If your home doesn’t have ductwork, figuring out how to install central air in a house without ducts can feel overwhelming. A traditional central air conditioner needs ducts to move cool air around, and adding them after the fact can be expensive and disruptive. The good news is you’re not limited to window units or portable fans to stay comfortable.
Installing a ductless mini split air conditioning system is an excellent solution! Ductless HVAC systems deliver cool air (and heat!) directly into the rooms you use, without the need for bulky ductwork. They’re efficient, quiet, and can be set up for one room or the whole house. For many homeowners, it’s the simplest and most cost-effective way to enjoy air conditioning without a major renovation.
How Does a Ductless Mini Split System Work?
A ductless mini split system is actually a type of heat pump, which means it can both heat and cool your home. Unlike a traditional AC system that depends on air ducts to move air, a ductless unit delivers cool air and warmth directly into the rooms where you need it. This makes it one of the most efficient air conditioning options for older homes or any space without ductwork.
The main components of a ductless AC include:
- An outdoor condenser unit
- One or more indoor air handlers mounted on the wall
- A line set that carries refrigerant, electrical wiring, and a drain line between the two
Together, these parts work seamlessly to heat and cool your home without the need to install central air conditioning the traditional way. Here’s more on how a ductless heat pump works:
How a Ductless AC Keeps Your Home Cool
In cooling mode, a ductless mini split works much like a standard AC unit but without the energy loss that comes from ductwork. Here’s how it produces cool, refreshing air for your home:
- Refrigerant is depressurized by the expansion valve, lowering its temperature.
- The cooled refrigerant travels through the line set to the indoor unit’s evaporator coil.
- As warm indoor air moves across the coil, heat exchange occurs, cooling the air while transferring the heat to the refrigerant.
- The heated refrigerant flows back to the outdoor condenser, where the heat is released outside.
- This cycle repeats continuously, ensuring your home stays cool and comfortable.
For sizing, the number of indoor units depends on your home. A smaller home or apartment might only need a single indoor unit to stay comfortable, while larger homes often use multiple units placed in key rooms for even coverage. Your HVAC contractor will help you design the right setup.
How a Ductless AC Provides Heat
When temperatures drop, your ductless heat pump reverses the process, efficiently warming your home without needing a separate heating system. Here’s how:
- The outdoor unit pulls heat energy from the outside air, even in cold weather.
- Refrigerant carries that heat indoors through the line set.
- The indoor coil releases the warmth into your living space.
- The refrigerant, now cooler, returns outside to pick up more heat — and the cycle continues.
If your house doesn’t have ducts, staying warm in the winter usually means dragging out space heaters, relying on baseboard heaters, or huddling by the fireplace. Those options might work in a pinch, but they’re expensive to run and never really heat the whole house evenly. A ductless heat pump gives you a simple, permanent solution.
The Benefits of a Ductless Mini Split System
A ductless mini split heat pump is more than just a convenient way to add heating and cooling to your home—it’s an excellent investment that will benefit you for many years.
Zoned Comfort for Real-Life Living
Unlike central AC installation, where the whole house is treated as one space, ductless systems let you fine-tune temperature control in specific rooms. Want the bedroom cooler at night but the living room warmer during the day? A ductless system makes that easy. No more fighting over one thermostat setting for the entire home.
Energy Efficiency That Cuts Costs
With traditional central AC systems, energy is lost as air moves through ductwork. By skipping ducts altogether, ductless mini splits reduce energy usage, lower energy costs, and use less electricity to keep your home comfortable. Many models are ENERGY STAR® certified, giving you peace of mind that you’re choosing an energy-efficient option designed to save money over time.
No Ductwork Needed—Simple, Quick Installation
Adding ductwork into a home that wasn’t built for it is a major project. By contrast, ductless systems don’t require ductwork and only need a small hole in the wall to connect the indoor and outdoor units. That means you avoid the stress and cost of building ducts, while still enjoying the benefits of modern cooling and heating.
Year-Round Comfort in One System
A ductless mini split works as both an air conditioner and a heater. It provides steady cool air during the hot summer months and reliable warmth when it’s cold outside — all without extra systems or space heaters. It’s one unit that does it all, and it does it all well.
Cleaner, Healthier Air
Traditional duct systems can collect dust, mold, and allergens, spreading them around your home. A ductless system avoids this problem, helping to improve air quality and create a healthier space to breathe. Many units also come with built-in filtration for an extra layer of protection.
A Better Alternative to Temporary Fixes
Without ducts, many homeowners turn to portable ACs, window units, or space heaters. These solutions are often noisy, inefficient, and expensive to run. A ductless system is a permanent, cost-effective alternative that delivers real comfort without the hassle.
Long-Term Value
While a ductless system may cost more upfront than a single window AC unit, it typically saves money in the long run. Between lower energy costs, fewer repairs, and potential utility rebates for choosing an energy-efficient option, the system quickly pays for itself.
How Much Does a Ductless Mini Split Cost?
When comparing options, the cost to install central air without existing ductwork is often much higher than going ductless. Adding new ducts plus a traditional central AC can bring the total cost anywhere from $12,000 to $18,000 or more, depending on the size of the home and the work required.
By contrast, the upfront cost of a ductless mini split system usually ranges from $4,000 to $8,000 for a typical installation, with installation costs varying depending on the number of indoor units, home layout, and system efficiency. While the price for installing central AC can climb quickly, ductless systems offer a more cost-effective solution that saves money on energy over time.
At Thiele Heating & Air Conditioning, we also run special offers and provide convenient financing so you can spread out payments and choose the best option for your budget. Talk with us about what you need, and we’ll share all the different ways in which we can help.
Professional Mini Split Installation Services from Thiele
A ductless mini split installation doesn’t take long—usually just a day or two—but the way it’s installed is what determines how well it will run. You might see DIY mini split tutorials online, but trying to install one yourself can lead to problems with its performance or even a voided warranty. It can also be dangerous for you and cause damage to your home. That’s why it pays to have a licensed HVAC contractor like Thiele Heating & Air Conditioning handle the job.
Our team makes sure your system is set up correctly, runs safely, and delivers the comfort and efficiency you’re paying for. We’re also here to help with ongoing maintenance and repairs so your system keeps performing year after year. Many homeowners join our maintenance plan, which puts tune-ups and upkeep on autopilot while giving you perks like discounts and priority service. With Thiele, you get peace of mind knowing your comfort is covered from day one.
Request a Quote for your Ductless Mini Split Installation in the Indianapolis Area
A ductless mini split is one of the smartest alternatives to installing a central air conditioner in a home without ducts. As a Bryant Authorized Dealer, we install trusted systems designed for comfort that lasts. Our technicians take care of every detail so your system runs the way it should from the start. And with our helpful financing options, upgrading your home’s HVAC system is easier and more affordable than you might think!
For the best ductless mini split installation in Indianapolis and the surrounding area, count on Thiele Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been helping Hoosiers stay comfortable since 1883—contact us today for a quote.