How Much Does a Ductless Air Conditioner Cost?
In general, Ductless air conditioners cost between $1,000 – $4,500, plus the cost of installation by a certified HVAC company. If you’re curious about the cost and upkeep of a ductless air conditioner, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know.
Finding the sweet spot in your home is difficult. The living room is a perfect temperature during the summer, but the guest room is sweltering. In the winter, you always grab a few extra blankets to keep yourself warm overnight.
It is a never-ending cycle. But the secret to keeping your home at an optimal temperature is obtainable.
Year-round climate control is within reach. Learn why a ductless air conditioner is your solution, and find out how much it costs.
What Is a Ductless Air Conditioner?
The magic of ductless air conditioning comes in the form of no ductwork. Ductless systems include one indoor unit and one outdoor unit. Electrical wiring and refrigerant tubing are what keep them connected.
The best part? A ductless air conditioner comes designed to heat or cool any space you desire. Their customization means they will heat and cool a room, or just cool a room if you’d like.
No more extra blankets in your bedroom in the winter. No box fans on high in the living room for the summer. Every room in your home will stay at the appropriate temperature no matter what.
Simple Installations
An added benefit is the simple installation. All you need is an area to place a small hole in the wall for the wiring and refrigerant line. Their versatility allows installation pretty much anywhere within the home.
The simple installations enable these units to become ductless ceiling air conditioners. They are perfect for garage spaces, attics, and basements.
What Do Ductless Air Conditioner Units Consist of?
We’ll dive deeper into what a ductless air conditioner contains and what each part means. There are four main terms used when discussing a ductless air conditioner unit. We will discuss them below.
Outdoor Unit
This is the compressor portion of the unit. It is generally attached to an outer wall. Its purpose is to hold the compressor and the fan.
The compressor moves the refrigerant between the condenser coils. The compressor is the heart, whereas the refrigerant is the blood.
Indoor Unit
This portion holds the air filter and the blower. This unit is always within the home. It also houses the cooling coils.
Refrigerant Lines
These lines serve as the connection between the outdoor and indoor units. They allow the refrigerant to interact between the two units.
Remote Control
The remote is used to lower or raise the temperature. It also provides the option to be on a programmable timer. It is possible this function is also on a mobile app if you have a smart mini-split system.
Are Ductless Units More Efficient?
The best ductless air conditioner is one that has flexibility. They are perfect for rooms additions and garages. They are also a great option for heating and cooling older homes.
Their versatility means they will cool and heat your home quickly. The efficiency they provide comes from the fans inside the system. The fans adapt and change speed based on conditions outside and inside the home.
The fans help maintain temperature throughout your day, which makes them more efficient.
Here is a simple truth: With a ductless air conditioner and heater, you save on energy. You won’t have to continue with the uncomfortable temperature swings from day to day.
Unable to install central air? The practicality of a ductless system really shines in older homes. You can heat and cool historic homes without diminishing the charm with unsightly ductwork running throughout.
Single-Zone Systems
Single-zone systems are ideal for smaller homes and smaller spaces. They come with one air handler and one condenser. The single system is a great way to save money when central air isn’t necessary.
A single unit will cool a room with less effort and more results. You won’t have to worry about cranking up your air conditioning to try and cool a room with a ductless unit. The unit does all the work for you.
Multi-Zone Systems
With multi-zone systems, one condenser handles several indoor units. One multi-zone system can handle up to eight indoor units at one time. These systems are great for locations with minimal summers and winters.
Everyone in the family will set their preferences with multiple units in one space. Regardless of if a person enjoys their room warm or cold, each room is set based on preference. Additionally, any unused rooms won’t waste unnecessary energy.
The Added Efficiency
The added efficiency comes from the ability to cool whatever room you are in. You won’t have to turn on air throughout the home to cool off one singular bedroom. This allows you to save money in the long run.
When compared to central air, the cost to use a ductless system is lower. One downside is that your ductless system will initially cost more than central air.
The offset comes when you think about how much ductwork costs to install in a home. Ductwork installation will exceed the total cost of a furnace or air conditioner. This levels the playing field until you factor in lower utility bills and true temperature control.
Minimal Maintenance
The minimal maintenance, when compared to central air, is a huge selling point. You don’t have to worry about inspecting the ductwork for issues. You also won’t have to seal or clean the ductwork annually.
Minimal maintenance is one of the main aspects that set it apart. No ductwork also means a lower selling point. If you feel handy enough, it is also possible to install these systems on your own and save money.
Top Ductless Unit Brands and Costs
The top ductless units on this list are ranked by brand and cost. We’ve narrowed the list down to five for better readability. To learn more about these brands, please contact your local air conditioning contractor.
1. The Mitsubishi MUZ-FH
Mitsubishi is among the top brand because of its reputation across the board. These ductless units come in multiple sizes and have a compatible indoor wall-mount unit.
Key Takeaways:
- Hot-start technology waits until the indoor coil is hot to start the blower
- 3D i-See sensor scans the room to spot where AC or heating is currently needed
- It is effective in extremely cold temperatures
Cost: $1,000 to $2,400
2. Fujitsu General Halcyon Wall Mounted RLF/RLX Series
This unit comes with a variety of features and offers 23 SEER/10.6 HSPF efficiency.
Key Takeaways:
- Advanced humidity control in AC mode
- It comes with a wireless remote and a 24-hour timer with a sleep function
- It has a safe restart after a power outage
Cost: $3,000 to $4,000
3. Gree Crown
This brand is known for its ability to heat in temperatures that are extremely low. They have an option for virtually any climate.
Key Takeaways:
- It has variable speed and two-stage inverter technology
- Systems defrost as needed instead of continuously
- It is wi-fi enabled for remote monitoring
Cost: $2,400 to $3,500
4. LG Art Cool Premier
This is one of LG’s most reliable units that auto restarts after power outages.
Key Takeaways:
- It has advanced dehumidification of 3.2 pints per hour
- The 9K and 15K outdoor units are compatible with indoor evaporators
- It will heat in outdoor temperatures as low as 14 °F
Cost: $2,950 to $4,135
5. Daikin Aurora/20 Series Wall Mount
Daikin is known for selling its heat pumps as complete systems. This particular unit also comes as a floor-mount combination. The brand is known for its efficiency and excellent performance.
Key Takeaways:
- Has a sensor that turns on economy mode when the room or zone where it is installed is empty
- It has a hot start so no cold air blasts when a cycle starts
- It has wi-fi and a wireless remote
- It has an inverter swing compressor that changes electrical frequency when necessary
- The comfort mode feature helps to prevent cold air from blowing directly at you
- It adjusts warm air to flow to the bottom of the room
Cost: $2,700 to $3,000
Ductless Systems Provide More Than Monetary Value
A ductless air conditioner is a simple solution that saves on excessive ductwork and excessive utility bills. It keeps individual rooms at optimal temperatures and is a great solution for every space in the home. Their efficiency and flexibility make them a great addition to any space.
Whether you are considering a ductless system or want to learn more, the options are limitless. To read more blog posts like this one take a look at our website. From how to install garage doors to the cost of exterior paint, you will learn everything about how to upgrade your home.
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