Ductless mini-split systems are great for heating or cooling small areas. The indoor air handlers can be suspended from a ceiling, mounted flush into a drop ceiling, or hung on a wall. All units have a remote control to make it easier to turn the system on and off when it's positioned high on a wall or suspended from a ceiling. As many as four indoor air units can be connected to one outdoor unit.

Since mini splits have no ducts, they avoid the energy losses associated with ductwork of central forced air systems. More than 30% of energy consumption for space conditioning is lost in ducts, especially if the ducts are in an unconditioned space such as an attic. However, the primary disadvantage of mini splits is their energy cost. Systems cost about $1,500–$2,000 per ton (12,000 Btu per hour) of cooling capacity. This is about 30% more than central systems (not including ductwork) and may cost twice as much as window units of similar capacity.