETL certified.
This is a small unit that can be mounted on the wall and blend well with any interior decor. It also comes with a complete installation kit. The manufacturer offers 1 year on parts and 5 years on compressor. But you can still find other 18,000 btu mini split brands that offer more.
Pros:
- Attractive and bled with any interior decor
- Inverter technology that reduces energy loss
- Quiet
- Safe and reliable – ETL certified
- Remote control included
Cons:
- The 5-year warranty on the compressor and 1-year warranty on parts is shorter than other mini split systems
4. Klimaire Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner
Klimaire KSIA012-H116 is part of the KSIH hyper series, a range of high-performance wall mounted mini-splits. These range of heating and cooling systems are smart, reliable, and best choice for any homeowner looking for heating or cooling source or supplement an already existing unit.
With DC inverter variable speed technology, this unit is intended to prevent energy loss as well as deliver the right amount of heating and cooling in your room without frequently adjusting the thermostat. The 24,000 BTU 15 SEER ductless system provides zoned heating and cooling for up to 1,500 square feet.
Moreover, the inverter technology used in air conditioning and heating units can generate energy savings up to 49% compared to standard on/off systems.
Other features that we like about this unit include 12 fan speeds, dedicated dehumidification, turbo function, and sleep mode. All these features are intended to help you customize your heating and cooling needs.
There is also an auto-clean function that will clean and dry the evaporator, preventing the growth of mildew and maintaining healthy indoor air quality. The remote control, on the other hand, allows for manual operation of the unit when necessary.
If you don’t like this ductless air conditioner, you can check other options from our 24,000 BTU mini splits review.
Pros:
- 3D air flow technology distributes the air evenly throughout the room.
- 24-hour timer and memory function
- Turbo mode for fast heating & cooling
- Auto restart function
- Sleep mode
- Follow me
- Auto defrosting
- Self-cleaning
Cons:
You need to hire an HVAC technician to install, which adds to the cost of having the unit
Installation guidelines are not layed out properly
5. Classic America Ductless Wall Mount Mini Split Inverter Air Conditioner with Heat Pump
It’s not easy to find a mini-split system and heat pump that is so efficient with high end up features at such a low price. That’s what Classic America offers. With 24,000 BTU, it makes heating and cooling 1500 square feet rooms look unbelievably easy.
This wall mounted ductless air conditioner is ETL Approved which means it’s safe for indoor use and has a Energy Efficiency Ratio of 15. Energy-star certified air conditioners can save you up to 40% on your energy costs annually, making them great companions for both home and commercial use.
The unique features about this unit are the automatic air swings. These let the heat and cool air reach more of your space, leaving no hot or cool zones.
This mini-split system is quiet, uses a smart technology that auto-detects problems, and had an advanced ion filter that kills bacteria and other allergens.
All the installation materials are included plus an anti-free pipe sensor and 16 feet insulated copper-aluminum refrigeration tubing, wiring cables, and wall sleeve pipe. If you’d like to see of the units that you can easily mount on the wall, here are some of the best wall mounted ductless heating and cooling units.
Pros:
- Quiet
- Energy efficient.
- Inverter technology
- Easy to install and use.
- Double direction air vanes
Cons:
- Maintenance is high. If you don’t clean the filters regularly this could lead to a permanent problem..
6. Daikin Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner
Daikin is one of the popular brands in the United States. It is best known for producing high-quality central cooling and heating systems that have been installed in thousands of households all over the US.
Daikin’s 24,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner, in particular, is integrated with an inverter variable speed compressor. This technology minimizes indoor temperature fluctuations, reducing energy loss. Together with the 19 SEER rating, the unit delivers the capacity required to maintain the desired room temperature without experiencing a spike in your energy bills.
The inverter technology also ensures the unit maintain comfort settings by operating at low speeds. The indoor unit’s sound level is usually as low as 19 decibels (dB) while the outdoor sound levels as low as 46 dB. Moreover, if you activate the indoor unit’s quiet mode, the sound level drops by 2-3 dB, providing a gentler heating and cooling and quiet operation.
The unit is user-friendly and has several features to ensure a comfortable experience every moment: these include wide-angle louver design, auto-swing, and comfortable mode controller settings.
To protect your purchase, the company offers up to 12 years warranty on parts.
Pros:
- Smart inverter technology
- Quiet operation
- Energy efficient – 19 SEER, 9 HSPF
- Turbo mode cools or warms up the room fast
- 12 year parts limited warranty
Cons:
- While it’s easy to install, you need basic DIY skills to set it up properly or you can hire a professional
7. DuctlessAire Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner and Heat Pump
Most air conditioners will help you stay cool and comfortable in even the most extreme environment. However, not all can offer cooling or heating with low ambiance. DuctlessAire Energy Star Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner, and Heat Pump provides both.
This unit is capable of cooling and heating spaces up to 500 square feet and ideal in server rooms, greenhouses, restaurants, and sunrooms. More importantly, it operates quietly.
Key features of this single zone mini split are the inverter technology and 21.5 SEER rating. The technology, together with the high SEER rating, makes the unit one of the most efficient on the market.
Other features are included in this 12,000 BTU ductless system to ensure proper functioning unit, that will last a lifetime. They are washable air filter, self-cleaning, auto-protection, Turbo mode, and LCD display. It also comes with a 25 feet installation kit, designed to ease installation as well as minimize installation costs.
Pros:
- Energy efficient
- Whisper quiet operation
- The condenser coil is very durable since it’s made of a Gold Fin coating that prevents corrosion.
- Washable filters are reusable and prevent the buildup of bacteria on the evaporator.
- The unit is equipped with HEPA filters for air purification.
- Self diagnosis and auto-protection function
Cons:
- The cost is high compared to other 12,000 BTU ductless mini split air conditioners
- You need to hire a technician to install
8. Air-Con Mini Split Air Conditioner
The Blue Series 2 are powerful, energy-efficient mini-split systems that will provide comfort all year long. This 24,000-BTU, Energy Star-rated unit is best for rooms up to 500 square feet.
The Blue 3 Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioners and Heat Pump is jam-packed full of convenience features that make using this machine a breeze. It has an intelligence defrost that will help save more energy. A low-voltage start-up feature is also available to prevent energy loss.
It’s always important to choose a quiet unit for your home. This product’s advanced inverter technology and comfortable sleep mode function ensure the unit performs quietly as well as maintains a steady temperature in your room.
Some of the features we like about this ac and heat pumps are the multi fan speeds and intelligent pre-heating features. You can, therefore, customize your heating or cooling depending on your needs. It best suited for winter, making it one of the best mini split for cold weather heating.
Pros:
- It’s a high-efficiency system that will heat and cool your office or home to your specifications.
- A wall bracket is provided for the indoor unit saving you the cost of separately purchasing the bracket.
- Comes with a 7-year warranty on the compressor and 5-year warranty on the parts.
- Spare parts are easily available if you inquire from a specialist. It’s easy to install and has user and installation manuals.
- Uses ductless technology eliminating chances of leakages from the ducts. There are no noisy fans and the air is delivered directly to the required room.
- Has a DC inverter which lowers your utility bills by up to 60 %.
- The system has low noise levels making it durable. It has different modes depending on the time of day or night.
- The unit comes at a practically fair price compared to its effectiveness.
Cons:
- Its usage is limited for use in rooms not exceeding 1,500 square feet.
- Units in the same level come with a 10-year warranty compared to its 7-year warranty.
- Maintenance costs are high.
9. RolliCool 10,000 BTU Mini Split Quiet Ductless Air Conditioner
Unlike other smart home devices, smart air conditioners have been slow to take off. However, many customers say the RolliCool is worth your investment. One of the best features of this unit is its quiet operation. The indoor unit is 42dBA while the outdoor unit is 53dBA, making it ideal for your workplace, bedroom.
The size of the cooling or heating appliance you choose is important. A large unit will increase your energy bills while a small unit will not cool your room efficiently. The RolliCool 10,000 BTU Mini Split Quiet Ductless Air Conditioner is ideal for rooms up to 450 square feet. This unit can also dehumidify a room, preventing mold infestation and other and other indoor pollutants.
There is no cost of installation involved. You can easily set it up if you have basic home DIY skills. After installation, many customers say that its its smart app is simple and easy to use. You can also take advantage of the AC’s schedule function to regulate the temperature in your room using the remote or the smart app.
Pros:
- Cooling at a whisper
- Can dehumidify
- LED control panel and remote
- Smart – you can schedule your cooling depending on the temperature.
- Easy installation – no cost involved
- Less noisy and energy efficient.
- It’s cost-friendly with a lot of benefits.
Cons:
- Most customers complained about accumulation of water when it runs for long.
10. CoVac 12,000 BTU Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner
Believe or not, this is one of the least expensive 12,000 BTU mini-split you’ll find on the market. It works very well in rooms up to 450 square feet.
The best feature is the low decibel rating, making it ideal for bedrooms, home offices, or kids’ rooms. It makes the rooms nice and comfortable no matter the season, without increasing your energy bills. The good part is that it can also dehumidify. So, if you live in a wet, humid area, this unit will maintain the recommended humidity levels.
Like many other ductless mini-split air conditioners, the CoVac is energy efficient with a SEER rating of 19. It is also AHRI Certified and ETL Listed, which means it is a safe and reliable model.
It’s easy to install and includes 16 feet copper line set, a pre-charged refrigerant in condenser, installation manual, and other important installation accessories.
The company offers all parts and accessories for all models. There is also 1-year limited parts warranty, which is definitely less compared to what other brands are offering for the same type of product.
Pros:
- Can cool, heat and dehumidify
- High-efficiency SEER 19 with ultra-quiet operation
- Installation accessories included
- AHRI Certified and ETL Listed
Cons:
- The 1 year limited parts warranty is less compared to what other brands offer
What is a Ductless Air Conditioner?
Unlike traditional central air conditioner, ductless systems have two components. An indoor unit that you can easily mount on the ceiling or wall and, an outdoor compressor that pumps air into the indoor system.
Also referred to as mini-split air conditioners, these types of units don’t require you to install ducts in the attic or walls. They are ideal where you need to make additions to your home, but the necessary ductwork are lacking.
More and more people are embracing this new technology for various and good reasons. These unit can be either a single zone condenser, where only one unit can be used in one room, or multi-zone condenser which can simultaneously serve different rooms.
The mini-split air conditioners are an excellent choice for small to medium-sized rooms measuring up to 1500 square feet.
Benefits of Ductless Mini Split Air conditioning Systems
- Flexibility and size. These small units are flexible for warming and cooling individual rooms. Most of the ductless conditioners have 4 indoor air handling units connected to one outdoor unit. Their sizes make them suitable for a residential setting.
- Improved energy efficiency. With the advanced technology, the Mini-Split units have a sensor that detects when a person is in the room and automatically starts the heating and cooling when the individual touches the remote control. The auto-start functionality helps conserve energy as you can set it to sleep when not in use.
- Easier installation. Compared to the outdated central air conditioners, Mini Split Conditioners require a 3-inch hole drilled on the wall to connect the outdoor and indoor units. The systems come with 15 or more feet wiring set.
- As the name suggests, the ductless feature helps prevent energy loss related to ductwork of the central conditioner systems. The amount of energy lost through ductwork is very high.
Drawbacks of the mini split air conditioners
- Prices. The cost of a Mini Split Air Conditioner is higher compared to the central AC system.
- Installation. The measurements should be done correctly and the unit placed in a suitable location. Incorrect location can lead to short cycling resulting in energy wastage and improper temperature or incorrect humidity control. Also, it’s hard to find mini split specialists.
Buying Guide: What to Look for when Purchasing the Best Mini Split AC System
How Mini Split AC works
Mini splits systems are made up of 2 main parts which include the indoor units and outdoor condenser. Due to the ductless feature, they can either cool one or several rooms depending on your needs.
Interesting read: Best mini split air conditioner for RV
Parts of a Ductless Mini Split AC
The indoor unit. Also called condenser. Its work is to pump cool air through the refrigerant lines into the evaporator or indoor units. You can mount it on the wall, suspend it from the ceiling or mount in the ceiling.
The Refrigerant lines. They are lines that connect the outdoor unit to the indoor unit and are usually charged. They appear as small tubes also known as line sets which connect to the outdoor unit through a small hole in the wall or through the window.
The Condensing unit. It’s for pumping cool air through the refrigerant lines which is connected to the indoor units.
The Remote control/wall monitor. Most of the Mini Split AC comes with a remote control, wall monitor or both. This helps you have full air-conditioning control thus you can set the temperature, choose the mode and have control of any other type of setting.
Apart from the BTU, you should also consider the following factors within your home.
- The Height of your Ceiling. Higher ceiling more than 8 feet gives the Mini Split AC hard time cooling the entire room. These can lead to improper temperatures. In case your ceiling is this high, you should increase the BTU by 20% utmost.
- Environmental conditions. If you live in an area with high humidity or a cool place throughout the year. Then you need to adjust your BTU depending on the conditions and the normal temperature.
- Insulation of the room. It’s common to have poor insulation in an old house. Thus, it’s advisable to acquire a Mini Split AC with 30% more BTU than the recommended for that particular room.
- The climate. Some places might be experiencing a 90-degrees Fahrenheit climate. If you live in such places, you should adjust the BTU rating by 30% for proper cooling.
Consider the zones (Single Zone Vs Multi-Zone Mini Split AC)
A single zone Mini Split AC cools one area of your house since it has 1 outdoor unit and 1 indoor unit. This is not a good choice if you are planning to cover multi rooms in the house. If you decide on purchasing single zone you must ensure that the unit has enough power to cover the room.
The Multi-Zone Mini Split AC generally works similar to the single zone. The advantage is that it can cool more than one part of the house. It has 4 indoor units connected to one outdoor unit through the refrigerant lines. Most multi zone units have higher btu ratings from 36,000 btu to 60,000 btus. You can start from our 36,000 btu mini split review if you want these types of ac units.
Voltage power.
The standard volt plug is 110-220V. Most people tend to take this section lightly and assume that all appliances come with this standard quote. Voltage depends on the power requirement for different buildings.
The Mini Split AC comes with a 110-220 volt plug. If your air conditioner is for a larger unit, you need a voltage of 220-240V. You can ask an electrician to install it for you or you can do it yourself if you know how to install it safely. It’s important to note that using the incorrect voltage can lead to loss of efficiency, circuit breakdown, or even start a fire
Energy efficient
Ductless Mini Split units are equipped with latest technologies making them energy efficient and thus suitable for cooling and heating your home. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is used to measure these AC. Also, the federal requirement for the Mini Split in the United States is 13.0 SEER rating.
Additionally, Energy Efficiency Ratio(EER) is another way to determine which AC is the most energy efficient. This measures energy usage per square foot of the room to be cooled and heated. Check out for an appliance that is Energy-star rated. The unit is certified as energy star rated after proving to save energy and perform as expected by customers
Installation of the Ductless Mini Split AC
Go for an air conditioning that offers free installation or has the best quote for installation. Importantly, Mini Split AC requires professional installation. Avoid damaging the unit or incorrect installation. The units with pre-charged refrigerant lines do not necessarily require professionals
The compressor type- Inverter Vs Rotary compressor
This is also referred to as the outdoor unit. Its categorized as one of the most important parts of a Ductless Mini Split AC. There are of 2 types, rotary, and inverter. Rotary compressor is tailored to turn on and off when running in order to maintain the set temperature. Rotary turns on with full power then goes on and off for the period of time the AC is turned on.
On the other hand, inverter compressor is the most energy efficient since it uses enough power to attain the required setting. This is the most preferred type of compressor
Modes
Ductless Mini Split AC has multiple modes options for the comfort of your home. Apart from the primary cooling mode, Mini Split AC has other option.
- Heat mode– heat pump in the Mini Split system transfers heat from one room to another which is very important during winter. You don’t have to incur extra cost when purchasing a heater if you have a Mini Split AC. In addition, you can set the thermostat up to 88 degrees F.
- Sleep mode– some Mini Split AC automatically switches to sleep mode helping you sleep faster.
- Automatic mode– the cutting edge technology in most Mini Split AC has led to most AC having an automatic mode which automatically selects the suitable room temperature.
- Fan only –very useful when you need air to circulate around the room without switching to cool mode.
- Dehumidify mode– helps in removing excess moisture from the air. Very applicable in the basement or areas with an extremely humid weather.
Conclusion
Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioners can save you a huge chunk of money on utility bills. The state-of-the-art technology used brings comfort right into your rooms.
Every model has its own merits and demerits and the final decision is a matter of preference. You must be willing invest in these amazing gadgets to turn your home into a haven of comfort and relaxation especially in this summer heat.
We hope this review of the best ductless mini-split air conditioners can help you make the right decision when you go shopping.
If you still can’t choose one for your home, the Pioneer WYS012-117 would be a perfect fit for any home.