Once upon a time, ductless cooling units were ugly and noisy. However, the latest innovations in cooling technology have brought these systems a long way. Today, ductless mini-split A/C systems are streamlined, customizable, and incredibly quiet. These systems aren’t tied to a central forced-air network, so they can be installed exactly where you need them. To understand how these efficient, duct-free heat pumps work—and whether you might qualify for rebates—check out ENERGY STAR’s Ductless Heating & Cooling guide.

Benefits of installing a mini-split ductless cooling unit include:

• Easy integration into your interior design.
• Quiet and unobtrusive operation.
• Greater energy efficiency, which leads to reduced utility bills.

They can also be controlled wirelessly with a remote and some even have Wi-Fi capabilities that enable you to control a unit from your cell phone.

There are many reasons to consider installing a ductless mini-split A/C unit. Because they’re mounted directly in the specific spaces you use most, you can cool only the rooms you occupy rather than your entire building—saving energy and reducing monthly operating costs. For a deeper look at how these systems deliver zoned comfort and help curb wasted cooling in unused areas, check out the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pumps guide.