Trane/Mitsubishi’s Best Ductless Mini Splits
Learn about ductless mini-splits and which Trane system is right for heating and cooling your space. Find the features that matter most: energy efficiency, quiet operation, and value.
By Anne Fonda
When it comes to heating and cooling spaces without ductwork, ductless mini-splits rule. But how do you choose the system that’s right for your space? This guide will introduce you to Trane’s best ductless mini-splits and help you make an informed decision.
What Is a Mini Split?
Mini-split, ductless mini-split, and ductless HVAC systems are all names for the same thing. Mini-split HVAC systems heat and cool your home or other space without the use of a ductwork system that you would see in a traditional central air/furnace split system.
Mini-split systems have an outdoor unit (mini-split heat pump) and one or more indoor units, based on the type of system - single-zone or multi-zone. The indoor units and outdoor ductless heat pump are connected by refrigerant lines.
When it’s cold out, the heat pump extracts heat from the air outside and transfers it into the indoor units. When it’s warm out, the heat pump reverses operation to pivot to a cooling function by removing heat from the home and sending it outside. For this article, we will focus on these mini-split and multi-split heating and cooling systems.
However, you also have the option to install a mini-split air conditioner, which provides cooling only. A mini-split AC unit might be appropriate if you have a temperate winter and don’t necessarily need to heat a space but you want to cool it in the summer.
Indoor Unit Options
The indoor units are mounted on the ceiling, high on the wall, or low on the wall at floor level. You control each mini-split unit individually via remote control, allowing custom heating or cooling in each room.
Some of the indoor units are equipped with a 3-D i-see-Sensor® which scans each room to provide a thermal profile based on room size, the number of occupants, body temperature, and movement. It then directs the system to customize heating and cooling based on the thermal profile. When a room is unoccupied, the sensor can direct indoor units to enter an energy-saving mode.
“Reliable, custom solutions for your HVAC needs. When you absolutely need the best HVAC solution you can depend on, think Mitsubishi Electric Trane.” -Lance Mullins, Ductless Development Manager, Trane Technologies
Mitsubishi Mini-Split: Unmatched Quality, Uncompromising Control
Trane and Mitsubishi Electric have a unique partnership when it comes to mini-split and multi-split systems. Each Trane Mitsubishi mini-split is made by Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US (METUS).
Trane®/Mitsubishi mini-split systems and multi-splits are the top-selling brand of zoned air conditioning and heating systems. You will enjoy cleaner air and superior control of heating and cooling. Because of the energy efficiency of these units, you may see a lower monthly electric bill. In addition to being quiet, intelligent, and efficient, our systems provide extraordinary service life for a lower cost of ownership.
We will break down our best mini-splits into two categories: single-zone ductless mini-splits and multi-zone ductless mini-splits. Then, within each category, we’ll break it down further for:
- Most Efficient
- Quietest Operation
- Best Value
For custom recommendations for your home, you will want to speak with your local Trane Comfort Specialist.
Best Single-Zone Ductless Mini-Splits
A single-zone mini-split system is designed to cool one space, such as a home addition, attic, or detached garage. There is one indoor unit and one outdoor unit. Indoor air units must be matched with an appropriate mini-split heat pump.
Most Efficient
The Deluxe Wall-Mount PH and Single-Zone Heat Pump PH paired system ranks as our most energy-efficient single-zone ductless system. Some highlights:
- Up to 33.1 SEER2
- Up to 13.5 HSPF2
- ENERGY STAR®-certified
- 100% heating at 5°F
- Hyper-heating performance down to -13°F
- Some models are equipped with a factory-installed base heater
- Blue Fin anti-corrosion treatment on the heat exchanger.
- Available in multiple capacities
- Double-vane air delivery for enhanced circulation
- Whisper-quiet indoor unit
- 3-D i-see-Sensor™
- Control the indoor unit with a remote control or app
Quietest
There really is no Trane/Mitsubishi mini-split that ranks best for being the quietest. That’s because all of the outdoor units run at 53-55 decibels (dB) - so they are all very quiet. Many of the indoor units offer whisper-quiet operation.
Best Value
Two systems vie for the best value/best mini-split cost. The Single-Zone Wall Mount ML paired with the Single-Zone Heat Pump ML and the Wall Mount EL paired with the Single-Zone Heat Pump EL are both excellent mini-split systems that offer optimal performance at a great value.
Some highlights:
- Up to 18 SEER2/16 SEER2
- Up to 10 HSPF2/8.6 HSPF2
- INVERTER-driven heat pump
- Heating operation range -4°F - 75°F/5°F-75°F
- Cooling operation range 14°F to 115°F/32°F-115°F
- Blue Fin anti-corrosion treatment on the heat exchanger
- Available in multiple capacities
- Whisper quiet indoor units
- Control the indoor unit with a remote control or app
Best Multi-Zone Ductless Multi-Splits
Multi-zone ductless systems can allow you to heat and cool an entire home with room-by-room control and comfort. An outdoor unit connects to as many as 8 indoor units (using branch boxes). From designer units to recessed units and floor mounts, you have options to suit your style.
Most Efficient
The Standard Wall Mount ST and Multi-zone PH heat pump system ranks as the most efficient multi-zone ductless system. Some highlights:
- Up to 20 SEER2
- Up to 11.5 HSPF2
- Multiple ENERGY STAR combinations for high-efficiency
- Available in multiple capacities
- Hyper-heating performance
- Long-term continuous heating
- Built-in base pan heater to prevent drain water from freezing
- Blue Fin anti-corrosion treatment on the heat exchanger.
- Mix and match flexibility with indoor unit styles and combinations
- Flexible options for complex multi-room installations
- 4-ton and 5-ton multi-split heat pumps can support up to 8 indoor units using branch boxes
- Auto-restart after a power outage
- Self-check function with integrated diagnostics
- Control indoor units with a remote control or app
Quietest
As we mentioned previously, no Trane/Mitsubishi multi-split ranks best for being the quietest. They are all quiet and unobtrusive when it comes to noise level.
Best Value
The Multi-zone MMX heat pump offers the best value in a multi-split system. It’s our standard multi-zone ductless system with standard heating. Some highlights:
- Up to 20 SEER2
- Up to 11.5 HSPF2
- Multiple ENERGY STAR combinations for high-efficiency
- Mix and match flexibility with indoor unit styles and combinations
- Flexible options for complex multi-room installations
- 4-ton and 5-ton multi-split heat pumps can support up to 8 indoor units using branch boxes
- Auto-restart after a power outage
- Self-check function with integrated diagnostics
- Control indoor units with a remote control or app
Most Versatile Ductless Mini-Split / Multi-Split Product
Finally, we’ll feature a mini-split/multi-split product that is the most versatile. The Deluxe Wall-Mount PH indoor unit is compatible with both single-zone Pro-Heat Plus and multi-zone ductless systems. This high-tech unit helps increase the energy efficiency of your ductless system while maximizing comfort.
Some highlights:
- Equipped with a 3-D i-see-Sensor®
- Infrared human-sensing technologies to measure the location of human heat signatures
- Automatic energy-saving mode for empty rooms
- Reusable, washable, anti-allergen air filters
- Swing mode
- Multiple fan modes - direct, indirect, powerful
- Whisper-quiet operation (as low as 20 decibels)
- Auto-restart after a power outage
- Multiple convenience settings
- Control via remote control or the app
For more detailed information on these ductless systems, check out the Trane/Mitsubishi Ductless Brochure.
Scheduling Multi-Split or Mini-Split Installation
For optimal efficiency and performance, be sure to arrange for multi-split or mini-split installation with an HVAC contractor with experience in this area. They should be able to go over your options and explain the pros and cons of the types of ductless systems. You may want to get several proposals.
The contractor you choose must have expertise with these systems, from designing the system to properly locating the outdoor unit. Proper location and elevation may vary depending on your region.
Mini-split/multi-split heating and cooling can be a great solution for any area of your home or detached garage or shed and can be a solution for your entire home with the right system.
Contact Your Local Comfort Specialist
Not sure which mini-split or multi-split system is right for your space? Your local Trane Comfort Specialist can help you make an informed decision by offering a customized evaluation of your heating and cooling needs and following up with personalized product recommendations. This includes giving you information on financing and which systems are eligible for federal tax credits/ rebates.
Find out why Trane is America’s Most Trusted® HVAC Brand for the 10th year in a row.
Anne Fonda, Content Writer
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Expert review by Ryan Goodwin, Senior Product Manager, Ductless
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