What is the history of split-ductless? Back
At the end of World War II, modern residential air conditioning was widely introduced abroad by the United States. But typical central systems with bulky sheet metal ductwork, as well as window-type units, were not practical in many other countries, particularly in Japan, where building methods and lack of space made them unworkable. These practical concerns plus the high postwar energy costs in that country created the demand for a ductless design (also called "mini-splits"): a cooling system that was quiet, energy efficient and easy to build into existing houses.
Today buildings in Japan are designed to accommodate ductless air conditioners.
Mitsubishi Electric began producing room air conditioners in Japan in 1954. The wall-mounted ductless unit was introduced in 1968 now known as Mr. Slim. It is only a matter of time before energy concerns will warrant full-scale employment of ductless air conditioning products in the United States.
