Ductless Air Conditioners

If your home in the Danforth, High Park, the Annex, or anywhere across the GTA relies on radiators or baseboard heating with no ductwork, you have likely been told that adding air conditioning means tearing open walls and ceilings. 

That is just not true. Thousands of Toronto homes were built before central air conditioning existed, and a ductless mini-split system delivers powerful cooling (and heating) without a single foot of ductwork. 

Since 1974, Husky Heating and Air Conditioning has helped GTA homeowners upgrade to ductless comfort with expert installation from our own NATE-certified, TSSA-licensed technicians. We never use subcontractors, and we stand behind every project with our satisfaction guarantee.

Whether you are cooling a single-room addition or an entire older home, we carry ductless systems from Lennox, Carrier, and Mitsubishi to match your space, budget, and climate.

You can reach us at: 905-761-9485 or 416-665-3666
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What Is a Ductless Air Conditioner and How Does It Work?

A ductless air conditioner (mini-split) has two main components: a compact outdoor condenser unit and one (or more) indoor air handlers. Both are connected by a small refrigerant line that passes through a small opening in the wall, so there is no need to install or modify ductwork.

The outdoor unit compresses refrigerant and sends it to the indoor air handler, which absorbs heat from the room and returns cooled, dehumidified air. The cycle reverses in winter, drawing heat from the outdoor air and delivering it indoors.

Each indoor air handler operates independently with its own thermostat, giving you zone-by-zone temperature control. A single outdoor unit can support up to five indoor handlers, so you can cool (and heat) multiple rooms with a single system. 

Family members who prefer different temperatures get exactly what they want, room by room, without compromise.

Indoor units come in several styles, including wall-mounted, ceiling cassette, and floor-mounted consoles, so there is an option for virtually any room layout or design preference.

Top 2026 Ductless Brands: Lennox, Carrier & Mitsubishi

As an authorized dealer for all three brands, Husky carries a full range of ductless systems for GTA homeowners. Here is what sets each one apart.

Lennox 

Lennox offers some of the quietest mini-split systems on the market, with select indoor units operating as low as 20 decibels. 

Lennox ductless mini-splits feature inverter-driven compressors for precise temperature control and lower energy consumption, along with convenient remote monitoring and scheduling. Available in single-zone and multi-zone configurations with multiple indoor units.

Carrier

Carrier’s ductless lineup spans three performance tiers. 

The Infinity series leads with premium SEER ratings and variable-speed inverter compressors for consistent comfort. The Performance series balances efficiency and value with ENERGY STAR certification. Even the budget-friendly Comfort series delivers reliable cooling at competitive efficiency levels. 

All Carrier mini-splits feature quiet operation, WeatherArmor protection on the outdoor unit, and compatibility with wall-mounted, ceiling cassette, and floor-mounted indoor units. Multi-zone systems support multiple indoor handlers from a single outdoor condenser.

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi is widely recognized as an industry leader in ductless technology and remains the benchmark for cold-climate performance. 

Mitsubishi mini-splits feature i-see Sensor technology, which scans the room for hot and cold spots, then automatically redirects airflow where it is needed most, improving temperature distribution. Mitsubishi systems also integrate with their cloud app for smartphone-based control from anywhere.

Not sure which brand or configuration is right for your home? Our technicians will assess your space and recommend the best fit during a free in-home consultation.

Sizing Your Mini-Split System

Choosing the right size mini-split is critical. An undersized unit will struggle to keep the room comfortable, while an oversized unit will short-cycle, wasting energy and reducing dehumidification.

Mini-split capacity is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). A good rule of thumb is 20 BTU per square foot.

Here is a general guide for typical GTA homes:

These are starting estimates only. Actual sizing depends on ceiling height, insulation quality, window size and orientation, and the number of exterior walls. Rooms with large south-facing windows or poor insulation may need more capacity.

A proper load calculation, performed during your free in-home consultation, ensures the system is sized precisely for your home. This is one of the most important steps in any ductless installation, and it is always included at no charge.

Can You Get Greener Homes Rebates for Ductless Systems?

Many homeowners do not realize that most ductless mini-split systems are actually heat pumps, meaning they provide both cooling and heating. 

This dual functionality makes them eligible for some of the largest rebates available in Ontario.

Home Renovation Savings Program

Ontario’s Home Renovation Savings Program, delivered by Enbridge Gas and Save on Energy with support from the Ontario government, offers rebates of up to $7,500 for qualifying cold-climate air-source heat pumps.

Conditions apply: 

• Maximum amounts apply to electrically heated homes
• Rebates for natural gas-heated homes are calculated differently 
• The heat pump must be approved by Natural Resources Canada
• The installation must be completed by a licensed contractor

Advantages of Ductless Air Conditioners

Are you considering a ductless vs. a central air conditioner? A ductless system has two units: an evaporator (or air handler) that stays indoors on your wall or ceiling, and an outdoor unit (the condenser) that stays outside. Because they have two parts but are smaller than central air conditioning systems, they’re sometimes called “mini-split” systems.

Ductless air conditioners are the perfect Goldilocks solution: you get all the advantages of a central system and fewer annoyances than a window unit.

A Ductless System May Be Right If You:

• Live in a home with no ductwork.
• Are looking for multiple zone control because some of your rooms get hotter than others, or your family has different cooling preferences.
• Want a system that is energy efficient (some are more efficient than central systems if zoning is used).
• Want a system that blends into your home’s decor. The indoor until come in a variety of looks and can be installed on a wall or on the ceiling.
• Want minimal installation construction.

“Called for a quote on a Thursday and had a quote from Dmitri by 9:15 AM on Friday…the techs arrived on time and completed the installation in 2.5 hours. They were professional and courteous. They used drop sheets to protect our carpets and cleaned up the work site upon completion. They fully explained what they were going to do and explained the operation of the new unit when they were finished. 100% satisfied with price and service fom Husky. Will contact Husky the next time we need any maintenance or heating or air conditioning products.”

– Waynen, North York, August 2018

Read more of our reviews on HomeStars >

Why Ductless Systems Are Better Than Window Units:

• Much quieter than a window unit, because the condenser is entirely outside.
• Less obtrusive than a window or a free standing portable unit. Some portable units block your window all summer long. Freestanding units take up floor space, which is a real pain if you live in a small space.
• More secure than window air conditioners.

Why Ductless Systems Are Better Than Central Air Systems:

• Cheaper than a central air conditioning system.
• Easier installation than central systems – no ductwork to install, which means no expense or messy construction work.
• Eliminates losses common in air ducts.

Husky has more than 40 years of experience recommending the right systems for people’s needs and their home sizes. If you need help staying cool this summer, get in touch with Husky to find out what’s best for you.

Ductless Air Conditioning FAQ

More and more Torontonians are asking us about ductless air conditioners these days. They’ve heard they’re great, but want to know more.

Here are some of the most common questions we get from homeowners just like you.

How much does it cost to install a ductless air conditioner in Toronto?

The installed cost of a ductless mini-split system in the GTA typically ranges from about $3,000 for a single-zone, single-room setup to $15,000 or more for a multi-zone system serving several rooms. Because every home is different, the best way to get an accurate number is to book a free in-home consultation, where we assess your space and provide a detailed quote with no hidden charges.

Can one ductless mini-split cool an entire house?

A single indoor unit is designed to condition one room or zone. To cool an entire house, you would need a multi-zone system with one outdoor unit connected to two, three, four, or even five indoor units, each serving a different area. Multi-zone systems are an excellent whole-home solution for older Toronto homes without ductwork, providing independent temperature control in every room.

Are ductless air conditioners noisy?

Ductless systems are significantly quieter than both window units and most central air conditioning systems. Indoor units from the brands we carry operate at as low as 19 to 26 decibels on their quietest settings, comparable to a soft whisper or a quiet library. The noisier compressor component is located entirely outdoors, so you enjoy cool, quiet comfort inside.

How long does a mini-split installation take?

A single-zone ductless installation typically takes half a day to complete. Multi-zone installations with three or more indoor units usually take one full day. Because the process requires only a small opening in the wall for the refrigerant line, there is far less disruption than installing central air conditioning with full ductwork. We will provide a clear timeline during your free in-home consultation.

Do ductless air conditioners also provide heating in the winter?

Most of the ductless systems we install are heat pumps, which means they cool in summer and heat in winter using the same equipment. Cold-climate brands like the Lennox and Mitsubishi maintain strong heating performance even in sub-zero temperatures. This dual-purpose functionality also makes ductless heat pumps eligible for Ontario’s heat pump rebate programs.

What are ductless air conditioners? Are they the same as “mini-split” systems?

A ductless air conditioner is a lot like a central air conditioner, in that it consists of an indoor unit (the evaporator) and an outdoor unit (the condenser).

The main difference is that a central AC system directs cool air to the air handler attached to your furnace. That’s how it connects to your home’s ductwork to distribute cool air.

A ductless system, on the other hand, sends cool air to a slender box that mounts to a wall or ceiling in a room.

With both types, the indoor unit and outdoor unit are connected by a thin line. The refrigerant passes through this cable, absorbing heat in the rooms of your home and taking it to the outdoor unit where the heat is released. With a ductless system, the power supply and moisture drainage are also bundled into this thin cable.

Any cooling system that has separate indoor units and outdoor units is called a split system. As ductless systems are smaller, they’re sometimes called “mini-split” systems. Split systems are different from all-in-one cooling systems like window-mounted air conditioners or even your refrigerator, in which heat is released from the back.

Why would I use a ductless air conditioner?

There are tons of advantages to ductless vs. a central air conditioner.

1. They’re perfect for older homes without ductwork. Installing ductwork not only expensive, it’s incredibly messy and inconvenient.
2. They’re great for home additions that aren’t connected to the ductwork system in the rest of the house.
3. Because of their thin lines that only require a small hole in the wall of your home’s, they’re less destructive to install.
4. They’re usually much more energy efficient than central air conditioner systems. With a ductless system you’ll spend less money on electricity.
5. They cost less than central systems.
6. They work better and look better than portable or window-mounted air conditioners.
7. They’re more secure and convenient that window ACs or portables.
8. If noise bothers you, you’ll be glad to learn that ductless systems are quieter than central ACs.
9. If your home has areas that are hard to heat or cool (especially top floors), a ductless system offers a less expensive was to get a zoning system.

As you can see, ductless ACs work in a lot of situations.

Sounds good, but do ductless systems have any disadvantages?

They’re not completely invisible like central air conditioners. Some people don’t like having the indoor unit mounted on the ceiling or wall of their rooms. The good news is that they’re less intrusive than portable air conditioners, because they’re smaller and don’t take up floor space. They blend in so easily that most people forget about them.

Ductless air conditioners can blend in seamlessly with your decor. Image courtesy http://aroundclock.com.

Ductless air conditioners also may not have enough cooling power for very large homes.

What kind of maintenance do ductless ACs need?

The maintenance is the same as for a central air conditioner. Ductless systems have a protective dust filter that should be replaced when it gets dirty. How often you need to do this will depend on how often you use your AC, how often you clean, and if you have pets that shed. Generally, once or twice a season should be fine. Some have additional filters that absorb odours or improve air quality in other ways.

The outdoor unit should also be checked every spring to make sure the vents are free of leaves, grass and other debris. In fall, you should protect it with a plastic covering before the snow flies.

We recommend a yearly maintenance check and tune up every spring to ensure optimum efficiency and long lifespan.

How much do ductless ACs cost?

It’s hard to provide an exact number because there are so many variables:

1. The square footage of your home will affect the amount cooling power you need.
2. Some models are more energy efficient than others.
3. You can get systems with one or multiple indoor units.
4. Installation costs can vary with different types of homes, and where the outdoor unit is placed will make a difference too.
5. Some ductless units, called heat pumps, can also provide heating in fall and winter.
6. Whether a manufacturer or government rebate is happening or not.

Costs will start from a few thousand dollars and up. While that may sound vague it’s important to know that you really need to request a quote for your specific needs and home size.

Why are ductless air conditioners more efficient that central air systems?

Avoiding the use of ductwork means you save as much as 30% of the energy used to cool your space. Ducts are not always properly designed, and are not always sealed tightly. Often most of the cool air goes to the basement or ground floor instead of the top floor where it’s really needed. Homeowners also sometimes block vents with furniture or heavy drapes.

What does a SEER number mean?

SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency rating. It’s a measure of how much cooling power you get versus the energy used. The higher the number the better, and in Canada the legal minimum SEER for a central or ductless AC is 13. They can reach as high as 26 or 27 with current technology.

You may also have seen EER numbers. This stands for energy efficiency rating, and are not generally used anymore as they don’t factor in the seasonal adjustment. The EER number for an AC is generally slightly less than the SEER number.

I’ve noticed some of your ductless systems are heat pumps. What does that mean?

A heat pump is a lot like an air conditioner, except that it can also work in reverse. In summer, a heat pump will cool your home, moving the warm air from the inside to the outside of your home. In fall and winter it switches and starts bringing warm air indoors.

Heat pumps can be useful if you don’t want to rely on your furnace as much. Our climate here in Toronto gets cold enough that you will still need your gas furnace on the very coldest winter days.

Heat pump efficiency is measured as HSPF or heating seasonal performance factor. Like SEER, it compares the heating output to the energy used, and the higher the number the better. Right now HSPF numbers go to about 10.

What Other Questions Do YOU Have?

If you’re considering a ductless system for your home, but still have questions, we’re here to help. You’ll find we’re friendly and easy to talk to, and won’t be constantly pushing you to buy.

Go ahead and ask us your questions!

Call us at 905-761-9485 or Request A Free Quote