Glad you like it and let me know if you have any other questions. Very high efficiency with SEER ratings between 20 and 30, Right up there with Mitsubishi in terms of technology and innovation, Dont do as well in cold weather climates, Very affordable purchase and installation cost, Easy brand to install, and you can potentially DIY, While theyre affordable, theyre very dependable and long-lasting, Not the most efficient systems with average SEER ratings between 16 and 25, While theyre in the middle of the pack in terms of efficiency, the Gree Saphire has a SEER rating of 38, Offer a wide variety of products ranging from single zone to multi-zone. Normally, a 12,000 or 15,000 BTU mini split would do the job. Before you decide which mini-split system to choose, you need to know what to look for. While their units arent as durable or techy as other top brands and dont perform as well in extreme conditions, Mr. There are no others. Cost: You can get a basic Gree system installed for $2,700. Cool produces one of the only DIY mini-split units globally that anyone and everyone can easily install. It is our AC BTU per square foot chart. Like all the other brands on this list, Pioneer makes single-zone and multi-zone systems. Some use 120 volts, but the same circuit and plug can be used. At Pick HVAC, thats not how we treat our readers. Total cost of installation: The installation cost include the electrical wiring and discounnect/breaker installation. Instead, they specialize in single or multi-zone systems ranging from 18,000 to 48,000 BTUs, which is neither on the large nor small side of mini-split options. And they are best for heating, since heat naturally rises. Also, concealed duct mini split indoor units are sometimes called ducted units because that is where they are located, not because they employ a ducted air distribution system. Get FREE quotes from licensed HVAC contractors in your area today. Here are the reasons to consider a mini split and a few cautions. For most brands, the smallest mini split air conditioner they make is 9,000 BTU, which is .75 tons. Rene has worked 10 years in the HVAC field and now is the Senior Comfort Specialist for PICKHVAC. Mini-splits have a broad cost differential, ranging from $750 to $1,500 to between $4,000 and $6,000 for a single unit. They remove heat for AC, and they bring in heat from outside for heating. 1). Is that really true? Known as single-stage or 1-stage and two-stage or 2-stage, they have limited ability to adjust. Youll pay more for the labor too and currently there are no DIY ceiling units. What is the smallest mini split air conditioner? The indoor unit is installed inside existing ductwork, so they are ideal for existing homes. If you have ductwork, then standard central AC is the most cost-effective choice. And cooking in the kitchen raises both heat and humidity, so more AC BTU per square foot is welcomed. Mobile Rooms and RVs: Compared with traditional RV air conditioner, mini split is a more efficient and quieter option. Here are the best mini split AC models from MrCool. Because the indoor unit will be a permanent fixture in your home, its important that you like the way it looks. Their mini-splits are also easier to install and maintain than some higher-tech brands, making them preferable for HVAC professionals who are inexperienced with mini-splits. If you dont want a large unit mounted high on your wall or near the floor, a concealed duct mini split is an option. It eliminates the need for a furnace, usually necessary to produce heat, while the air conditioner takes care of the cooling on a traditional system. There are dozens of different brands, makers, and hundreds of products. Multi zone (2 zone, 3 zone, 4 zone)aka multi-zone systems can be more than 60,000 BTU, but most top out at 48,000. Mini split systems:If your climate is super cold, consider a Fujitsu Halcyon with XLTH technology. Do You Need HVAC Installation, Service or Repair? They also have the widest variety of products from any American company that manufactures mini-splits. As a result, theres no need for the services of an HVAC technician with a refrigerant license which is required for charging AC and heat pump systems when necessary. ft., the Daikin mini-split is perfect for primary living areas, hot or cold rooms, and more. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'homeinspectioninsider_com-box-3','ezslot_4',800,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-homeinspectioninsider_com-box-3-0')};Ductless mini-split systems are sweeping the nation and are quickly becoming one of the top options for heating and cooling a home. Mini split systems do not require ductwork, so they are also known as ductless systems. The average cost of an installed dual zone Fujitsu mini split system is around $7,000. Theyre the company credited with inventing inverter compressor technology, revolutionizing the heating and cooling world. The units cost more because they are complex in design. Are Mini Split Heat Pumps Good for Heating? As with all things in life, your budget will likely play a significant role in your final decision. Mini split systems:Daikinmakes several top-selling mini split series, but the Aurora is the best of them all. While Mr. What is a good SEER rating for a mini-split? Because cool air sinks, a wall mounted unit is better for AC than for heating. I've been conducting home inspections for 17 years. Fujitsu Halcyon mini split air conditioners offer 38 SEER, which is the highest SEER from that brand. As a result, indoor temperature fluctuates a little bit. For new construction and additions or for supplemental AC and heating, it is very difficult to beat a mini split ductless AC. It combines a decent SEER rating of 22 with the ability to operate in temperatures down to -13 degrees Farhenheit. The more your system costs, the better it will operate and the longer it will last. On our table, the highest SEER is 42, but there are few mini split units that efficient. What is a good seer rating for a mini split? This difference was covered above. Their MLA Cold Climate model maintains 100% efficiency to zero degrees and can produce heat up to -22 degrees. There are good reasons that mini split AC and heat pump systems are the fastest-growing niche in the air conditioning and heating industry and are the preferred choice in much of the world. LG Multi F and Multi F Max are excellent systems for extreme weather. Cost: Single-zone systems installed start at about $4,100. However, by using the information and advice listed above and weighing each brands pros and cons, you have the best chance of making a wise and informed decision. The advantages are that they are fairly affordable compared with ceiling cassettes, both for the unit and installation. DIY Mini Split vs Mini Split Requiring Pro Installation, Single Zone Mini Split vs Multi Zone Mini Split, Wall Mounted vs Floor Mounted vs Ceiling Cassette vs Hidden Ductless Mini Split, What Seer (Energy Efficient Level) Should I Choose, Annual Electricity Cost and Savings by SEER Table, Best Mini Split AC Brands for DIY (Single Zone), Best Mini Split Brands For Installation By Pros, energy more efficiently, so SEER ratings are generally higher, How Many Square Feet Does a Mini Split Cool? If you live in a northern climate with harsh winters but have your heart set on a mini-split, choose a brand that tailors its units to cold climates. Like many other top mini-split companies, Daikin has its headquarters in Japan, and many experts consider them one of the top five mini-split companies in the world. Buying tip:If youve got more than 600 square feet to cool or heat, consider a dual zone system with an indoor wall mounted unit at each side or end. The 220 and 230 volt setups are single-phase residential units, for the most part. Almost all mini split systems are heat pumps. Terminology tip:Indoor units are also called evaporator units. However, theyve quickly made a name for themselves as one of the best mid-level mini-split companies in the country. Mini splits with capacity of 18,000 BTU and larger require a 220v circuit and plug, aka outlet. PickHVAC is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Unsuspecting consumers buy a mini split off those sites only to find they need to hire a pro for installation or send it back. A multi-zone system means you can operate multiple head units with a single condenser rather than needing an outdoor condenser for every indoor (head) unit. Gree is based in China and is known for producing solid products at an affordable price. Daikin has long been one of the worlds top air conditioning and furnace brands. However, you should always strive for a SEER rating of at least 20. For example, the Gree Sapphire has a 38 SEER rating, and it is 90% effective heating in outside temperatures below zero / 0-degrees F. Mini split systems:Greemakes a nice range of systems in basic, better and best options. The best mini split AC system is one that is the right size for your space, delivers durable performance and, if you want to install it, is pre-charged with refrigerant and DIY-friendly. Get advice today from some of the top mini split contractors in your area. What is better: mini split or central AC? PICKHVAC Terms of Use: Some of the products seen on our site are delivered through a relationship with outside suppliers like Networx.com, Google, and others. Here are mini split air conditioning and heat pump brands to consider when you plan to hire professional installation. However, theyre a very affordable and reliable brand with a history of producing quality appliances. However, they also produce many excellent mini-split heat pump systems. Theyre similar in style and price point to Pioneer and target the same type of people. Example1: How much can I save with a 20 SEER AC? With 33 SEER, it is one of the most efficient mini split heat pumps too. A mini-split heat pump is an HVAC system capable of producing heat during the winter and cooling during the summer. The downsidecomes when you use a single wall mounted indoor unit to cool or heat a very large zone. Wall mounted and floor mounted indoor units are the easiest to install, so labor costs for them are lower than for ceiling mounted and duct concealed units. About Us | Contact Us | Privacy Policy| Cookie Policy| Terms of Use| Do Not Sell My Info. While the overall operation is much more complicated, this gives you a general idea of how mini-split heat pumps operate. These facts mean that you can install a mini split AC or heat pump without hiring a pro and you can save the installation labor cost of $750 to $2,000 or more. The best SEER rating is one that is right for your climate. Sure, the indoor unit might be rated for that size, but it also might not get treated air to the furthest reaches. The main reason people opt for mini-splits over traditional heating and cooling systems is efficiency. Concealed duct mini splits, where the indoor unit is installed inside existing ductwork to hide it are also often called ducted mini split systems. It will slow down when not as much AC is needed to keep the air cool. But we recommend working with a local installer before buying the unit. The DIY pre-charged mini split vs installed by a professional system is an intriguing difference for handy homeowners. Where the AC season is long and hot, 24 or higher SEER is a good SEER rating. Their mini-splits come with all the components necessary for total installation, from electrical materials to refrigerant lines and everything in between. Prices: Installed cost ranges from $3,700 to $17,000, and sometimes a little more. Now, heres another bit of important information: The onlyDIY mini split brands are MrCool and Klimaire. The HVAC pro can help you choose the system with the right configuration, size and efficiency for your purposes. The disadvantage of a concealed duct mini split system is that they dont distribute the air as well as your other options. When is a high SEER AC a good investment? The advantagesare that wall mounted indoor units cost less than the other choices both for the unit and for installation. The number of DIY mini split brands is sure to grow based on the success especially of MrCool. Heres a sizing chart showing different units typical heating and cooling capacity. They are all AC heat pumps, so you get heating with them too. Those are your options for indoor units. He holds an HVAC associate degree from Lone Star College and EPA & R-410A Certifications. Theyre also relatively easy to install and maintain, which boosts them in the eyes of HVAC installers. Some have specific electrical requirements of 208 or 230 volts. If youre in a hurry and want an immediate answer to the question what size mini split do I need? Price: Prices for equipment start below $1,000 for a small, single-zone mini split. Ever since, Mitsubishi has been the industry leader in innovation, new technology, and efficiency. This pre-charged mini split heat pump has everything you need for a quick and easy DIY installation - no special tools or training required. Like other top brands, however, the price tag on Daikin mini-splits reflects their value. Take your time with installation for either brand to be sure you get it right. When you choose a good brand and follow suggested maintenance, it will last 15-20 years and possibly longer. As theyre a company from the Midwest, it only seems right that they produce some of the best cold weather mini-splits available. Single Vs Multi-Zone Systems. Gree makes efficient mini split AC heat pumps known to work in extreme weather conditions. This is especially true for DIY mini split systems. One room or zone per indoor unit is the standard way to configure a mini split system. You can find a few 6,000 BTU mini split ACs from Mitsubishi and others. Annual electricity cost and savings by seer. The number of square feet your mini-split will heat or cool depends on the size of the mini-split. If youre thinking about choosing a mini-split system for your home, you must know which brand is the best of the best. A good SEER rating for a mini split can be anywhere from 17 to 30 or higher. Lennox was founded in the Heartland in Iowa, and theyve been making top-notch products for over 100 years. Use the Table of Contents to find sections that answer your mini split AC questions or jump down to our recommendations for the best mini split AC systems. Their efficiency and SEER ratings are good but not great. Cool is revolutionizing the world of mini-splits. A 208v requirement usually indicates a 3-phase commercial installation. Mitsubishi often gets heralded as the best overall mini-split company in the world. And they do a decent job distributing air to the zone. Depending on which LG mini-split you purchase, your warranty ranges from five to twelve years, slightly longer than many competitors. Mini split systems:TheMitsubishi MXZ Seriesis a top seller with a good SEER rating of 19 and 10 HSPF, about average. Vireo/Vireo+ systems are midlevel systems with efficiency levels around 22 -23 SEER. The downside is taking up space that might be valuable within the room. Gree mini-splits also have a split reputation when operating in cold climates. Making up your mind in regards to which mini-split brand to choose is a daunting task. Cost: Youll pay a bit less for a Klimaire model comparable to a MrCool model. Like Mitsubishi, Fujitsu offers excellent products with a reputation for resilience and dependability. When you live in a warm climate and want to keep energy costs under control. As a result, theyve become one of the top American brands in the world. However, thanks to the craze in recent years, Carrier has focused on developing high-efficiency and reliable mini-splits. It certainly has a great name for an HVAC brand! Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Advertise. Lennox tends to put more stress on durability and longevity than they do on efficiency. The harder your system is to install and maintain, the more likely it is that something will go wrong during the installation. Mini splits up to 12,000 BTU use a 110v/115v circuit and plug. And the efficiency ratings of central air conditioners is rising, so you have energy efficient options. Here are common mini split installation costs for the labor. Yes, there are a few AC-only mini split systems, but if you shop for AC-only models to the exclusion of heat pumps, youre limiting your choice and possibly the quality of your options. You can buy DIY mini split systems at the Home Depot and other home improvement stores, and they can be bought online on many sites including Amazon, Home Depot and HVAC Direct. Pioneer is a smaller company thats relatively new to the mini-split world. There are a few 2-4 zone DIY mini splits available. In addition to their brand, Daikin owns various other air conditioning companies, the two most notable of which are Amana and Goodman. With an inverter mini split, set your thermostat where you want the temperature to remain. A sharp mini split technician can help you design the perfect system for your homes layout or other space you want to cool. This table gives recommendations for what size mini split for basement use or bathroom, kitchen, garage, grow room, sunroom, attic, etc. Regardless of your budget or the size of your home, theres a mini-split option out there for you, and well help you find it. Its an option for existing homes when you want to hide the indoor unit. Aside from these 10 top brands, there are countless more out there. Regardless of what youre looking for, theres a good chance that Pioneer makes it. Many people think of Fujitsu as Mitsubishis top competitor in the realm of mini-splits. This system consists of a wall-mounted indoor unit and an outside condenser, similar to an air conditioner. Within the coils inside them, refrigerant evaporates and collects heat in the process. Most standard split system ACs have non-inverter compressors, though units with inverter technology are becoming more popular. Cost per indoor unit tends to drop a little as the number of units rises. They offer single-zone and multi-zone systems that can handle up to eight indoor units on a single outdoor unit. However, the low price tag attached to Mr. We highly recommend using our Mini Split SEER Savings Calcualtor to get a more accurate savings for your mini split. There are dozens of brands that require pro-installation. One of the downsides of mini-split systems is that youll always have an indoor unit mounted high on your interior wall to ensure proper air dispersal. The best mini split systems that require professional installation to charge them with refrigerant are Mitsubishi, Daikin, LG and Gree. While mini-splits do great in warm or moderate climates, they have a reputation for struggling to produce heat in extremely cold weather. 42 SEER is the highest SEER rating. Thats not what other sites say! Quality:Consumer ratings are slightly higher for MrCool, and we agree that this brand is a little better. Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, you can control your heat pump with your voice. Thats 576 square feet. LG mini split systemsare produced in single-zone and multizone systems up to 5 zones. Small Room, Bedroom and Living Room:Pretty much the same AC needs. While not exact, you can subtract 20% for the 20 SEER AC from 58% for the high SEER unit to get 38%. They arent as high-quality as the top mini-split brands. MrCool 12,000 BTU 3rd Generation DIY 22 SEER AC Heat Pump, MrCool 18,000 BTU 3rd Generation DIY 20 SEER AC Heat Pump, MrCool 36,000 BTU 3rd Generation DIY 16 SEER AC Heat Pump. While Gree isnt as well-known as other mini-split brands, its the top air conditioner manufacturer in the world. What is the difference between ductless and mini split? However, certain mini-split brands specialize in multi-zone systems where a single outdoor unit powers multiple indoor units. And an experienced pro will help with that. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you so much for writing such a detailed guide to minisplit systems!!!! It offers the highest SEER rating of any mini-split made in North America and is one of the highest in the world. All in all, LG is one of the top mini-split brands globally, and they even produce two models designed specifically for cold weather, the Multi F and the Multi F Max. The advantage is that you dont see them. Mini-split heat pumps also operate without a system of ductwork, reducing the installation difficulty and cost. If you compare the 18,000 BTU ACs below, it is 20 SEER for MrCool vs Klimaire at 18 SEER, a difference of about 10%. In a cool climate, it might not be worth the extra cost of the equipment. (BTU to Sq Ft), Pros of Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems, Most are more efficient than standard split systems, Each indoor unit has its own thermostat, so you can independently control the climate in each zone, They dont require ductwork and its cost, so are ideal for additions and new construction, A mini split is an excellent source of supplemental AC and heating in parts of a home or building not adequately served by a central system, Cold climate heat pumps like those that can bring heat into your home in sub-freezing temperatures make a mini split a good choice in almost any climate, Installation cost and total system cost will exceed the cost of conventional split system installation when you install 3, 4 or more indoor units, While a few mini split systems are designed for sub-zero weather, most cant effectively heat in extreme cold, Wall mounted and floor mounted indoor units are visible and take up space. If youre looking for something more complicated with higher efficiency ratings and works better in cold temperatures, they offer several non-DIY mini-split options. You can save money using a multi-zone system if you plan to condition your entire home with mini-splits. We rely on readers like you to share your HVAC system cost or quote. Theyre also one of the only western-European producers of mini-splits. Best Portable Heat Pump in 2022: Buying Guide, Fujitsu Mini Split Error Code & Troubleshooting Guide.