No Ductwork? No Problem: Why Mini Splits Work Anywhere
If your home doesn’t have existing ductwork—or if you’re adding on a new space where ductwork isn’t practical—you may wonder how to efficiently heat or cool that area. The good news is that mini split systems were made for exactly this kind of challenge. Here’s why ductless systems are becoming the go-to solution for all types of Missouri homes in 2025.
7/30/20251 min read
Why Homes Might Not Have Ductwork
Older homes built before central HVAC was common
Converted garages, basements, or attics
Home additions or guest suites
Detached buildings like workshops, studios, or pool houses
Running ductwork through these spaces can cost thousands and often requires cutting through walls or ceilings. Mini splits eliminate that need entirely.
How Mini Splits Work Without Ducts
Mini split systems deliver conditioned air directly into the room through a compact, wall-mounted unit. This unit connects to an outdoor condenser via a small conduit that runs through the wall—just 3" to 4" wide. That’s it. No ductwork. No floor vents. No air loss.
Energy Loss Through Ducts
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, typical duct systems lose 20% to 30% of the air that moves through them due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. In contrast, ductless systems deliver nearly 100% of the cooled or heated air directly to the intended space.
Installation Flexibility
Mini splits can be installed almost anywhere:
Wall-mounted
Floor-mounted
Ceiling cassette (flush-mounted)
Recessed or low-profile units
This flexibility allows mini splits to be installed in spaces where traditional HVAC systems simply can’t go.
Real Examples of Use
In Missouri homes, we’ve installed mini splits in:
Homes in rural areas with no existing duct system
Sunrooms that get too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter
Church offices, small business spaces, and mobile homes
Finished attics turned into bedrooms or work-from-home offices
The Financial Advantage
When you consider the cost of retrofitting ductwork (which can add $5,000 to $10,000 to a project), a ductless mini split becomes a much more affordable—and faster—solution. Most installations take just one day, with minimal disruption to the home.
Summary
If your space doesn’t have ductwork, or if running ductwork feels like a nightmare, mini splits provide a cost-effective, energy-efficient solution that delivers comfort exactly where you need it. Let us take a look at your space and give you a free, no-pressure estimate. Call Global Kingdom Contracting at 636-222-3509 today.