28KB.avif){kind=logo}
What Is a Ductless Mini-Split System?
A ductless mini-split is a heating and cooling system that doesn’t require ductwork. It consists of an outdoor compressor unit connected to one or more indoor air handlers by a small conduit. Each indoor unit can be controlled independently, giving you precise temperature control room by room.
Mini-split systems have become one of the fastest-growing HVAC solutions in Albuquerque, and for good reason — they solve problems that traditional ducted systems can’t.
Why Mini-Splits Are Perfect for Albuquerque
Albuquerque’s climate is ideal for mini-split technology. Our dry air, moderate winters, and hot summers mean mini-splits operate at peak efficiency here. Plus, many older homes in neighborhoods like the North Valley, Nob Hill, and the South Valley were built without ductwork.
Homes with swamp coolers: If you’re considering a swamp cooler to refrigerated air conversion but don’t want to install ductwork, a multi-zone mini-split gives you whole-home comfort without tearing into walls.
Room additions and garages: A single-zone mini-split provides heating and cooling to converted garages, casitas, or home offices with minimal installation impact.
Hot or cold rooms: A mini-split lets you supplement your existing furnace or AC unit without overworking either system.
Historic and adobe homes: Many Albuquerque homes have thick adobe walls where running ductwork would be impractical.
How Mini-Splits Provide Both Heating and Cooling
Modern mini-splits use heat pump technology, providing both heating and cooling from a single system. Today’s cold-climate models can heat efficiently down to -13°F, well below anything Albuquerque experiences.
Energy Efficiency and Savings
Mini-splits have SEER2 ratings up to 42 (compared to 14–18 for most central AC). Because they skip ductwork, they avoid the 20–30% energy loss from leaky ducts. Albuquerque homeowners can take advantage of significant rebates and tax credits for qualifying mini-splits.
Single-Zone vs. Multi-Zone Systems
A single-zone system is perfect for a single room or addition. Multi-zone systems connect one outdoor unit to up to five indoor units, each controlled independently — something a central system can’t do without expensive zoning equipment.
Professional Installation Matters
At MGP Mechanical, we install Carrier and Mitsubishi mini-split systems and ensure every installation meets manufacturer specifications. Call (505) 917-4130 or visit our mini-split systems page to learn more.