Installing Central Air in a House Without Ducts: Your Options

July 25, 2023

Close-up Man hand turning on-off air conditioner panel

If your home doesn’t have ductwork, you’ve probably wondered if you’re stuck with clunky window units or space heaters forever. The good news? You’re not. At Columbus Worthington Air, we specialize in installing central air in a house without ducts. We offer smarter, cost-effective solutions that deliver year-round comfort without tearing into your walls.

Central heating and cooling systems are popular for a reason: they let you control the temperature throughout your entire home with one system and one thermostat. But traditional central air requires a network of ducts behind your ceilings, floors, and walls—and installing ductwork after the fact can be expensive and disruptive. That’s where ductless systems come in. Today’s mini-split HVAC systems offer an efficient, modern way to heat and cool your home, even if you don’t have existing ductwork.

Can You Put Central Air in a House Without Ductwork?

If you're wondering, "Can you put central air in a house without ductwork?" you're not alone—and the answer is yes. Thanks to modern ductless HVAC options, you can enjoy whole-home heating and cooling without tearing into your walls. These systems are efficient, versatile, and perfect for older homes or spaces without existing ducts.

What Is a Ductless HVAC System?

If you’ve been looking into central AC without ducts, you’ve probably encountered ductless mini-split systems. These systems are a popular solution for homes without existing ductwork—and for good reason. Instead of pushing air through ducts, they move refrigerant between an outdoor condenser and one or more indoor air handlers mounted inside your home.

Each air handler is installed directly in the room it serves, connected to the outdoor unit through a small three-inch hole in your exterior wall. That’s it—no major renovations needed. A single outdoor condenser can power four to six indoor units, giving you control over multiple rooms. And with ductless HVAC options that include both cooling-only and heat pump models, you can customize your system for year-round comfort.

Ductless HVAC Pros and Cons

When weighing your options for heating or cooling a home without ductwork, understanding the ductless HVAC pros and cons can help you make the right decision. Mini-split systems offer a flexible, efficient way to heat and cool your home without the major cost or disruption of installing new ductwork. They also give you built-in HVAC zoning, so you can cool only the rooms you're using—saving energy and money.

Pros of Ductless HVAC Systems

Efficient temperature control: Each air handler is individually controlled, allowing you to set different room temperatures.
No duct losses: Traditional ducted systems can lose up to 40% efficiency over time. Ductless systems typically lose less than 5%.
Fast and less invasive installation: No need to tear into walls to install ducts—just a small hole for refrigerant cables.
Zoned heating and cooling: Heat or cool only the rooms you’re using, helping to reduce energy consumption.
Versatile placement: Wall, ceiling, or floor-mounted air handlers give installation flexibility.
Quiet operation: These systems run with minimal noise and are ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, or offices.
Low maintenance: Fewer moving parts and no ducts to clean or repair over time.
Year-round comfort: Heat pump models offer heating and cooling in one system.
Improved indoor air quality: No ducts means less dust, allergens, and mold circulating through your home. Many systems also include multi-stage filtration to enhance indoor air quality.

Cons of Ductless HVAC Systems

Higher upfront cost: Equipment and installation can cost more than window units or basic HVAC add-ons.
Visible indoor units: Some homeowners don’t like the look of wall- or ceiling-mounted air handlers.
May require multiple units: Large homes may need several indoor units, which can increase costs.
Regular filter cleaning: Each unit has its own filter that needs to be cleaned or replaced regularly.

Ductless HVAC Styles and Placement Options

ductless hvac options

One of the biggest benefits of installing central air in a house without ducts is the flexibility in how and where the indoor units can be placed. These mini-split systems come in various styles designed to fit different layouts, comfort needs, and design preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options and how they work in your space.

Wall-Mounted Units

Wall-mounted units are the most common type of mini-split indoor air handler. They’re installed high on the wall and deliver efficient heating and cooling to the entire room. While visible, their slim, modern design helps them blend in easily with most home interiors.

Ceiling Cassette Units

Ceiling cassette units are recessed into the ceiling, making them a great choice if you prefer a more discreet look. They distribute air in multiple directions for even coverage and are ideal for open-concept spaces or rooms without available wall space.

Floor-Mounted Units

Floor-mounted units are installed low on the wall, near the floor—similar to a traditional radiator. They’re perfect for rooms with limited wall or ceiling space and offer easy access for adjustments and maintenance without sacrificing comfort or efficiency.

Concealed Duct Units

Concealed duct units are tucked away in attics, crawl spaces, or above ceilings and connect to small ducts that serve one or two rooms. While not completely ductless, they offer a more hidden look while still providing the efficiency of a mini-split system.

Multi-Zone System Options

Multi-zone systems connect several indoor units to a single outdoor condenser, allowing you to heat or cool multiple rooms independently. They’re perfect for larger homes or families with different comfort preferences—and give you full control over energy use in each zone.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Central Air Without Ducts?

One of the biggest perks of going ductless is that it’s often far more affordable than retrofitting a home with brand-new ductwork. While costs vary widely, the final price depends on several key factors unique to your space and setup needs. Here’s what can influence your overall installation cost:

Number of indoor units: More rooms typically mean more air handlers.
Home size and layout: Larger or more complex floor plans may require more zones.
System type: Heat pump models generally cost more than cooling-only units.
Installation complexity: Wall access, mounting surface, and electrical needs all play a role.
Brand and efficiency rating: Higher-efficiency models often come at a higher initial cost.

The best way to get an accurate estimate? Talk with our HVAC professionals, who can evaluate your home and recommend the right ductless system based on your comfort goals and budget. Just give us a call at 614-405-7819 to get started.

DIY vs. Professional Installation: What You Need to Know

While DIY might sound tempting, installing central air in a house without ducts is best left to the pros. Mini-split systems may seem straightforward, but proper sizing, placement, wiring, and refrigerant handling require expert knowledge. A small mistake can lead to poor performance, higher energy bills, or even voided warranties.

When you choose professional installation, you get more than just labor—you’re getting peace of mind. Here’s what you gain by working with our licensed HVAC technicians:

Correct system sizing: Ensures your system is powerful enough, without being oversized.
Optimal unit placement: Improves comfort, airflow, and efficiency.
Safe electrical and refrigerant connections: Protects your system and your home.
Warranty protection: Many manufacturers require professional installation to keep coverage valid.
Code compliance and permitting: Ensures your system meets local requirements.
Clean, efficient install: No guesswork, no extra holes in the wall—just expert results.

At Columbus Worthington Air, we make it easy to get started. You can schedule a service online or call us at 614-405-7819—and you’ll always get a job done right, backed by our Exceptional Service Guarantee for total peace of mind.

Get Expert Help with Ductless HVAC Installation

If you’re ready to explore a ductless HVAC system for your Columbus home, our team is here to help every step of the way. At Columbus Worthington Air, we make installing central air in a house without ducts simple, efficient, and stress-free. You can browse our heating options and cooling solutions or reach out to schedule a home assessment at a time that works for you.

Want to keep learning about your home cooling and heating options? Check out our blog for expert tips, product insights, and energy-saving advice tailored to homeowners like you.

When you're ready, call us at 614-405-7819 or schedule your service online—and let’s find the perfect system for your home.