Mini Splits

Mini split systems are available in single-zone configurations (one outdoor unit, one indoor head) for room additions and single-area installations, and multi-zone configurations (one outdoor unit, multiple indoor heads) for whole-home ductless climate control. BTU capacities range from 6,000 BTU for small rooms up to 48,000+ BTU for large spaces. Efficiency ratings span 20 SEER2 on entry-level systems up to 30+ SEER2 on flagship cold-climate models with R32 refrigerant.

The Trade Table carries mini splits from Gree, ACiQ, Perfect Aire, and Stealth Comfort — covering single-zone and multi-zone systems, wall-mounted and ceiling cassette indoor units, concealed duct configurations, and DIY-friendly mini splits for residential, commercial, and specialty applications.

Mini Splits | Ductless AC, Heat Pump & Multi-Zone HVAC Systems

A mini split system delivers heating and cooling through inverter-driven compressor technology that varies motor speed based on demand rather than cycling on and off. This inverter operation produces more consistent indoor temperatures, quieter operation, and significantly higher efficiency than fixed-speed traditional HVAC. Modern mini splits use R32 or R454B refrigerants with lower global warming potential than the older R410A refrigerant being phased out across the industry.

Single-zone mini splits pair one outdoor condenser with one indoor air handler — ideal for room additions, sunrooms, converted garages, bonus rooms, finished basements, and single-area installations where central HVAC does not reach. Single-zone systems are also the entry-level configuration for whole-home ductless conversions where homeowners install one zone at a time across multiple years.

Multi-zone mini splits pair one outdoor condenser with multiple indoor handlers — typically two to five zones, with some systems supporting up to ten indoor units on a single outdoor compressor. Each zone operates independently with its own thermostat, allowing one room to cool while another heats. Multi-zone is the preferred configuration for whole-home ductless climate control without installing ductwork.

Indoor unit configurations cover wall-mounted heads (mounted high on an interior wall, the most common), ceiling cassette units (recessed flush into a drop ceiling), floor-mounted units (placed near the floor like a baseboard heater), and concealed duct units (installed in ceiling or wall cavities with short duct runs to register grilles).

The Trade Table mini split lineup spans Gree (Sapphire flagship at 30 SEER2 with -22°F heating, Livo, Vireo, MultiPRO multi-zone, FLEXX central), ACiQ (contractor-trusted with R32 refrigerant and extreme climate models), Perfect Aire, and Stealth Comfort. BTU capacities cover 6,000, 9,000, 12,000, 18,000, 24,000, 30,000, 36,000, 42,000, and 48,000 BTU configurations. Tonnage equivalents span 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 4-ton systems. SEER2 ratings reach from 20 SEER on standard residential models up to 30+ SEER on premium cold-climate flagships.

Cost considerations span the equipment, installation, and ongoing operating costs. Single-zone mini splits typically run $1,200-$3,500 for the equipment alone, with installation adding $1,500-$3,000 depending on complexity. Multi-zone systems run $3,000-$8,000+ for equipment with proportionally higher installation costs. DIY-friendly mini splits with pre-charged refrigerant lines reduce installation costs significantly for homeowners with basic HVAC skills.

Mini Split Categories

• Single-zone mini splits for room additions and single-area installations
• Multi-zone mini splits supporting 2 to 10 indoor units on one outdoor compressor
• Wall-mounted indoor air handlers — the most common configuration
• Ceiling cassette indoor units for flush ceiling installation
• Floor-mounted indoor units for baseboard-style placement
• Concealed duct mini splits for hidden installation with register grilles
• 6,000 BTU through 48,000+ BTU capacities for any room size
• DIY mini splits with pre-charged refrigerant lines
• RV and garage mini splits for specialty applications
• Cold-climate models with -22°F heating capability
• 22 SEER, 25 SEER, and 30 SEER efficiency tiers

Benefits of Mini Splits

• Ductless installation requiring only a 3-inch wall penetration
• Independent zone control on multi-zone systems for room-by-room comfort
• Inverter-driven compressors for consistent temperatures and energy efficiency
• 20-30+ SEER2 efficiency significantly outperforming central HVAC
• R32 and R454B refrigerants with lower environmental impact
• Heating and cooling in one system with year-round climate control
• Quiet operation suitable for bedrooms, offices, and living spaces
• Lower installation cost than ductwork-based central HVAC for retrofits
• Compatible with solar power and home energy management systems

Common Uses for Mini Splits

• Room additions, sunrooms, and converted garages without central HVAC access
• Whole-home ductless climate control with multi-zone configurations
• Supplemental cooling and heating for rooms underserved by central systems
• New construction builds avoiding ductwork costs and space requirements
• Cold climate heating with extreme-temperature heat pump models
• Detached structures including workshops, pool houses, and accessory dwelling units
• Replacing window units and portable air conditioners with permanent ductless systems
• Garage and RV climate control for specialty applications
• Commercial spaces including offices, retail, and hospitality installations

Why Buy Mini Splits from The Trade Table?

The Trade Table helps customers select the right mini split based on room size, BTU load requirements, climate zone, single-zone vs multi-zone needs, and indoor unit configuration. Our team provides guidance on sizing systems to heating and cooling loads, choosing between Gree, ACiQ, Perfect Aire, and Stealth Comfort, and specifying wall-mounted, ceiling cassette, floor-mounted, or concealed duct indoor units. We carry mini splits across the full BTU range from 6,000 to 48,000+ for any residential or specialty installation.

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Mini Split FAQs

What is a mini split?

A mini split is a ductless heating and cooling system that pairs an outdoor compressor unit with one or more indoor air handlers connected through a small 3-inch wall penetration. Unlike traditional central HVAC that distributes air through ductwork, mini splits deliver heating and cooling directly into each room from individually controlled indoor units. Mini splits use inverter-driven compressor technology for consistent temperatures, high efficiency, and quiet operation.

What is the difference between single-zone and multi-zone mini splits?

A single-zone mini split pairs one outdoor condenser with one indoor air handler to heat and cool a single area. A multi-zone mini split pairs one outdoor condenser with multiple indoor handlers — typically two to five zones — allowing independent temperature control in separate rooms from a single outdoor unit. Single-zone is the right choice for one-room installations like additions or garages. Multi-zone is better for whole-home ductless climate control without adding multiple outdoor compressors.

What size mini split do I need?

Mini split sizing is based on room square footage with adjustments for ceiling height, insulation, sun exposure, and climate. General guideline: 9,000 BTU for up to 400 sq ft, 12,000 BTU for 400-600 sq ft, 18,000 BTU for 600-1,000 sq ft, 24,000 BTU for 1,000-1,500 sq ft, 36,000 BTU for 1,500-2,000+ sq ft. Adjust upward 10-30% for poorly insulated structures, large glass areas, or extreme climate zones. A Manual J load calculation provides the most accurate sizing.

How much does a mini split cost?

Single-zone mini split equipment runs $1,200-$3,500 depending on BTU capacity, brand, and SEER rating. Multi-zone equipment runs $3,000-$8,000+ depending on zone count and capacity. Professional installation typically adds $1,500-$3,000 for single-zone and $3,000-$8,000+ for multi-zone systems. Total installed cost runs $2,700-$6,500 for single-zone and $6,000-$16,000+ for multi-zone whole-home systems. DIY-friendly models reduce installation cost significantly.

Can mini splits heat a home in cold climates?

Yes. Cold-climate mini splits are engineered for reliable heat pump operation in extreme outdoor temperatures. The Gree Sapphire delivers heating capacity down to -22°F outdoor temperature, and ACiQ extreme climate models maintain heating capacity at -13°F. Standard mini splits handle typical winter conditions, but northern climates with frequent sub-zero temperatures should specify cold-climate models to maintain full heating capacity in extreme weather.

What refrigerant do modern mini splits use?

Current production mini splits use R32 or R454B refrigerants — both with significantly lower global warming potential than the older R410A refrigerant being phased out. R32 delivers higher energy efficiency and better heat transfer performance than R410A. The refrigerant transition is part of the broader HVAC industry shift toward lower-GWP refrigerants mandated by the AIM Act and EPA regulations.