A lot of newly built homes in my area appear to have mini splits (you can see them on the side of the house).

Also, a friend of mine is a very successful real estate agent that sells fancy homes in a fancy market (500k+ homes) & all the newly built homes have mini splits, no vents.

I am surprised by this.

My friend just says "they are easier to have than vents" — sure i get that.

But if someone is having a 800k house built, the homeowners probably arent looking to cut corners to save $5k.

They want something that is most reliable & efficient.

I figured the vented ACs are nicer looking than the mini split unit on the wall & that the vents would supply better circulation than the splits.

Question from user ChickenParm98701 at hvacadvice at reddit.

Answer:

I imagine because minisplits are heat pumps, the world is slowly but surely moving away from burning fossil fuels to heat homes.

Answer from user Heretoshitcomment at hvacadvice at reddit.

why do new homes being built have mini splits not vented ac