Mini Splits Are More Popular Than Ever. Here’s Why.

Mini Splits Are More Popular Than Ever. Here’s Why. A few years ago, mini splits were still something a lot of homeowners around Fresno only saw in small offices or specialty applications. Now we’re seeing them almost everywhere, from garage conversions and ADUs to full-home remodels and multifamily projects throughout the Central Valley. In fact, many HVAC companies throughout California have reported growing demand for mini split systems in homes without existing ductwork and renovation projects where flexibility matters most.

Related article: https://www.bonney.com/blog/mini-split-ac-cost-california/

So what changed?

For a lot of homeowners, mini splits solve comfort problems that traditional HVAC systems struggle with. We’ve seen more homeowners turn to mini splits when certain rooms stay too hot, older homes don’t have ductwork or garage and ADU projects need an efficient way to heat and cool the space.

They’re efficient, flexible and surprisingly versatile for all kinds of residential and commercial applications.

What Exactly Is a Mini Split?

A mini split is a ductless heating and cooling system that connects an outdoor unit to one or more indoor units. Instead of sending air through ductwork, the system delivers heating and cooling directly into the room.

That may sound simple, but it opens up a lot of possibilities.

Mini splits work especially well in spaces where installing ductwork would be difficult, expensive or simply not practical. Industry suppliers have also noted growing demand for mini splits in older homes, additions and retrofit projects where traditional ductwork upgrades can be difficult to install properly.

Related article: https://www.goodinco.com/resources/news/the-source/2025/02/18/the-ductless-mini-split-surge-why-these-systems-are-becoming-more-popular

Most systems also provide both heating and air conditioning, so homeowners can use them year-round.

More Homeowners Are Asking About Mini Splits

We’ve seen the interest in mini splits grow firsthand over the last few years.

At recent local home shows, a surprising number of homeowners stopped by the Comfort Pro booth specifically asking about mini split systems for garages, ADUs, workshops and older homes. To help people better understand how these systems work, we even had operating mini split systems installed directly at our booth so visitors could see them in person.

We liked the systems enough that we even installed several mini splits throughout our own office so customers can see the different styles and performance for themselves.

A lot of the conversations we have start the same way. Homeowners are tired of a garage being too hot to use, an upstairs room never cooling properly or an older home without existing ductwork.

A lot of homeowners are surprised by how quiet, compact and modern today’s mini split systems really are once they see them up close.

Why Homeowners Like Them So Much

There isn’t just one reason mini splits have become popular. It’s usually a combination of things.

They’re Energy Efficient

One of the biggest selling points is efficiency.

Traditional duct systems can lose a surprising amount of energy through leaks and poorly insulated ductwork. Since mini splits don’t use ducts, they avoid a lot of that wasted energy.

Many systems also adjust their output automatically instead of constantly cycling on and off. That helps maintain more even temperatures while using less electricity.

In Fresno area summers where triple-digit temperatures can put a serious strain on HVAC systems, homeowners are paying closer attention to comfort and operating costs than ever before. California has also continued expanding energy efficiency and electrification rebate programs as more homeowners look for lower energy consumption and high-efficiency heating and cooling systems.

Related article: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2024/11/14/california-launches-new-rebates-to-help-cut-home-energy-costs/

They Give You More Control

Mini splits allow homeowners to control temperatures room by room.

That means one person can keep the bedroom cooler while another keeps the living room comfortable without fighting over the thermostat.

For homes with hot upstairs rooms, uncomfortable additions or spaces that never seem to cool properly, that flexibility can make a huge difference.

They’re Perfect for Garages & ADUs

This is probably one of the biggest reasons mini splits have exploded in popularity around Fresno and Clovis.

Around the Central Valley, we’re seeing more homeowners convert garages into gyms, offices, living spaces and rental units. Most of those spaces were never designed with ductwork in mind.

Mini splits make it possible to heat and cool those areas without needing a major remodel. Many HVAC professionals throughout California have pointed to the rise of ADUs, garage conversions and renovation projects as one of the biggest reasons mini split demand has grown so quickly in recent years.

Related article: https://www.servicemag.org/guides/mini-split-installation-southern-california

Comfort Pro has installed ductless mini split systems throughout Fresno, Clovis and the Central Valley for residential, commercial and multifamily properties.

Comfort Pro installs mini split systems for:

• Garages
• ADUs
• Workshops
• Home offices
• Apartments
• Multifamily properties
• Older homes
• Whole-home applications

Some homeowners even use them for server rooms or spaces with special cooling needs.

There’s More Than One Type of Mini Split

When most people picture a mini split, they usually think of the standard wall-mounted indoor unit. Those are definitely common, but they’re not the only option.

Mini split systems come in several different styles depending on the space and how the system will be used.

At Comfort Pro, wall-mounted systems are still the most common style we install for residential applications, but cassette and concealed systems are becoming more common in remodels and commercial retrofit projects.

Wall-Mounted Mini Splits

These are the most recognizable and most commonly installed systems. The indoor unit mounts high on the wall and delivers direct heating and cooling into the room.

They’re popular because they’re efficient, compact and work well in:

• Bedrooms
• Living rooms
• Garages
• Offices
• ADUs

Ceiling Cassette Mini Splits

Ceiling cassette systems are installed into the ceiling instead of mounted on the wall. They’re often used in:

• Commercial spaces
• Offices
• Larger rooms
• Open floor plans
• Multifamily properties

Many homeowners choose them when they want a cleaner, less visible look.

Concealed Duct Mini Splits

Some mini split systems can actually connect to short duct runs while still operating as a high-efficiency system.

These are useful when homeowners want:

• Less visible indoor equipment
• Multiple rooms connected together
• A more traditional appearance

They’re common in remodels and custom applications.

Floor-Mounted Mini Splits

Floor-mounted systems sit lower on the wall and can work well in rooms where wall space is limited.

They’re sometimes used in:

• Older homes
• Rooms with large windows
• Converted spaces
• Areas with unique layouts

Mini Splits Are Becoming More Common in Commercial & Multifamily Properties Too

It’s not just homeowners driving the popularity of mini splits. More commercial and multifamily property owners throughout the Central Valley are starting to use them for retrofit and rehab projects as well.

Recently, Comfort Pro completed several mini split retrofit installations for commercial rehab properties where traditional ductwork upgrades would have been difficult or expensive. We’re also preparing for a new multifamily mini split project as more property owners look for flexible, energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions.

Want to see examples of our work? View our mini split installation gallery to see completed projects throughout the Central Valley or visit our mini split services page to see more projects and learn more about mini splits installation, repair and maintenance.

For many retrofit projects, mini splits offer advantages that make a lot of sense:

• Easier installation in older buildings
• Zoned comfort for individual units or spaces
• Less demolition compared to adding ductwork
• Improved efficiency
• Flexible installation options for renovations and additions

They’ve become especially useful for apartments, mixed-use buildings, office remodels and properties where existing HVAC systems no longer meet the needs of the space. Many contractors are also calling mini splits one of the leading HVAC solutions for retrofit projects because of how adaptable they are in older buildings and renovation work.

Related article: https://www.acdirect.com/blog/ductless-mini-splits-retrofit-2025/

As more buildings throughout Fresno and the Central Valley get renovated or repurposed, mini splits are becoming a practical option for both residential and commercial applications.

They’re Not Just for One Room Anymore

A lot of people still think mini splits are only for small spaces. That used to be more true years ago, but modern systems have come a long way.

Today, mini split systems can handle full homes using multiple indoor units connected to a single outdoor system.

For certain homes, especially older properties without existing ductwork, a whole-home mini split setup can actually make more sense than installing an entirely new duct system.

It really depends on the layout of the home and the homeowner’s goals.

DIY Mini Splits Are Also Driving Popularity

Another reason mini splits are becoming more common is the rise of DIY systems.

A lot of homeowners now buy mini split equipment online and try to handle part of the installation themselves. Sometimes that works out fine. Sometimes it turns into a much bigger project than expected.

We’ve also seen more homeowners purchase mini split equipment online before calling us for help with refrigerant lines, startup procedures or completing the installation properly.

Even when homeowners want to do part of the work themselves, professional help still matters for things like:

• Refrigerant lines
• Electrical connections
• Drainage
• Startup procedures
• System setup

Comfort Pro regularly helps homeowners and property managers who already purchased their own mini split equipment. In some cases we complete the installation. In others we inspect the setup or help get the system running properly.

That flexibility has made mini splits even more accessible for homeowners, landlords, property managers and contractors looking for cost-effective heating and cooling solutions.

Are Mini Splits Right for Every Home?

Not always.

There are still plenty of situations where a traditional central HVAC system makes more sense. But mini splits have become a strong option for homes that need flexibility, efficiency or zoned comfort.

They’re especially useful when:

• Certain rooms never stay comfortable
• The home has limited ductwork
• You’re adding living space
• You want better energy efficiency
• You need heating and cooling for a garage or ADU
• You want independent temperature control in different rooms

For some spaces, a mini split may be a more affordable and flexible option than extending ductwork or replacing an entire central system.

At the end of the day, mini splits are popular because they solve real problems for homeowners. And as the technology keeps improving, more people are realizing how versatile these systems can be.

If you’re considering a mini split system in Fresno, Clovis or anywhere in the Central Valley, Comfort Pro can help you compare your options and decide whether a mini split, central system or repair makes the most sense for your space, comfort goals and budget. Visit our mini split services page to learn more, schedule a mini split estimate online or call our office today at 559-354-0035.

The Comfort Pro Team