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When it comes to cooling your home, there are several air conditioning systems to choose from. Ductless mini-split air conditioners are popular for their energy efficiency, ease of installation, and versatility.
In this guide to the best ductless mini-split air conditioners, we provide our top picks for 2023, explain what to look for in a mini-split system, and tell you how to estimate unit and installation costs for your home. We also answer common questions and list additional resources and tips.
Top 5 Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioners
- Best Overall: Senville LETO 30K Smart Mini-Split
- Best Smart Features: DELLA 12K Wi-Fi Mini-Split
- Best Medium-Capacity: Cooper & Hunter 18K Mini-Split
- Best for Small Spaces: Senville LETO 9K Smart Mini-Split
- Quietest: Pioneer 12K Mini-Split
Compare Top Ductless Mini-Split ACs
| Product | Coverage Area | SEER Rating | BTUs | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senville LETO 30,000 BTU Smart Mini-Split | 1,400 sq. ft. | 18.6 | 30,000 | 2 years (parts), 5 years (compressor) |
| DELLA Smart Mini-Split Ductless Inverter System | 500 sq. ft. | 20 | 12,000 | 3 years (parts), 5 years (compressor) |
| Cooper & Hunter 18,000 BTU Ductless Mini-Split | 800 sq. ft. | 19 | 18,000 | 7 years |
| Senville LETO 9,000 BTU Smart Mini-Split Air Conditioner | 400 sq. ft. | 19 | 9,000 | 5 years |
| Pioneer 12,000 BTU Ductless Inverter+ | 500 sq. ft. | 20.5 | 12,000 | 5 years |
| Product | Coverage Area | SEER Rating | BTUs | Warranty |
Best Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner Overall
Senville LETO 30,000 BTU Mini-Split
- $1,799.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Covers up to 1,400 square feet
✔ Operates quietly at 34 A-weighted decibels (dB(A))
✔ Is compatible with Amazon Alexa
✘ Has a short, two-year warranty on most parts
✘ Requires professional installation for warranty validation
Good for: Open floor plans, garages, and larger rooms.
What Customers Are Saying
According to our customer research, buyers recommend this mini-split for its versatility, energy efficiency, and effective year-round performance. We encountered very few negative reviews, but one customer stated that they had to purchase additional parts to install the unit.
Best Smart Features
DELLA 12,000 BTU Mini-Split
- $679.96
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Features DELLA+ smart app features and controls
✔ Offers vertical and lateral airflow control
✔ Has several cooling and heating settings
✘ Has a small cooling capacity not suitable for large spaces
✘ Requires professional installation for warranty validation
Good for: Smart-home compatibility and small-to-medium areas.
What Customers Are Saying
Our research shows that customers like the DELLA unit’s energy efficiency, overall performance, and included installation kit. Amazon yielded just one negative customer review in which the buyer claimed that their new mini-split would not turn on.
Best Medium-Capacity Mini-Split
Cooper & Hunter 18,000 BTU Mini-Split
- $1,038.9
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a SEER rating of 19
✔ Operates at a quiet 43 dB(A)
✔ Comes with a custom installation kit
✘ Is not sold with the Wi-Fi USB module
✘ Requires professional installation
Good for: Rooms up to 800 square feet in size.
What Customers Are Saying
After reading dozens of reviews, we found that most reviewers praise this model for its high efficiency, easy installation, and performance. However, we found a handful of critical reviews by customers that encountered minor technical issues and had disappointing experiences with Cooper & Hunter’s customer service.
Best Ductless Mini-Split for Small Areas
Senville LETO 9,000 BTU Smart Mini-Split
- $749.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Features a turbo function and dehumidifier
✔ Operates at a whisper-quiet 38 dB(A)
✔ Is compatible with Amazon Alexa
✘ Has a small cooling capacity that’s unsuitable for large spaces
✘ Is not Energy Star compliant
Good for: Areas up to 400 square feet in size.
What Customers Are Saying
Our team found numerous reviews recommending this unit for its energy savings, range of settings, and compatibility with Amazon Alexa for easy remote control. However, some reviewers dislike that the unit lacks manual external controls—it’s only controllable via the remote and Alexa.
Quietest Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner
Pioneer 12,000 BTU Ductless Inverter+
- $918
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Features a 23 dB(A) noise level for ultra-quiet operation
✔ Comes with 16-foot copper line set and 10-foot drain hose
✔ Has a 20.5 SEER rating
✘ Is not Wi-Fi compatible
✘ Requires professional required for warranty validation
Good for: Customers seeking a reliable mini-split that requires minimal maintenance.
What Customers Are Saying
After reading dozens of reviews, we found that buyers especially like this unit’s whisper-quiet noise level, various settings, and comprehensive remote control. Less-than-happy reviewers are frustrated by the installation process and unimpressed with Pioneer’s technical support.
Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner Buying Guide
According to our team’s research, the most important mini-split ductless air conditioner features are energy efficiency, cooling capacity, noise level, and ease of installation. “Nice-to-have” options include smart connectivity, various modes, and remote control. We look at each factor in more detail below.
Energy Efficiency
Consider energy efficiency when buying a mini-split. High energy efficiency leads to lower utility costs and a reduced carbon footprint. To ensure that your ductless air conditioner meets energy efficiency standards, look for its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. According to the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), an air conditioning unit with a SEER rating of 14 or higher qualifies as energy-efficient.
Cooling Capacity
Cooling capacity, measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), determines the unit’s ability to cool the intended space effectively. Generally, aim for a unit with a cooling capacity of 20 BTUs per square foot. However, the size of the air conditioner you need depends on several factors, including square footage, ceiling height, structural insulation and venting, and the location of the mini-split.
Noise Level
Ductless air conditioners with low noise levels can make it easier to sleep, work, and relax in a room.
The operating volume of AC units, like most major appliances, is measured in A-weighted decibels (dBA). The lower a unit’s dBA, the quieter it is. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), noise levels above 70 decibels can start to damage hearing, and the louder the noise, the less time it takes to cause lasting hearing damage.
Ease of Installation
According to our heating and cooling team’s Split AC Installation Guide, stand-alone installation of a ductless mini-split air conditioner costs between $300 and $6,000. This estimate does not include the cost of the air conditioner.
Factors that affect installation pricing include the number of units, their size, and the components used. Mini-splits that are easier to install generally come with lower installation costs.
As with any appliances that connect to your home’s electrical system, we highly recommend hiring a certified professional installer.
Additional Features
Consider units with additional features such as smart features and Wi-Fi connectivity, remote control, sleep modes, and automatic switch between cooling and heating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioners
What is a mini-split ductless air conditioner?
A mini-split ductless air conditioner is an air conditioning system that does not require ductwork to distribute air. Instead, it uses an outdoor unit to condition the air, which it then distributes inside the home through the adjoining indoor unit. Ductless systems are ideal for homes or rooms that lack ductwork.
What are the benefits of a mini-split ductless air conditioner?
Mini-split ductless air conditioners offer several benefits over traditional HVAC systems. They are easy to install, are energy-efficient, and provide zoned cooling for maximum comfort. Additionally, mini ductless units tend to have a low operating volume, and the latest models are controllable via a remote or smartphone.
How much does a mini-split ductless air conditioner cost?
The cost of a mini-split ductless air conditioner depends on the brand, model, and installation requirements. Generally, a single-zone system can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000, while a multi-zone system can cost up to $8,000.
To determine the exact cost for your particular situation, we recommend getting a quote from a professional HVAC contractor.
How long do mini-split ductless air conditioners last?
Mini-split ductless air conditioners can last for up to 20 years with proper maintenance and care. It’s important to clean the filters regularly and have the system serviced by a professional HVAC contractor at least once per year.
How do I choose the right size mini-split ductless air conditioner for my room?
To choose the right size mini-split ductless air conditioner for your room, you’ll need to calculate the square footage of the space and account for factors such as ceiling height, insulation, and sun exposure.
A professional HVAC contractor can help you determine the appropriate BTU rating for your mini-split ductless air conditioner based on these factors.
Additional Air Conditioner Resources
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to investing in a ductless mini-split air conditioner—far more than we could hope to cover in this product roundup alone.
Since we want to provide our readers with the most holistic guidance possible, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite air conditioning resources below.
- AHRI’s Guide to Ductless Mini-Split Systems
- What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?
- How Much Does Split AC Installation Cost?
- Our Top 10 Air Conditioning Tips
- How To Maintain Your Air Conditioner
- Our Guide to Air Conditioner Repair Cost
Who This Mini-Split Air Conditioner Guide Is For
Whether you’re a first-time homeowner, a seasoned homeowner, or somewhere in between, a quality ductless mini-split unit can be the key to transforming a stuffy room into a place of reprieve.
Our team evaluated a variety of ductless mini-split systems to accommodate a range of setups, budgets, and preferences, including the best ductless mini-splits for large, medium, and small rooms, as well as the quietest ductless mini-split and the mini-split with the best smart feature set.
How We Selected the Best Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioners
To provide our readers with the best ductless mini-split air conditioner recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of mini-split units with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team analyzed reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our small team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the major appliance and home improvement space, from ceiling fans and floor coating to doorbell cameras and garage door openers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
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