5 Best Ductless Air Conditioners of 2021

Choosing a Ductless Air Conditioner

Choose the best ductless air conditioner (mini-split) for your space based on your needs and budget.

When shopping for a ductless air conditioner, consider the following:

Check Btu and room size

• 350- to 400-square-foot spaces should have a unit with around 9,000 Btu.
• 400- to 599-square-foot spaces should have a unit with around 12,000 Btu.
• 600- to 1,000-square-foot spaces need a unit with 18,000 Btu.
• 1,001- to 1,300-square-foot spaces would do well with a unit with 24,000 Btu.

Energy efficiency

The bigger the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) numbers, the better. Higher numbers mean better energy efficiency. The minimum SEER is 15 and HSPF is 7. For the most energy-efficient ductless air conditioner, look for a SEER of 20 or higher and an HSPF of 8 or higher.