When the window unit was invented in the 1950s, it was a revolution in home cooling. Central air conditioning systems at the time were prohibitively expensive and few homes could afford one. A house needed to be built with a complex ventilation system to even permit central air conditioning. The window AC put an affordable cooling solution into the hands of homeowners. In fact, we can credit the window air conditioning unit with helping to spread the population through the sunbelt. It was easier than ever to live in a warm climate.

That was a long time ago. The central AC is the affordable standard for new homes. If your home uses window units but lacks the space for ductwork, you may think you don’t have the option for a better type of system.

But you do! It’s called the ductless mini split system, a.k.a. ductless heating and cooling. It allows you to ditch those ugly, inefficient, and limited window air conditioners and enjoy cooling throughout the house.