Efficient heating and cooling for additions, renovations, and spaces where traditional ductwork doesn't reach.
Serving Richmond, Midlothian, Henrico, Chesterfield & surrounding areas
Need heating and cooling for a space where ductwork isn't an option? A ductless mini split system delivers comfort without the complexity of traditional HVAC.
Mini splits are heat pumps — they provide both air conditioning and heating from the same unit. An outdoor compressor connects to one or more indoor units mounted on your walls, delivering conditioned air directly into the room. No ducts, no major construction, no compromise on comfort.
At DNA Heating & Cooling, we design and install ductless systems sized for your specific space — whether it's a single room or a multi-zone setup throughout your home.
Mini splits aren't the right solution for every home — but for certain situations, they're the best option available. Here's when Richmond homeowners typically call us:
If any of these describe your home, a ductless system might be the right fit. We'll help you figure out the best solution.
Mini splits have been popular in Europe and Asia for decades. They're gaining ground in the U.S. because they offer real advantages:
Like all heat pumps, mini splits provide both air conditioning and heating. One system handles year-round comfort — no need for separate equipment.
Mini splits are among the most efficient HVAC options available. No ductwork means no energy lost to leaks. Many systems achieve SEER ratings above 20, which translates directly to lower energy bills.
Installation requires only a small hole in the wall — typically 3 inches — to connect the indoor and outdoor units. No major construction, no tearing into ceilings or walls.
Each indoor unit has its own thermostat. Set different temperatures in different rooms. Heat or cool only the spaces you're using.
Mini splits are significantly quieter than traditional systems. Indoor units operate at whisper-level volumes — often quieter than a normal conversation.
Mini splits include multi-stage filtration that reduces dust, allergens, and particles. Without ducts collecting debris, indoor air quality is often better than with ducted systems.
Wondering whether you need a ductless system or a central heat pump? Here's how they compare:
A central system uses one outdoor unit connected to an indoor air handler. The air handler pushes conditioned air through ductwork that runs throughout your home, delivering heating and cooling to every room from a single thermostat. It's designed to condition the whole house at once.
A mini split connects an outdoor compressor to one or more indoor units mounted directly in your rooms. Each indoor unit delivers conditioned air right where it's installed — no ductwork involved. You can have one zone or multiple zones, each with independent temperature control.
Requires ductwork throughout the home. If ducts already exist and are in good condition, installation is straightforward. If not, installing new ductwork in a finished home is expensive, invasive, and sometimes not feasible.
Installation is fast and minimally invasive. Each indoor unit needs only a small hole in the wall to connect to the outdoor compressor. Most single-zone installations are completed in one day. No ductwork, no major construction.
Efficiency depends on both the equipment and the ductwork. Even with a high-efficiency system, leaky or poorly insulated ducts can waste 20-30% of your conditioned air before it reaches your rooms.
Because there's no ductwork, there are no duct losses. Conditioned air goes directly from the unit into your space. Mini splits also use inverter-driven compressors that adjust output to match demand, rather than cycling on and off.
Most central systems have one thermostat controlling the whole house. You can add zoning with dampers and multiple thermostats, but it adds complexity and cost.
Every indoor unit is its own zone with its own thermostat. Control each room independently. Only condition the spaces you're using. This is built into how mini splits work — no extra equipment needed.
Whole-home heating and cooling when ductwork already exists. New construction where ducts can be installed during the build. Homeowners who prefer one thermostat controlling everything.
Additions, renovations, and spaces without ductwork. Older homes where installing ducts isn't practical. Problem rooms that need independent control. Homeowners who want zone-by-zone temperature control and energy savings.
We approach ductless installation with the same attention to detail as any HVAC project. Proper sizing, professional installation, verified performance.
We start by evaluating your space — room size, layout, insulation, sun exposure, and how you plan to use it. For straightforward single-zone installations, a free estimate is usually all you need. For multi-zone systems or complex projects, our comprehensive consultation ($199) provides detailed load calculations and system design.
We're brand agnostic — we recommend equipment based on your needs and budget, not a manufacturer partnership. We'll walk you through the options and help you choose the right system for your space.
Our installations are done right. We mount the indoor unit, place the outdoor compressor, run refrigerant lines, and make all electrical connections. Most single-zone installations are completed in one day.
After installation, we test the system to confirm it's operating correctly. We verify refrigerant charge, airflow, heating and cooling output, and make sure all controls are working properly.
The cost of a ductless mini split installation depends on several factors:
A single-zone system (one outdoor unit, one indoor unit) costs less than a multi-zone setup. If you need to condition multiple rooms, we can design a system with one outdoor compressor serving several indoor units.
Larger spaces require more powerful systems. Higher-efficiency models cost more upfront but deliver lower energy bills over time. We'll help you find the right balance for your budget.
Most installations are straightforward, but factors like long refrigerant line runs, difficult mounting locations, or electrical panel upgrades can affect cost. We identify these during the estimate so there are no surprises.
We offer financing through WiseTack with plans up to 12 months no interest. A financing link is included with every estimate.
We provide detailed, written estimates for every ductless project. You'll know exactly what you're getting and what it costs before we begin.
Mini splits are relatively low-maintenance, but a little care goes a long way:
Most mini splits have reusable filters you can clean yourself. Check them monthly and clean as needed — dirty filters reduce efficiency and airflow.
Make sure the area around your outdoor compressor is free of debris, leaves, and vegetation. It needs adequate airflow to operate efficiently.
Professional maintenance once a year keeps your system running at peak performance and catches small issues early. Our maintenance plans include inspection, cleaning, and 15% off repairs for 12 months.
We're not a big national chain or a franchise. DNA Heating & Cooling is a locally owned, owner-operated HVAC company serving Richmond and the surrounding areas.
We install ductless mini split systems for homeowners within 30 miles of Richmond, including:
Not sure if you're in our service area? Give us a call — we're happy to let you know.
Get a free estimate for your project. We'll help you find the right system for your space.
