Ductless air conditioners are becoming more popular, in part because they take up much less space. This extra space is then freed up for other hardware, like electrical units. You can transition from an air conditioning system with a lot of duct work to using a ductless split air conditioning system. These systems allow you to control the air conditioning in specific areas of any building, and will take up a lot less space without duct work in the walls and ceilings.

As many more commercial and residential properties choose to install these units, the pricing and costs of ductless air conditioners is often more affordable than traditional central air. To choose the right model for your property, consider the following:

1. The size of the room or area that needs air conditioning.

2. The advantages of a system with a single zone versus multiple zones.

3. The availability of a professional who can service a ductless air conditioner.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose a ductless AC system that has a single zone

A single zone ductless AC system consists of one outdoor component and one indoor component. This type of system can also be found as a single unit placed outside. A single zone ductless AC unit is made for the areas you need to cool, but are smaller in size. This is the least expensive type of ductless air conditioner on the market, with prices ranging anywhere from $800 to $1500 and up.

I recommend: You can find many single zone models of ductless air conditioners for sale from companies like LG or AC Wholesalers.

Consider ductless central air conditioners with multiple zones for larger spaces

A ductless central air conditioner with multiple zones works exactly the same as a single zone ductless air conditioner. The only difference is that multiple units are placed inside the building to cool larger spaces. The system will cost more than a single zone, depending on the number of zones you need. A dual zone unit costs upwards of $2,000, while a triple zone runs between $3,000 and $4,000.

I recommend: EHome Air provides a large selection of multi-zone ductless air conditioners. AM Royal also has many models to choose from.

Go with ductless air conditioner providers that offer warranties

A ductless split air conditioner is a great product; but as with all major appliances, you should get a warranty to cover the product for at least the first year after your purchase. This will save on repair costs for the unit and replacement costs for faulty parts. Generally, air conditioner systems provide five or 10 year warranties on parts, and at least one year on labor. Many companies will also be able to offer warranty extensions if you want, for an additional price.

I recommend: Friedrich offers detailed warranty information on all its products, including the ductless air conditioners it sells. Mitsubishi Electric offers a year on parts for its multiple zone units, but does not offer labor.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Choose the correct size for your ductless AC. Make sure the model you choose is not too small for the space, otherwise it will be difficult to keep the area cool, especially in warmer climates. On the other hand, you could waste a lot of money in energy costs if you buy a unit that is too large for your space.

Small spaces and room additions no longer require a total revamp of your current air conditioning system. Ductless air conditioning or a ductless AC unit can be used in any room, regardless of space available in the attic for ducts. A central air conditioning unit has a condenser outside and ductwork running through the attic into the rooms, through a vent. Window air conditioners are portable, but they represent safety concerns with unlocked windows.

Installation of ductless air conditioners is fairly straight-forward. The ductless AC system is comprised of an outdoor condenser unit, a small indoor unit, copper tubing to remove the water from the unit and electrical connections. The outdoor unit for ductless AC is placed on a solid surface or concrete pad so it remains stable. The indoor unit for ductless AC is installed close to the ceiling, because cold air falls. Copper tubing is connected to the inside ductless air conditioner unit to remove the condensate and the wires are connected to the electric supply.

Very experienced do-it-yourself homeowners may be able to install the ductless AC system themselves, however most manufacturers recommend that a professional install ductless air conditioning.

1. Cooling costs are lowered with a ductless AC system because it cools one room and not a whole house;
2. Ductless air conditioning will fit into rooms where conventional duct work doesn’t fit; and
3. If you are experienced with piping and wiring, you can install a ductless air conditioner yourself.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Install ductless air conditioning yourself

Many manufacturers of ductless air conditioners have online troubleshooting guides and installation guides. Most manufacturers of a ductless AC system also have a remote control to turn the system on and off. Remote control installation guides, warranties, drawings, technical data and specifications are also available online to help you get the ductless AC system up and running.

I recommend: Download the instruction manual for the MiniWall ductless air conditioner and remote.

Compare features and prices for ductless air conditioners

Check online for the features available from different manufacturers of the ductless AC system, before you commit to any brand. Prices vary greatly between manufacturers and are also based on the features you want in a ductless air conditioner or ductless split air conditioner. A ductless split air conditioner has an outdoor and indoor unit. While you are checking features and prices, head on over and read the FAQs to see if any brand of no duct air conditioners in particular is troublesome.

I recommend: Comparing the prices and features of hundreds of ductless AC systems at AirConditioner.com before you buy.

Shop online for a ductless AC system

Once you've done your homework, go straight to the ductless air conditioner providers.

I recommend: ACDirect, ACWholesalers and AC World are well-known distributors of AC systems.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Level the inside unit carefully to avoid potential vibrations and leaks.
• •  Buy the remote control for your ductless air conditioning system; it will save you from climbing a ladder when you want to turn it on or change the temperature.

Ductless air conditioners are a great way to cool an area of a building without having to install duct work. This often saves the builder and the property owner thousands of dollars. In addition, there are a few reasons why a ductless AC may work better in certain spaces. These units are often installed in rooms where placing duct work in the walls or ceiling would be difficult, and spaces where a window air conditioning unit cannot be installed.

Ductless air conditioners providers are seeing more and more business for these units. If you are an air condition service provider, training yourself or your employees to install and service ductless air conditioners will keep you ahead of the game. Training for ductless air conditioners will include:

1. How this unit differs from window units or central air.

2. Where a ductless AC system is best installed.

3. The common problems that arise with these systems.

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Choose hands-on training to service ductless air conditioners

Many people who work with machines would rather learn by doing than by reading. This is why it is very important to find a training program that provides hands-on training to fix all kinds of refrigeration units, including the components of a ductless air conditioning system.

I recommend: Learning to service a ductless split air conditioner can begin with a three day seminar from NTT Industrial Training. HVAC Training School is another program where you can get plenty of hands-on training during the course.

Find online ductless AC training courses and learn at your convenience

If you want to learn how to repair no duct air conditioners but do not have the time to go to conventional classes to learn the basics, you can begin your courses online. Many online courses will help you learn all about different types of air conditioning systems and how best to repair them.

I recommend: You can find a comprehensive air conditioning course from Penn Foster. World Wide Learn offers a small selection of courses where you can get certification to work on air conditioning units.

Choose ductless AC training courses in a traditional education setting

Traditional settings, such as a school or college, can provide the best of both worlds to those looking to train for refrigeration repair. These programs are often divided between working from books and manuals, and hands-on learning with a ductless air conditioner.

I recommend: The Refrigeration School offers courses to learn the ins and outs of heating and cooling repair. ATI Training offers six months worth of night classes that train you to work with all types of ductless air conditioners, ductless systems, and heating.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Choosing the right program to begin working on a ductless AC unit will take some time, because you need to choose a program that offers you certification at end. It is best to take courses through an accredited school.

Ductless air conditioners operate by cooling a building without the use of ducts. An indoor air handling unit, an outdoor compressor with a condenser and a conduit make up a ductless air conditioning system. Ductless air conditioners come in single, tri-zone and dual-zone systems. LCD wireless remote controls can be used to comfortably control a ductless system. Ductless air conditioners are economical, cost efficient and compact. The size of ductless AC units make them ideal for smaller homes and businesses.

Action Steps
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Ductless or mini-split air conditioners

Ductless conditioners are AC units that do not require ductwork for indoor air conditioning. Unlike AC units in windows, they are placed inside the room and have only a 3-inch hookup to connect the indoor air unit to the outdoor compressor. They are easier to install, more energy efficient and safer than window units.

I recommend: Ductless Depot explains what ductless air conditioners are and how they work. Ductless Depot also covers information on common problems with ductless units.

Ductwork

Ductwork is a system of ducts or tubes in a building used to circulate air for ventilation, cooling or heating purposes.

I recommend: WiseGeek explains ductwork, ductwork types and how they work.

Conduit

A conduit connects the outdoor and indoor air conditioning units through a small 3-inch drilled hole in a ductless air conditioning system. The conduit also holds tubing, cable and a drain. The hole makes ductless AC systems safer than window units and easier to install.

I recommend: Air Conditioner Home discusses the advantages of purchasing a ductless air conditioning system. Air Conditioner Home also describes the conduit and explains how ductless systems work in general.

British Thermal Units, or BTUs

A BTU is the amount of energy needed to heat one pound of water by one degree. It is the unit commonly used to measure the energy capacity of heating and cooling systems, including portable air conditioners.

I recommend: Air & Water lists the BTU capacity of each portable air conditioner it sells. Good Housekeeping has a BTU calculator that can tell you how powerful an air conditioner must be to cool your space.

SEER rating

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, and is used to measure central and ductless air conditioning systems.

I recommend: AJ Madison explains more about SEER. ToolBase Services gives the minimum SEER rating requirements for ductless air conditioning systems.

Dual-zone and tri-zone split air conditioners

Dual- and tri-zone split ductless air conditioners come with two and three indoor evaporators, respectively. The evaporators can be used to cool different areas, but they are powered by a single outdoor unit.

I recommend: Air Mechanical sells Samsung tri-zone split ductless air conditioners and lists their benefits.