Ductless AC Systems_ Benefits, Installation and Maintenance
                     Ductless AC Systems: Benefits,
Installation and Maintenance
A traditional HVAC system comes with ducts. Maintaining these ducts can be very 
difficult for homeowners sometimes. Cleaning the air ducts, looking for leaks and mold, 
and dealing with the mold is just the beginning.
The whole process is challenging for most homeowners. Ductless mini-split systems 
can be a substitute. In this tutorial, we will go through what is a ductless air conditioner 
system, its benefits, how to choose the proper ductless system, and the installation 
process.
TL;DR –
● Ductless air conditioner units are also known as mini-split systems or 
mini-split air conditioners
● Homeowners can enjoy the cooling without the need for air ductwork
● It comes with zoning capabilities, improved IAC, and higher energy 
efficiency
● Compared to other cooling systems, ductless ones are very easy to 
install
● Although a ductless unit requires a higher upfront budget, in the long 
run, they save costs 
What is a Ductless AC System and How Does It Work?
A ductless air conditioner comes without external air passages. They are also called 
mini-split systems because of their two main components- Outdoor and indoor units.
Traditional central air conditioner systems use ducts to distribute air. Ductless systems 
use separate units for interior space. These units connect to a single compressor 
module, usually in outdoors. The outdoor unit contains a fan and evaporator coil.
There is one outdoor unit with a compressor, condenser coil, and fan. Refrigerant lines 
connect the indoor and outdoor unit.
Here’s how a ductless air conditioner functions:
● The wall-mounted indoor unit draws in warm air and cools it by 
compressing refrigerant.
● Cooled air is distributed throughout the room.
● Refrigerant lines carry the chemical from the indoor unit to the outdoor 
component.
● The outdoor part compresses the refrigerant and releases the heat 
outside.
● Refrigerant lines then carry the refrigerant back indoors.
Why Consider a Ductless AC?
Ductless or mini-split air conditioning systems can be a primary option for the entire 
home or a supplementary option alongside the central HVAC system. A ductless air 
conditioner has many benefits over a ducted system, such as:
1. Higher Energy Efficiency
The traditional system distributes air using ductwork. There can be leaks or blockages 
in the duct that can cause energy losses. You need to always check for those to 
maintain proper output.
On the flip side, there is no risk of air leakage from the air passages in a mini-split air 
conditioning system. This automatically increases the efficiency of the unit. The utility 
cost will get lower too because of lower power consumption.
2. Easier to Install
Installing ductless ones is easier than other cooling units. As a result, it won’t cost you 
any extra money to set it up.
3. Requires Low Maintenance
With the ductwork, there is a lower chance of mold growth, dust, allergens, and 
blockages. Hence, mini-splits require less frequent cleaning.
The primary maintenance tasks are cleaning and replacing the air filters timely, cleaning
the inside and outside units, and making sure the airflow is proper.
4. Improved Indoor Air Quality
A ductless air conditioner comes with an advanced filtration system that can easily block
all sorts of micro-particles and pollens. Your house will always smell fresh and have no 
foul odor.
For even better air quality, consider installing an air purifier with your AC.
5. Reduced Carbon Footprint
The higher efficiency of the ductless air conditioning system contributes to a lower 
carbon footprint. Certain models also use environmentally friendly refrigerants like 
R401A. This hugely reduces the impact on the ozone layer.
6. Zoning Capabilities
You can use the mini-split version as a single-zone system itself. As it comes with 
several air handlers, you can set different temperature settings in different rooms. 
Zones in traditional HVAC systems require their own thermostat and dampers to set up 
the zones for individual rooms.
7. Noiseless Operation
Properly functioning ductless mini-splits barely make any sound. You can enjoy a quiet 
environment while working or sleeping.
Choosing the Right Ductless Air Conditioning System
Before installing a ductless mini-split system, you should keep in mind the scale and 
energy rating of the system. You also need to look out for the type of air handler you are
going to set up with the air conditioner.
Here is a detailed guide about size, energy efficiency, and air handler type for choosing 
the right ductless air conditioning system:
Finding the Right Size
Installing the right-sized air conditioning unit is key to the desired output from the 
system.
Many homeowners have a misconception that installing a bigger system will give them 
more cooling. But this is a wrong idea. In fact, if you use an oversized system in your 
house, your experience will be hampered and you’ll start to have various issues.
An oversized system constantly cycles on and off. As a result, there will be an increased
load and more wear and tear. Also, you’ll have higher cooling bills.
On the flip side, an undersized ductless unit doesn’t cool the house as effectively. 
Moreover, the AC will have to operate longer to reach your desired settings. As a result,
there will be excess load on the unit, resulting in more repairs and breakdowns.
For a 400-650 square ft. sized space, it is advised to use a unit with a BTU rating of 
12,000 (a higher BTU indicates higher cooling capacity). If you have a larger space, say
1,000 square ft., you can go for the unit that has a BTU of 18,000.
For more precise measurements, you can visit a nearby HVAC shop and ask the 
professional. At Green Leaf Air, we provide size charts for ductless air conditioning 
systems along with other HVAC services. Our HVAC experts measure the size of your 
room and recommend the sizing accordingly.
Efficiency Ratings of the Ductless System
A higher SEER2 rating means lower cooling bills. Purchase a system with a minimum 
SEER2 rating of 15-16.
Read Also: What SEER and HSFP Ratings Mean for Your HVAC System
Check the Energy Star rating as well. The rating indicates the air conditioner meets or 
exceeds the strict guidelines for energy efficiency.
These two ensure that you’ll get the maximum cooing at minimum energy consumption.
Types of Air Handlers
Ductless air conditioners come with various types of indoor air handlers. For example, 
ceiling cassettes, floor-standing units, and wall-mounted. You can choose the one that 
fits your house’s aesthetics or criteria and difficulty for setup.
Usually, a ductless mini-split AC can support up to 8 air handlers. So, it can cover the 
entire house.
If you want your space to look cool, you can go with the wall-mounted air handlers. 
However, if aesthetics or looks aren’t your first priority or you want air handlers for your 
commercial space, you can go with the ceiling cassette. And, if you want easier 
installation and maintenance, you can go for the floor-standing air handlers. The 
downside of this type of air handler is that it requires additional area on the floor.
Installation Process of a Ductless AC
We have already mentioned there are two main units (indoor and outdoor) in ductless 
systems. The system is easier to install compared to other traditional HVAC cooling 
systems. In short, you need to connect the units and connect the line set to the ports on 
the condenser.
This is a detailed walkthrough of the installation process of a ductless air conditioner:
Pre-Installation Preparation
This step includes:
● Doing a site assessment
● Applying and obtaining the required permits
● Ensuring the correct placement of the outdoor component.
You can ask for professional help for this step. A professional HVAC installer is well-
versed in all these and can handle any unexpected situation. This is why if you haven’t 
installed an HVAC unit before and lack knowledge about the paperwork, you should 
leave it for an HVAC expert.
Also, it gets difficult to assess the location and ensure correct placement without a 
professional. 
Neglecting this step will result in a reduced output while it’s operating. That’s why you 
must complete this pre-installation process with caution.
Outdoor Compressor Unit Installation
The outside compressor unit must be connected to the air handlers inside the house. It 
is connected through the refrigerant lines and electrical wiring. Hire a professional for 
proper setup procedure.
Also, the outdoor part must be installed on a stable surface. And if there are bushes or 
trees in the surroundings, they should be trimmed or cut.
Indoor Air Handler Installation
Now, it is time to install the air handlers in your house. As mentioned above, you can 
choose the air handler type you want.
You can set up multiple air handlers in a room. But you shouldn’t set the air handlers up
arbitrarily. Consult with an HVAC installer to know the best places in your house to 
install the air handlers.
After installing the air handlers, you’ll have to ensure that the electrical wiring and 
refrigerant lines are correctly connected to the external component.
Testing the System
After completing the steps, you would want to test the functionality of the AC. If there is 
any slight adjustment needed, it must be done in this step.
Pro-Tip: For any type of HVAC installation, don’t rely on DIY methods. Many HVAC 
manufacturers don’t allow DIY installation. Instead, they give instructions to install the 
system professionally. In some cases, the DIY process can revoke the warranty of the 
HVAC unit. This is why to be on the safe side, you must hire an HVAC professional for a
mini-splits AC setup.
Maintenance of a Ductless AC
Regularly maintained air conditioners perform at their best. You can enjoy improved air 
quality and consistent comfort from regular maintenance. Your system will also 
experience less damage, so you don’t have to spend as much for repair and enjoy your 
system for a longer time.
To maintain a ductless air conditioner, follow these tips:
Routine Filter Cleaning or Replacement
You must clean or inspect AC filters regularly to maintain improved indoor air quality in 
your space. Usually, it is advised to clean the filter every 60 days. However, the duration
can vary depending on location.
Cleaning Indoor and Outdoor Units
Remove any dust or debris from the indoor module. You can vacuum the dirt from the 
inside of the indoor device. Keep the area around the outside component clean. Make 
sure furniture, curtains, bushes, or other objects don’t block the airflow.
Annual Professional Maintenance
It is advised to schedule professional maintenance once a year to ensure maximum 
performance. Professionals’ work includes cleaning the coils and checking the 
refrigerant levels and electrical connections.
Potential problems will get identified and treated accordingly in this stage.
Conclusion
Ductless air conditioners are customizable, cost-efficient, and easier setup alternatives 
to traditional HVAC systems. Without any extra ductwork, there are less setup and 
maintenance works involved. Consider a ductless system for your next cooling upgrade.
Even if it is a bit expensive, the money will pay off in the long run.