Ductless Mini Split Buying Guide | LC Heating & Air

What Is a Ductless Mini Split?

A mini split has two main components: an outdoor compressor and one or more indoor air handling units connected by a small conduit. Because they don't use ducts, they avoid the 20-30% energy loss associated with ductwork, making them incredibly efficient.

Single-Zone vs Multi-Zone

Single-Zone: One outdoor unit connected to one indoor unit. Best for a single room, garage conversion, or ADU.
Multi-Zone: One outdoor unit connected to up to 8 indoor units. Best for cooling an entire home without ducts. Each indoor unit has its own thermostat for precise temperature control (zoning).

Types of Indoor Units

You aren't limited to just the rectangular box on the wall:

Wall-Mounted: Most common, most affordable. Mounts high on a wall.
Ceiling Cassette: Recesses into the ceiling so only the flush grille is visible. Blows air in 4 directions. Requires ceiling clearance.
Floor-Mounted: Rests near the floor like a radiator. Great for rooms with low ceilings or large windows.
Concealed Ducted: A hybrid unit hidden in a ceiling or closet that uses very short duct runs to serve 1-2 rooms.

Mini Split Types Comparison

Type	Best For	Aesthetics	Relative Cost
Wall-Mounted	Most rooms, budget	Visible on wall	$
Floor-Mounted	Low ceilings, sunrooms	Visible near floor	$$
Ceiling Cassette	Open floor plans, aesthetics	Flush with ceiling	$$$
Concealed Ducted	Multi-room suites	Hidden	$$$$

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a mini split cost in Los Angeles?

A standard single-zone wall-mounted mini split costs $3,500–$5,500 fully installed. Multi-zone systems start around $8,000 for two zones and increase based on the number and type of indoor units.

Are mini splits noisy?

No, they are whisper-quiet. The loud compressor is outside, and the indoor units operate at 19-26 decibels — quieter than a whisper or a library.

Can a mini split heat my home too?

Yes. Almost all modern mini splits are heat pumps, meaning they provide both high-efficiency air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter.