The ducted systems are great when you would like the air handler to be concealed. The only issue with the ducted systems is that you MUST have an installing contractor that is capable of configuring the ducted systems AND has the equipment to do so. Unlike the ductless systems, these use short ducts to deliver the air and return air to the air handler. Also, unlike conventional ducted systems, these are 100% variable speed and microprocessor controlled. That said, the ducted systems must be configured to operate at a measured external static pressure to deliver the correct amount of air. This is not a big deal if your contractor is qualified to do it. Just be careful about "shade tree" HVAC contractors that will not be able to configure the new systems. Also, if you have to go back later and ask one of the more expensive trained contractors to come back and fix what the "shade tree" did, it might be a long wait and an expensive bill. It's always better to check references and make the right decision on the front end. Please feel free to check out some articles on ductless split systems on my blog HERE. Also, please reply if I can help further.

Air & Energy Solutions-

Thank you very much for your response. Your point is well taken. The HVAC contractor that informed me about the ducted mini splits (I'd only known of the ductless systems before) told me that his company recently did a large scale installation of many units. I recently placed calls to other contractors for a another opinion and estimate, but am not finding contractors that do these (not yet, anyhow).
You mentioned checking references - do you mean asking to speak with previous customers, or ...?

I will check our your blog now.

Thanks again

OS

Not a thing wrong for asking for names and telephone numbers when you're considering spending this much money. I would contact former clients and maybe even ask to see the work. It might save you a lot of trouble later on. Best of luck.

By the way, i wouldn't worry about offending your contractor. A quality contractor will be anxious to show off his work.

Thanks again. I have asked for some references and he is going to see what local job I might be able to view. As you said, there is a lot of money at stake. The sales person came out again yesterday to answer some of my questions and is proposing a Fujitsu system which would have two ducted units for downstairs and two ductless units, 1 in each of 2 upstairs bedrooms. Given that I have not yet located another local company that installs ducted mini splits, I don't yet have any point of comparison for price. I realize that there are so many variables, one being geographic location (I'm in a Boston suburb), but is there some very rough ballpark that you would think of?