Licensed HVAC professionals serving West Palm Beach since 1988.

Florida's Energy Efficiency Code sets minimum efficiency standards for all new HVAC equipment, and many of today's ductless mini-split systems exceed SEER2 18 by a significant margin. That efficiency level makes qualifying systems eligible for Florida Power and Light rebates of up to $300 per ton of cooling capacity.

Hopkins Air Conditioning has been installing HVAC equipment in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County since 1988, and our team handles every aspect of a compliant ductless installation: the load calculation, the permit, the equipment selection, the installation, and the performance verification. Request a free estimate online.

Why West Palm Beach Homeowners Choose Hopkins Air for Mini-Split Installation

The garage nobody wants to work in from May through October. The sunroom that turns into a sauna every afternoon. The master bedroom addition that was never connected to the duct system. These are the spaces a ductless mini-split installation was designed to solve, and they are among the most common requests we receive from Palm Beach County homeowners.

A ductless system delivers conditioned air directly into the space it serves through an indoor air handler, without requiring any ductwork. The indoor unit connects to an outdoor compressor through a refrigerant line and an electrical conduit that passes through a small penetration in the wall, typically about three inches in diameter. Modern inverter-driven compressors modulate output continuously rather than cycling hard on and off, which keeps temperatures stable, manages humidity effectively, and operates at low noise levels.

Jesse W., a West Palm Beach homeowner, needed a full replacement of a 15-year-old, 2-ton AC system in a small condo. He later shared: "Hopkins delivered a seamless experience. The installation team was clean, efficient, and knowledgeable. Initial phone call, diagnosis, sales visit, and completed installation was only two days! Highly recommend Hopkins!"

Choosing the right contractor matters more than many homeowners realize. An oversized system will short-cycle, fail to dehumidify, and wear out the compressor faster. An undersized system will run continuously and never reach the set temperature on the hottest days. Both failures trace back to skipping the load calculation.

What Our Ductless Mini-Split Installation Process Includes

We follow a structured installation process that ensures code compliance, correct sizing, and verified performance.

Step 1: Site Assessment and Manual J Load Calculation

We measure the space and run a Manual J load calculation, which is the software-based sizing method required by the Florida Building Code. This catches sizing errors that lead to short-cycling or underperformance and produces documentation for the permit application.

Step 2: System Selection and Sizing

Based on the load calculation, we select a Carrier system with the correct BTU capacity. Higher-efficiency systems qualify for FPL rebates of up to $300 per ton of cooling capacity. We are also currently offering $1,500 off qualifying AC installations, which may apply to your project.

Step 3: Permit Application

Hopkins Air Conditioning pulls all required permits before work begins and coordinates the inspection with the local building department. We handle the application and keep you informed throughout.

Step 4: Indoor Unit Placement

The indoor air handler is mounted at the position that provides the best airflow across the space. The unit is secured to wall studs or structural blocking, not just drywall.

Step 5: Outdoor Compressor Placement and Hurricane Anchoring

We mount the outdoor compressor on a reinforced concrete pad or elevated bracket and anchor it to resist wind speeds specified in the Florida Building Code for Palm Beach County.

Step 6: Refrigerant Line and Electrical Connection

We run the refrigerant line set and electrical conduit through the wall using a properly sealed line set cover. Electrical connection is made to a dedicated circuit, sized to the unit's minimum circuit ampacity, per National Electrical Code requirements.

Step 7: System Startup and Refrigerant Charging

At startup, we use a vacuum pump to evacuate the refrigerant lines of air and moisture before charging. Air and moisture in the refrigerant circuit are the primary causes of compressor failure in new installations; a deep vacuum confirms the system is sealed before refrigerant is introduced. We charge to the manufacturer specifications for the line set length, not to a pressure reading alone.

Step 8: Performance Verification and Walk-Through

Once the system is running, we verify performance and complete all documentation. See the performance verification section below.

Patty L., a West Palm Beach homeowner coordinating a new AC installation, found that project management made all the difference. She later shared: "Colson went above and beyond in getting everything coordinated, communication was prompt and professional. I am very happy with the whole process in getting my new AC installation set up, I would highly recommend Colson and Hopkins Air."

Performance Verification

After every ductless installation, we run a structured performance verification before closing out the job. A calibrated digital thermometer measures supply and return air temperature at the indoor unit; we look for a temperature differential of 16 to 20 degrees, which confirms that refrigerant charge, airflow, and heat transfer are all functioning correctly.

Refrigerant manifold gauges record operating pressures on both sides of the circuit; overcharging is just as damaging to a compressor as undercharging. A refrigerant leak detector is passed around all connections, because a small leak that does not show at startup will cause a slow efficiency loss over the following months.

All readings are documented in a written report provided at job completion, including the temperature differential, operating pressures, electrical readings, refrigerant charge, and permit number: your record for warranty purposes and FPL rebate applications.

Why Professional Installation and Permits Matter

Installing a ductless mini-split without a permit is illegal in West Palm Beach and throughout Palm Beach County. An unpermitted installation has no third-party inspection, creates coverage disputes if an insurance claim arises, and causes complications at the time of home sale.

An unconditioned space in Palm Beach County accumulates humidity above mold-growth thresholds within days during summer. Mold on walls, stored materials, and structural components costs far more to address than a correct installation would have. FPL rebates also require a permitted installation by a licensed contractor. Explore our financing options to spread the cost over time.

Schedule Your Ductless Mini-Split Installation in West Palm Beach Today

If you have a space with no cooling, or an existing window unit or inefficient system making a room uncomfortable, a professionally installed ductless mini-split is the right solution. We serve West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County, including Boynton Beach, Lake Worth Beach, and North Palm Beach.

Request your free estimate online.