Expert reviews, step-by-step guides, and honest comparisons to help you choose and install the perfect ductless mini split for your home.
Find your perfect BTU
Why Go DIY?
A ductless mini split heat pump is a smarter alternative to central air conditioning — and you can install one yourself without an HVAC technician.
Professional installation typically costs $3,000–$7,000. DIY kits with pre-charged lines bring that down to $1,500–$3,000.
Most single-zone systems can be installed in 4–8 hours. No special HVAC tools or certification required.
Mini splits use inverter technology to deliver precise temperature control at a fraction of the energy cost of central HVAC.
Heat or cool individual rooms independently. No more fighting over the thermostat or wasting energy on empty rooms.
Top Picks
We test and review the most popular DIY-friendly mini split units so you can buy with confidence.
Zone Air — 4.8/5
Pre-charged R454b lines, 24 SEER2 efficiency, and 28 dB quiet operation. USA-assembled with wall, cassette, and ducted options.
MrCool
The original DIY mini split. Pre-charged lines, Wi-Fi built in, and the largest community of DIY installers for support.
Pioneer
Excellent price-to-performance ratio with solid build quality. Requires basic flaring but nothing a DIYer can't handle.
Get Started
Follow our step-by-step guides to install your mini split with confidence, even if you've never done HVAC work.
Learn how to size your mini split, pick the right unit, and decide between single-zone and multi-zone setups.
Read Guide →Everything you need before install day — tools, materials, electrical requirements, and mounting location tips.
Read Guide →From mounting the indoor unit to connecting the line set and powering on — a complete walkthrough for first-timers.
Read Guide →The Comparison
Wondering whether a ductless mini split heat pump or a central air system is right for your house? Here's how they stack up.
A ductless mini split air conditioner uses an outdoor condenser unit connected to one or more wall mounted indoor units via a pre charged refrigerant line. Each indoor unit — sometimes called an air handler — provides independent climate control for its room or space. Mini splits offer both heating and efficient cooling from a single heat pump system, making them a true year-round air conditioning solution.
DIY mini split systems from Zone Air and Mr Cool come with pre charged line sets, so you can install the AC unit yourself without an HVAC technician. The installation costs are a fraction of professional installation, and most diy models can be installed correctly in a single weekend with basic tools.
With energy efficiency ratings up to 24 SEER2, ductless systems deliver efficient cooling and heating at a lower cost than central air. You also get zone control — cool or heat only the rooms you're using, saving money on every energy bill.
A central air system uses ductwork to distribute air from a single air handler and outdoor condenser throughout the entire house. It's effective for whole-home coverage but comes with significant installation costs — typically $5,000–$15,000 including ductwork. Professional installation by an HVAC technician is always required for central HVAC.
Central air conditioning systems lose 20–30% of energy through duct leaks, making them less energy efficient than ductless mini split systems. There's also no room-by-room control — you're heating or cooling the entire house even when most rooms are empty.
For homeowners looking to save money and avoid the complexity of central air, a DIY mini split is often the better choice — especially for additions, garages, or homes without existing ductwork. Ductless mini split systems can also supplement central HVAC in rooms with poor coverage.
Expert Guidance
With true DIY mini split systems, the answer is usually no — but here's when you might want professional help.
Pre charged DIY systems like Zone Air and Mr Cool are designed for homeowners, not HVAC technicians. The air conditioner comes with pre charged line sets, a wall mounted indoor unit (air handler), and the outdoor unit — everything you need for a diy installation. No vacuum pump, no flaring tools, no refrigerant handling. If the system is installed correctly, you'll get the same long term performance as a professional installation.
Consider hiring an HVAC technician for the electrical work if you're not comfortable running a dedicated 240V circuit. Also call a pro if you need multiple indoor units in a multi-zone setup, if you suspect refrigerant leaks after install, or if your coverage area is larger than what DIY models support. Consumer reports and industry experts recommend professional installation for any system above 36k BTU or complex ceiling cassette and floor mounted configurations.
Even if you hire an HVAC technician for part of the job — like the electrical — you'll still save money by handling the rest yourself. DIY installation of the wall mounted air handler, outdoor condenser, and refrigerant line typically cuts installation costs in half compared to a fully professional installation. That's real money back in your pocket, and the unit still gets installed correctly.
Find the perfect mini split air conditioner for your space and start saving on energy bills today.