What does the term "ductless mini-split system" refer to?

The term "ductless mini-split system" describes an HVAC system that consists of an outdoor compressor unit paired with one or more indoor air-handling units, and importantly, it operates without the need for ductwork. This configuration allows for direct cooling or heating of individual rooms, which makes it highly efficient and flexible for various residential or commercial applications. By avoiding ducts, these systems can minimize energy losses that typically occur in traditional ducted systems, where conditioned air can leak out.

Additionally, ductless mini-split systems offer the advantage of zoning, allowing homeowners to control the temperature in different areas of their homes independently. This feature can lead to significant energy savings, as areas not in use can be set to a lower temperature or turned off entirely.

In contrast, the other options address systems that either rely completely on ducts, do not provide the same level of efficiency or zoning capabilities, or describe equipment types that do not align with the ductless mini-split designation.