Quick answer
A ductless mini-split is a heat pump that sends refrigerant directly to wall, ceiling, or floor units in each room. It is a good fit for homes with no ducts, with limited attic or crawlspace room, or for single rooms such as additions, ADUs, and converted garages.
Why they suit older LA homes
Many 1920s–1950s homes were built with wall heaters or floor furnaces and no ducts. Adding ducts can mean opening ceilings and losing closet space. A mini-split only needs a small hole through the wall for the line set and condensate drain.
Single-zone vs multi-zone
A single-zone system pairs one outdoor unit with one indoor head. A multi-zone system connects several heads to one outdoor unit. Multi-zone saves space outside, but each head must be sized to its room so small rooms don't short-cycle.
Upkeep
Indoor heads have washable filters that should be cleaned regularly. The coils and blower wheels also need periodic professional cleaning to prevent odor and buildup.
