Most major manufacturers of ducted or central air systems in the U.S. also offer ductless mini-split systems, both for single-zone and multi-zone applications. Below are a few examples of the options available for new homes. Click here for more about the pros and cons of mini-splits.
Note: This article was amended on September 19th, 2018 to include the Bosch Climate 5000 system, shown ninth on this list.
Panasonic
The EXTERIOS XE series of wall-mounted single-zone heating and cooling units is available in 9,000, 12,000 and 15,000 BTU output series, with a maximum 30.6 SEER and 14.0 HSPF rating for the 9,000 BTU model.
The units’ ECONAVI Dual Sensors can identify the occupancy and activity in a particular zone, and adjust the temperatures to match the comfort levels of the occupants, or to save energy when no one is present. The base pan heater enables continuous, high-efficiency operation at temperatures as low as -15° F, and full-capacity operation at temperatures as low as 17° F. panasonic.com
Fujitsu
The RLS3Y ductless wall-mounted heating and cooling series is available in three output sizes – 9,000, 12,000, and 15,000 BTU – with efficiencies of up to 33 SEER and 14.2 HSPF. As single-zone split system heat pumps, the series operates at nearly full heating capacity down to -5°F ambient and nearly full cooling operation down to 14°F. The upgraded RLS3YH editions feature condensing units with built-in base pan heaters, enabling operation at temperatures down to -15°F.
Other standard features include a separate wireless remote control, a sleep timer and 24-hour timer, auto mode, dry mode, and a four-way auto louver. Fujitsu’s ESP technology allows the units to automatically adjust the ambient temperature as residents enter and leave the room, saving energy without turning off. fujitsugeneral.com
Lennox
The MLA Cold Climate Mini-Split Heat Pump is specifically designed to function in cold climates. The exterior unit will maintain 100% operating capacity at 0°F, and will remain in operation down to -20°F.
Efficiency ratings of up to 24 SEER and 11 HSPF are available in both single and multi-zone configurations. One outdoor unit can support up to five indoor units, which are available in high wall, cassette, medium static thin duct and ceiling/floor configurations. Smooth inverter operation keeps noise levels down to 26.5 decibels indoors and 52.0 decibels outdoors. lennox.com
Daikin
The Daikin VRV LIFE heat pump is compatible with a variety of existing ducted and ductless indoor units. Up to nine systems may be connected to one unit to handle heating and cooling functions, as well as temperature adjustments to individual indoor units. Indoor options include wall mounted, ducted, cassette, and concealed floor-mounted units.
The heat pump gathers 75% to 80% of its operating energy from the outside air, and consumes one kilowatt of electricity for every four generated. The system is operable between 112 and -4 degrees Fahrenheit, and may be integrated with a gas furnace to supplement the home’s heating system in colder conditions. daikincomfort.com
LG
With a 25.5 SEER rating and 12.0 HSPF rating, the single-zone Art Cool Premier Wall-Mount Split System is among ENERGY STAR’s Most Efficient certified products. The standard wall-mount units’ output ranges from a 11,000 BTU max for cooling and 12,000 BTU max for heating, and performs at full capacity down to 5°F and continuously down to -13˚F. The system is Wi-Fi enabled and connects seamlessly with LG’s SmartThinQ system, which allows users to control its functions via smartphone app, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant. lg.com
Rheem
The Rheem Mini-Split Heat Pump, created in partnership with Fujitsu General, launched last year as Rheem’s first-ever branded mini-split system. The single-zone series ranges in capacity size from 9,000 to 36,000 BTU, with efficiency ratings up to 33 SEER and 14.2 HSPF. The multi-zone series can connect up to five units, and ranges in capacity size from 14,000 to 54,000 BTU, with efficiency ratings up to 19.7 SEER and 10.3 HSPF.
The units are easy to install and maintain, according to the manufacturer, and require no tools to access, clean and replace its filters. The system operates at ambient temperatures as low as -15˚F, and its variable-speed motor provides quiet operation down to 21 dB indoors. rheem.com
Mitsubishi
The MLZ Series One-Way Ceiling Cassette is designed to work with the M-Series of multi-zone outdoor heating and cooling units. It is designed to fit between standard 16” ceiling joists, and may be serviced from below, with no access panel required. A built-in condensate lift mechanism provides a 19” lift, reducing the installer’s need to manipulate joists.
The indoor units are available in 9,000, 12,000 and 18,000 BTU/h models. The outdoor units feature SEER ratings of up to 19.2, and may support between three and eight indoor units, depending on the model. mitsubishicomfort.com
Carrier
With a 42 SEER rating, the Carrier 9,000 BTUh single-zone ductless system is Carrier’s most efficient air conditioner and the most efficient system available in North America, according to the manufacturer. The system functions at full capacity at temperatures down to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. It uses infrared sensors to detect human movement in a space, as well as an integrated humidity sensor, to adjust its output and conserve energy when the system is not in use. Wi-Fi connection and smart device control are included as standard. carrier.com
Bosch
The Climate 5000 Ductless Minisplit Heat Pump System delivers up to a 22 SEER rating, with an operating range of -13 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. It may be used in both single- and multi-zone applications, and automatically compensates for wiring or piping errors between indoor and outdoor units during installation.
Users can place the unit in “silent mode” to reduce sound levels to as low as 20 dBA, or “turbo mode” to adjust the temperature in a given space as quickly as possible. Capacity options range from 9,000-24,000 Btuh for single-zone units or 18,000-48,000 Btuh for multi-zone units. bosch-climate.us
