A ductless mini-split heats and cools without ducts, using an outdoor unit and one or more wall- or ceiling-mounted indoor heads. It's the go-to for additions, older homes without ducts, and zoning problem rooms.
A mini-split installation mounts an outdoor condenser and runs a small refrigerant line set and control wire to each indoor head, with a wall penetration and a condensate drain per head. A single-zone system serves one room; a multi-zone system connects several heads to one outdoor unit.
Because there are no ducts, there's no duct loss and each zone has its own thermostat — but every area you want conditioned needs its own head, and heads are visible on the wall or ceiling.
Older homes, homes with radiators or baseboard heat, and additions where running ducts isn't practical.
A converted garage, sunroom, attic bedroom, or home office that the central system never reaches.
You want different temperatures in different parts of the house without a full zoning system.
Possible with enough heads, but the cost approaches a ducted system — compare both.
Cooling one hot zone rather than oversizing the whole system.
Mini-splits are heat pumps — they heat efficiently down to cold temperatures, cold-climate models even lower.
Installed ranges. Tailor it with the Heat Pump Installation Cost Calculator (choose the ductless option).
| Configuration | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Single zone (1 head) | $3,500 – $6,500 |
| Two zones | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| Three zones | $8,000 – $14,000 |
| Four to five zones | $12,000 – $20,000 |
| Cold-climate model premium | +10–25% |
| Electrical circuit / disconnect | $300 – $800 |
Mini-split performance depends heavily on installation quality. A good installer:
Ask to see the vacuum micron reading and the commissioning data. A rushed mini-split install is the most common cause of early failure.
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A single-zone mini-split runs about $3,500–$6,500 installed. Each added zone adds roughly $2,500–$4,000, so a four-zone system runs $12,000–$20,000. Estimate yours with the Heat Pump Installation Cost Calculator.
Yes, with enough heads and a cold-climate model, but at that point the cost is close to a ducted system. Mini-splits shine for additions, ductless homes, and zoning individual rooms.
Yes — mini-splits are heat pumps. Standard models heat efficiently into the 20s°F; cold-climate models hold capacity well below zero. In very cold regions, plan for some backup heat.
Indoor heads are quiet — typically 25–40 decibels on low. The outdoor unit is comparable to a standard AC condenser.
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