Types of Mini Splits: Ceiling Cassettes, Wall Mounts, & More Posted on May 3, 2021 If you’re on the hunt for a new HVAC system, you may have encountered the term “mini split” several times throughout your research. So, what is a mini split? A mini split is an efficient HVAC system that can provide both heat and air conditioning. It consists of an outdoor unit (called a compressor) and a single or multiple indoor units. Unlike central heating and air conditioning systems, mini split systems do not require ductwork to operate. This makes them an appealing option for those who do not have existing ducts installed in the home. Even if you already have ductwork installed, mini splits can be an attractive option for you. From their easy-to-install design to supreme energy efficiency, mini splits come with a multitude of benefits for businesses and homeowners alike. But like most HVAC systems, there isn’t a single best type of mini split. We’ll explain the various mini split types to help you find the best mini split system for you, focusing on single vs multi zone mini splits, and the 7 different types of systems which include mini split ceiling cassettes and wall mount units. Single vs. Multi Zone Mini Splits Mini splits can be categorized as either single zone or multi zone mini splits. Single Zone Single zone mini split systems are designed to heat or cool a single room or “zone.” They consist of one outdoor compressor and one indoor unit. Multi Zone Unlike single zone mini splits, multi zone mini splits are designed to heat/cool multiple rooms or zones in a home. These systems consist of a single outdoor compressor and up to 8 indoor units. Types of Mini Splits While mini splits can be categorized as either a single zone or a multi zone, there are many other different types of mini splits available. Here, we’re giving you 7 different types and our recommendations, but our main focus will be on mini split ceiling cassette vs wall mounts. 1. Ceiling Cassette The LG LC128HV4 ceiling cassette mini split. Ceiling cassette mini splits consist of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit that mounts on the ceiling. The ceiling mounted design makes them a good alternative for those who want to keep their indoor unit out of sight, out of mind. As a bonus, the ceiling mounted design delivers a wider air flow than that of wall mounted units. Our pick: LG LC128HV4 12,000 BTU Single Zone Ceiling Cassette Mini Split with Heat Pump Price: $2,552.00 DISCONTINUEDLG LC128HV4 12,000 BTU Single Zone Ceiling Cassette Mini Split with Heat Pump 230 Volt - Energy Star The LC128HV4 Single Zone Mini Split System is a great option for colder climates. This system will operate in cold conditions - down to -4°F in the heatin... View Product 2. Wall Mount Wall mount mini split systems are the most common type of mini splits. They are installed high up on a wall and pump out air into a room or area. Wall mount mini splits are ideal for all types of rooms and are also the least expensive mini splits on the market. There are many different styles of wall mount mini splits available. For instance, the Daikin Emura offers a sleek, low-profile design. Price: $899.00 Friedrich FPHW121A 12000 BTU, 21.7 SEER2 Floating Air Pro Series Single Zone Mini Split with Built-In WiFi - Heat and Cool - Energy Star - 115V Friedrich FPHW121A 12,000 BTU single zone mini split system includes both the FPHSW12A1B wall unit and the FPHSR12A1A outdoor compressor. Inverter T... View Product Price: $1,069.00 Daikin FTXR18WVJUW9 18000 BTU Emura Indoor Wall Unit - Heat and Cool - Multi-Zone Use ONLY - White THIS IS THE INDOOR UNIT ONLY. IT IS AVAILABLE AS AN EMURA SINGLE ZONE (INCLUDING THE INDOOR AND OUTDOOR UNITS). IT CAN ALSO BE USED AS PART OF ANY DAIKIN... View Product 3. DIY MRCOOL DIY-12 12000 BTU DIY 3rd Gen Energy Star Series Single Zone 22 SEER Mini Split with Heat Pump DIY mini splits are single zone wall mount mini splits that you install yourself. They include a pre-charged line set for installation and can be installed without special tools, making DIY mini splits appealing for those who want to save money on installation costs. They also include built-in Wifi access. Our pick: MRCOOL DIY-12 12000 BTU DIY 3rd Gen Energy Star Series Single Zone 22 SEER Mini Split with Heat Pump Price: $1,738.00 MRCOOL DIY-12 12000 BTU DIY 4th Gen Energy Star Series Single Zone 22.5 SEER Mini Split with Heat Pump WiFi SmartController 115 Volt - Choice Line Set Length This item is no longer available. A new DIY 12K BTU System with lower GWP refrigerant should be available Spring, 2025 The only do it yourself (DIY), easy to... View Product 4. Concealed Duct Daikin FBQ42PVJU / RZR42TAVJUA 40500 BTU Class SkyAir Commercial DC Ducted Concealed Ceiling Cool Only 16.0 SEER Single Zone System The Daikin SkyAir Commercial DC Ducted Concealed Ceiling Cool Only System delivers powerful cooling with a 40,500 BTU capacity and a 16.0 SEER rating. Ideal for large spaces over 800 sq. ft., it operates with energy efficiency and a noise level as low as 39 dBA indoors. With a concealed slim duct design, it maintains a sleek profile, making it ideal for commercial and residential settings. The unit includes a 10-year parts warranty, ensuring reliability. While it requires a controller for operation, it’s not Wi-Fi compatible. The outdoor unit has an operating range of 23°F – 122°F and a circuit breaker size of 35 Amps. Our pick: Daikin FBQ42PVJU / RZR42TAVJUA 40500 BTU Class SkyAir Commercial DC Ducted Concealed Ceiling Cool Only 16.0 SEER Single Zone System Price: $6,575.00 Daikin FBQ42PVJU / RZR42TAVJUA 40500 BTU Class SkyAir Commercial DC Ducted Concealed Ceiling Cool Only 16.0 SEER Single Zone System The innovative SkyAir system is designed to quietly blend into the ambiance of shops, restaurants, small offices or home environments. The outdoor unit is for u... View Product 5. Floor Standing Floor standing mini splits are another option for those who cannot mount a unit on a wall. These types of units rest on the floor up against a wall. Our pick: Daikin FVXS12NVJU 12000 BTU Indoor Floor Standing Unit Price: $1,089.00 Daikin FVXS18NVJU 18000 BTU Indoor Floor Standing Unit This is the indoor unit only. It must be used with a compatible outdoor condenser. This flush or recessed mounted floor standing unit is ideal for... View Product 6. Vertical Air Handler The LG LVN240HV4 24000 BTU Multi-Position Air Handler Vertical air handlers are similar to central air in the sense that they connect to existing ductwork. However, they’re a much more efficient and cost-effective alternative to central air. Our pick: LG LVN240HV4 24000 BTU Multi-Position Air Handler Price: $2,217.00 DISCONTINUEDLG LVN241HV4 24000 BTU Multi-Position Air Handler - Heat and Cool THIS IS THE INDOOR UNIT ONLY. PLEASE SEE LV241HV4 FOR THE FULL SINGLE ZONE SYSTEM (INCLUDING THE INDOOR AND OUTDOOR UNITS) or LV241HHV4 with&nb... View Product Choosing Your Mini Split As you can see, there are a variety of different types of mini splits available, and picking the right one can be a confusing process. Visit our mini split sizing calculator to determine the best size mini split for your needs, then check out our Multi Zone Mini Split Buying Guide before browsing our mini split systems. Learning More About Mini Splits Ductless Mini Split AC Installation: How to Install, DIY + Placement Mini Split vs Central Air/Heat: Which is Right for You? Electrical Specs for Installing Ductless Mini-Splits & HVAC Units Mickey Luongo Mickey is the resident heating and air conditioning expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry.
December 28, 2017 at 10:56 AM How Much Do Mini Splits Cost? A Guide to Mini Split Prices says: […] examining alternative options to a ducted heating system. Or maybe you’re just curious about the different types of mini split heat pumps, and you’ve noticed that they seem to cost more to install than some other home system. Why is […] Reply
January 17, 2019 at 6:10 PM Ductless AC Mini Split Installation: How to Install, DIY + Placement says: […] are multiple types of mini splits on the market, but only a handful are designed for do-it-yourself installation. MRCOOL DIY mini […] Reply
January 29, 2019 at 1:25 PM How to Heat and Cool a Basement - Tips & Best Practices says: […] mini split systems are also worth taking a look at for cooling your basement space. These systems do not require the […] Reply
April 8, 2019 at 11:55 AM Robert C. Johnston says: Hello, Are there any setups where the compressor goes outside and mini-split portion sits in a widow (like a regular window AC unit)? Thanks, Robert Reply
April 8, 2019 at 12:27 PM Mickey Luongo says: No, there are not any window mounted mini split units. Reply
April 29, 2019 at 11:22 AM Panasonic Mini Split Guide - Features, Technologies & Options says: […] benefits, including quieter operation and more efficient energy usage. Mini splits also come with different zone capabilities. So if you have a single room or multiple areas you need to keep cool, it’s easy to select a […] Reply
May 13, 2022 at 10:23 PM John Collins II says: Hi, im looking for a 3 ton, 3 zone mini split, with an 18000btu ceiling cassette, and 2 9000btu wall mounts. I cant find anywhere, i cant find any ceiling cassette and Wall mount combination anywhere. Do they make them? Reply
May 16, 2022 at 9:11 AM Mickey Luongo says: Yes, you can build out that exact configuration by clicking here. Reply
June 20, 2022 at 11:45 AM ann dooley says: can a concealed or ceiling cassette work with any type of ceiling or just dropped ceilings? We would use them in bedrooms below attic. Reply
June 20, 2022 at 11:52 AM Mickey Luongo says: For use in a bedroom ceiling below an attic, special framing would be required as the unit is wider than a standard joist bay. Reply
July 8, 2022 at 12:28 PM Chayne says: How far can the lines travel from the compressor to reach other rooms of the house for wall mounted units? Would they be in the wall or wrap around the house? Reply
July 8, 2022 at 1:55 PM Mickey Luongo says: Maximum line length varies based on the specs of the system you are using. Lines can be run in the wall or on the outside of the house. Reply
July 24, 2023 at 3:13 PM Dajenya S Kafele says: Can you have different types of Indoor Units (according to the needs of each room) with a single multi-unit mini-split system serving 3 or 4 rooms? Reply
July 24, 2023 at 9:23 PM Mickey Luongo says: Yes, you can mix and match indoor units based on your needs. Reply
