Although a ductless mini split is still an air conditioner one can still include it as an alternative to traditional ducted air conditioners for 2 reasons.
Alternate air conditioning systems.
In fact there are a lot of alternatives.
Whether installed in a window or made to sit on the floor these compact air conditioners need to be able to release exhaust outside either by being propped in the window or with an exhaust hose positioned in an opening in the window.
It saves money and energy.
Unlike a central air conditioning unit a portable air conditioner allows you to cool a specific room rather than waste energy and money cooling your entire home including all the unused rooms.
Solar and geothermal heating seem too pricey.
In dry climates you can use a swamp cooler which cools your home with evaporating water.
According to energy gov ducts losses can account for more than 30 of energy consumption for space conditioning.
Had about enough of the system maintenance and have cleaned coils changed out air filters and sealed ducts quite enough for one lifetime.
Even if you have an hvac system portable air conditioners are a great way to keep cool and save money at the same time.
Others can support central air but can t be cooled as effectively with it as they might with an alternative system.
One of the most popular alternatives to central air is a window unit or portable air conditioner that cools a single room.
The simplest way to do this is to use a fan to pull in cold air through the windows at night.