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Ductless Systems

Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems

By Travis Baugh

When it comes to the types of ductless heating and cooling systems, there is no shortage of options. High wall, cassette, underceiling, floor console and ducted indoor units all exist and can connect to an outdoor heat pump. In this guide, we’ll walk through the types of indoor ductless heating and cooling units to help you understand which may be the best fit for your home.

a graphic of different types of ductless heating and cooling systems

Ductless High Wall Unit

As the name suggests, high wall units are installed on the upper portion of the wall, close to the ceiling. The elevated position allows them to circulate air more effectively throughout the room by taking advantage of natural air circulation patterns (hot air rises, cold air sinks). High wall units are compact and designed to blend with the room's decor, making them a popular choice for homeowners who want an unobtrusive system.

They usually come with adjustable louvers or vanes that direct airflow either horizontally or vertically, allowing you to control where the conditioned air is distributed in the room. Like other ductless heating and cooling systems, high wall units can help save energy by allowing you to heat or cool only the rooms in use, rather than conditioning the entire home.

Underceiling Ductless Unit

An underceiling ductless unit is installed flat against the ceiling, similar to a ceiling cassette, but it is mounted below the ceiling surface rather than recessed. This makes it a good option for spaces without a drop ceiling or enough depth for a cassette unit. Underceiling units are built for large spaces, offering higher BTU capacities than typical wall-mounted units. They can handle significant heating and cooling loads while maintaining energy efficiency.

Since they are mounted on the ceiling, these units don't take up valuable wall or floor space, making them a great option for areas where space is at a premium. They are ideal for rooms without enough wall space for a high wall unit or where wall-mounted units would disrupt the room’s aesthetics. These ductless heating and cooling systems can be useful in large rooms or open floor plans as well.

Ductless Cassette Unit

A ductless cassette unit is installed within the ceiling, with the air-distributing grille flush to the surface. It works well in spaces with a suspended ceiling or where a wall-mounted or floor unit would be impractical or unsightly. Only the grille of the cassette unit is visible, making it a subtle choice for those who want an unobtrusive design. The bulk of the unit is hidden within the ceiling.

Cassettes work well in larger rooms or open spaces where wall or floor units may not provide adequate coverage.

Ducted Ductless Unit

A ducted ductless unit is a type of ductless heating and cooling system that combines features of both traditional ducted and ductless systems. It is part of a mini split system, where the indoor air handler is connected to an outdoor condenser, but it uses short runs of ductwork to distribute air to multiple rooms or zones within a home

The indoor air handler is often installed in a ceiling, attic, or closet, with ducts running to different rooms. This provides a more discreet appearance compared to wall-mounted ductless units. Ducted ductless units are typically more energy-efficient than conventional ducted systems because they avoid the significant energy losses associated with extensive ductwork. They're also highly efficient like other mini-split systems, offering variable-speed compressors and advanced inverter technology. These systems are ideal for homes that don't have existing ductwork but want to serve multiple rooms from a single system without the visual impact of wall-mounted units.

Ductless Floor Console Unit

A ductless floor console unit is installed near or at floor level, resembling a traditional radiator or baseboard heater, and is often used in spaces where wall-mounted units might not be ideal. It fits into rooms where wall or ceiling space is limited and has vents at both the top and bottom for distributing air evenly across the room. They are ideal for areas with limited wall space, such as attics or rooms with lots of windows.

Choosing From The Types Of Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems

Choosing from the wide variety of Carrier ductless mini splits depends on several factors, including your specific needs and preferences, the layout of your space, your budget, and whether you want to control the temperature in a single room or multiple areas. Schedule an appointment with your local Carrier expert to assess your home’s layout and determine the best system for your space.

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