Mini split heat pump reviews 2023

Unless you have years of HVAC training, terms like SEER, HSPF and heating or cooling capacity aren’t likely to come up in conversation too often. That can make sorting through information about mini-split air conditioners confusing at best. To make an informed decision about which mini-split system best fits your family’s needs, you’ll want to gather information about the following items.

Capacity and Size

If you’ve had to deal with buying other HVAC components in the past, you may be familiar with BTU ratings. A BTU, or British Thermal Unit, is a measure of the energy it takes to make the air in your home cooler or warmer. A small residential furnace might provide 65,000 or 85,000 BTUs to heat a small house. Mini-split air conditioners can get by with smaller BTU capacities because they supply conditioned air directly to a room instead of to the whole house.

A mini-split system for a single room may have 9,000 to 12,000 BTUs, while a unit with 48,000 BTUs can provide enough capacity to treat several rooms with multiple air handlers.

Determine the square footage of the rooms you want to condition to find the correct capacity size of your mini-split system.

Size matters when it comes to purchasing an HVAC system. If it’s too large you will pay more for upkeep, but going too small could mean it may not entirely heat or cool your home. Factors that play a role in the air conditioner size include climate, home exterior, shade and sun exposure, insulation, windows, ceiling height and heat-generating appliances.

To calculate the size of the unit required, you will need to know the square footage of the room or house. To determine the square footage, multiply the length times the width of your rooms and add them together. Next, multiply the square footage by 25 to obtain the BTUs required to cool the room.

Energy Efficiency

Perhaps the best reason to install a mini-split system is to save on monthly energy costs. Ensuring the mini-split unit you’re considering is EnergyStar-rated means you’ll get the most energy savings possible for your investment. Ductless mini-split air conditioners must consistently meet strict SEER (cooling) and HSPF (heating) efficiency ratings to qualify for an EnergyStar listing.

Cost

Ductless mini-split air conditioners are available in sizes capable of conditioning one small room up to an entire house. Size matters when it comes to price. Mini-split AC installation costs can run from $2,000 to $14,500, depending primarily on the system’s size.

Bigger isn’t always better, though. Although mini-split systems are more energy-efficient than traditional heating and cooling setups, it could take several years to recoup the cost of the new system through your energy bills.

An air conditioner with an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of 10 has a daily consumption of 28.8 kWh. Having an average electricity cost of $0.15 per kWh means the daily cost comes out to $4.32, which per month the cost to run an air conditioner would be about $112.20. Costs can vary per the unit’s EER, usage and local electricity rates.

When planning to buy a mini-split AC system, consider the dollar amount of energy savings with installation costs and keep in mind your budget and savings goals.

Installer Availability

Although DIY installation of your mini-split system is possible, the job isn’t desirable for every homeowner. Most will choose to hire a professional to install their new air conditioning. Many installers recommend and sell only models they’re confident in marketing to you. Check with your installation company for recommendations before committing to a specific unit to ensure they’re willing to install the one you choose.

Cooling Capacity

The cooling capacity of a mini-split air conditioning involves several aspects. These include a room’s insulation, a unit’s dimensions, temperature setting preferences and your local climate. Before getting a mini-split air conditioner, it’s a good idea to get the expertise of an HVAC professional to make sure the factors that impact cooling capacity are taken into consideration before system installation.

Noise Level

No one likes a noisy system. So before deciding on a mini-split air conditioning system, make sure you know its decibel ratings (dB), which are the standard units for measuring sound levels. For your home, you will want a noise level under 40 dB, which is as quiet as a whisper. Before installing, make sure to choose a decibel rating that meets your needs.

Ductless mini splits provide many benefits over other air conditioning systems. For one, they are easier and cheaper to install than traditional HVAC systems. This is especially true for multiple rooms that require heating or cooling. Secondly, they are much more efficient than other air conditioners.

In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about mini splits, and provide our recommendations of the best mini splits for each category.

How Do Ductless Mini Splits Work?

Ductless mini-splits are cooling and heating systems composed of two units: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. Their name comes from the fact that the compressor and refrigerant coils are split between the inside and outside of the house.

Both units are connected by a narrow conduit that circulates the refrigerant and delivers it to the coils housed outside.

To learn more about how mini splits work, check out our guide: What’s a Mini-Split AC System?

There are different types of mini splits to accommodate various needs and layouts. To help you choose the best mini split for your home, we’ve gathered a list of the best mini splits for 2023, covering each category of ductless mini split model.

Single-zone mini splits

As the name suggests, single zone mini splits are designed for cooling and heating a single space or room. It consists of one outdoor unit and one indoor unit. Some single zone mini splits offer only cooling, while others include a heat pump to provide supplemental heating.

Best single zone mini split:

Friedrich FPHW121A 12000 BTU Floating Air Pro Series Single Zone Mini Split with Built-In WiFi – Heat and Cool – Energy Star – 115V

The Energy Star FPHW121A mini split is a 115 Volt, cooling with heat pump system. It features high efficiency ratings including a 22.0 SEER and 13.0 EER. The 12,000 BTUs will cool a room that is about 600 sq. ft., while the 13,000 BTU heat pump will work hard to keep you warm.

Features include inverter technology for improved energy efficiency and longer lifespan; built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, and Amazon Alexa and Google Home voice assistant support.

As part of the Friedrich Floating Air Pro series, it also has FastPro Technology for easier installation and maintenance. The mini split is designed to provide easy access to the entire indoor unit, including piping, wire terminal, the fan and fan components. This makes installation of the refrigerant lines and wiring faster and much more manageable. Interior parts like the return air filters and the entire blower wheel assembly can be easily removed for cleaning or servicing and re-installed quickly.

Dual-zone mini splits

Dual zone mini splits can service two zones or rooms. Both indoor air handlers are connected to a single outdoor unit, and each zone has its own temperature setting.

Best dual zone mini split:

Friedrich FPHMR18A3A 18000 BTU Floating Air Pro Two Zone Mini Split Air Conditioner with Heat Pump

The FPHMR18A3A gives you the option of adding zone comfort control for two separate spaces. The 18,000 BTU unit has a connected capacity of up to 24,000 BTUs. The outdoor unit features Low Ambient Operation making it a great year round option for heating and cooling for most of the US. It will operate in the Cooling Mode when outdoor temperatures are as low as 14°F up to 115°F. The range in which this unit will heat is equally as wide and it will heat when temperatures are as low as -13°F up to 75°F.

It features Friedrich’s Precision Inverter Technology, offering a variable speed compressor to keep up with your comfort control needs while still being energy efficient. Depending on your installations of non ducted, ducted, or mixed units, the FPHMR18A3A gets great energy ratings, as shown below:

Configuration EER SEER HSPFNon-Ducted Indoor Units Only 12.5 22.0 11.0 Ducted Indoor Units Only 11.5 19.0 9.6 Mixed Non-Ducted and Ducted Indoor Units 12.0 20.5 10.3

Multi-zone mini splits

Multizone mini splits can service multiple rooms. Depending on the brand and BTU capacity, a multizone mini split compressor can handle up to 8 indoor units.

Best multizone mini split:

Bosch BMS500-AAM036-1CSXRA 36000 BTU Configurable Quad-Zone Heat and Cool Split System

While rated at 36,000 BTU cooling capacity, this quad zone system can handle a total connected capacity of up to 48,000 BTUs. The system will adjust its load as needed.

The system offers heating and cooling operation range down to -13°F while delivering 100% heating capacity at temperatures as low as -5°F. Each indoor unit is controlled with its own remote or wired wall thermostat (available separately). Additionally, the multi zone systems can be operated with a BCC WiFi thermostat and is compatible with a 24V thermostat.

This EnergyStar-certified multizone mini split features Inverter Drive Technology provides optimum power control and extremely efficient operation by automatically changing the condenser power. The result is speedy, flexible operation that uses less electricity.

Mini Split Heat Pump

A mini split heat pump offers a cooling and heating solution in one. The heat pump can provide supplemental heat during the cold season. The heat pump functions by reversing the closed-loop coolant system: instead of the refrigerant getting heat from indoors, it collects heat from the outdoors and delivers it inside the home.

Best mini split with heat pump:

Bosch 12000 BTU Climate 5000 MAX Performance Single Zone 22.5 SEER Mini Split System

With inverter drive technology, Bosch’s Climate 5000 systems are Energy Star Rated. It can operate at low ambient temperatures and delivers 100% heating capacity at temperatures as low as -5°F, with no additional hardware or accessories required. It also includes a factory installed base pan heater that keeps the condensate from freezing in extreme conditions. This system will also cool at low temperatures for national usability.

This model is equipped with a Self-Cleaning Mode that helps to remove additional particles internally and excess moisture, with blue-fin technology, reducing or eliminating mildew. With today’s focus on indoor air quality, the Bosch units help alleviate some of the causes of unhealthy air.

Other features include Intelligent Eye Mode, where an infrared sensor detects the activity or lack of activity of people in a room and automatically adjusts the fan speed to accommodate what is happening in the room; and Humidity Control, which allows the system to increase the comfort level by lowering the humidity, not the temperature.

Mini Split Concealed Duct

One of the cons of a mini split system is being conspicuous and interrupting the interior decor of a home. A concealed duct mini split is more discreet by hiding the whole system almost completely behind a wall or ceiling, with only the grille being visible. This also allows the room space to be maximized, making it an ideal choice for smaller homes or tighter spaces.

Best concealed duct mini split:

Daikin FDMQ15RVJU / RX15RMVJUA 15000 / 1-1/4 Ton BTU Concealed Ducted Ceiling Single Zone Mini Split with Heat Pump System

This concealed duct model with heat pump offers 14,400 BTUs cooling capacity and 18,000 BTUs heating. It will efficiently cool a room that is about 550 – 700 sq. ft. and boasts an EER of 12.7 and a SEER rating of 20.2, with an HSPF of 10.3.

Out of the box, this mini split system will keep cooling with outdoor temperatures between 50°F and 115°F and will heat with temperatures as low as 5°F up to 65°F. Low ambient cooling capabilities are also available with this system. By cutting a jumper or changing a dip switch setting, this unit will cool down to 14°F.

The major advantage to the FDMQ Medium Static unit is the ability for longer duct runs giving the consumer numerous installation opportunities and the ease of implementing high MERV filters. The slim profile of this unit, less than 10″ high, allows for installation in tighter ceiling spaces than other ducted units.

Ceiling Suspended Mini Split

As the name implies, ceiling suspended mini splits can be mounted out of the way and focus air down to efficiently cool large areas.

Best ceiling suspended mini split:

Daikin FHQ42MVJU / RZR42TAVJUA 42000 BTU Class SkyAir Commercial Ceiling Suspended Cooling Only 14.0 SEER Single Zone System

The innovative SkyAir system from Daikin is designed to quietly blend into the ambiance of shops, restaurants, small offices or home environments. The outdoor unit is for use with 42,000 BTU wall mount, ducted, cassette and ceiling suspended indoor units.

This system includes the outdoor inverter compressor unit as well as the indoor Ceiling Suspended Unit. It is a heat pump system and will operate down to 0° in the heating mode and to 23°F in the cooling mode.

The indoor unit features low sound levels. The outdoor unit is also built to last and comes with an Anti-corrosion Treatment of Outdoor Heat Exchanger Fin.

Ceiling Cassette Mini Split

Also known as ceiling-mounted mini splits, ceiling cassette models are installed up on the ceiling instead of the wall. Their recessed nature makes them invisible, with only an inch-thick grille protruding from the ceiling. They also greatly maximize the amount of livable space.

Best ceiling cassette mini split:

Bosch 18000 BTU Climate 5000 Single Zone 20.0 SEER Ceiling Cassette Mini Split System

This 18,000 BTU ceiling cassette model offers a sleek, non-intrusive look that blends seamlessly into any room. The grille dimensions are 25.5″ x 25.5″ and it has a thickness of just 2″, making it inconspicuous.

This model boasts Low Ambient Capability that can cool and heat in outdoor temperatures as cold as -13°F. It also includes a factory installed base pan heater that keeps the condensate from freezing in extreme conditions. This system will also cool at low temperatures for national usability.

It has a 12.5 EER, 20.0 SEER, and 3.22 COP.

Floor Standing Mini Split

Floor standing mini splits rest on the floor up against a wall. While they are visible and take up space, they are ideal for cases where the unit may not be mounted on the wall or ceiling.

Best floor standing mini split:

Daikin FVXS12NVJU / RXL12QMVJU9 12000 BTU Aurora / 20 Series Heat/Cool Single Zone Mini Split System

This floor-standing unit offers 10,200 BTUs AC capacity and 13,000 BTUs heating. It will efficiently cool a room that is about 450 – 500 sq. ft. and boasts an EER of 12.0 and a SEER rating of 20.0.

Even if the outdoor temperatures drop as low as 14°F, this unit will keep cooling. It will continue to cool with outdoor temperatures ranging from 14°F up to 115°F. When you add the optional wind baffle (KPW937E4), your system can operate in the cooling mode with an outdoor temperature as low as -4°F.

Standard features include Econo and Stand-by modes, mold resistant washable air filter, auto-swing (horizontal and vertical), auto fan speed, night set mode, dry function, fan only and on/off timer. This heat pump includes features such as auto changeover and hot start function.

How to Choose the Best Mini Split for your Needs

Shopping for a mini split involves more than just looking at the capacity and price sticker. These are the five factors you should consider to ensure you get the best possible mini split for your home.

1. Zones

How many rooms or spaces do you need to heat and cool? A single zone unit is designed for one room or space, whereas a multizone unit can accommodate multiple rooms.

1. Sizing

A mini split’s cooling and heating capacity is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). The higher the BTU, the larger the space it can handle. To determine the right size for your home, you need to take into account both the physical size and heat load of the zones.

Refer to our handy Mini Split Sizing Guide to make the process more convenient.

1. Placement

For each room, map out the installation area for the mini split. This will determine what type of mini split you need. Wall and floor mounted units are typically the easiest to install but stand out and take up room, whereas concealed duct and ceiling cassette models are more inconspicuous and maximize the space.

1. Voltage

Most single-zone mini splits typically run on a 110-120 volt plug, the standard wiring for most homes. However, multi zone mini splits may need 220-240V. When choosing a mini split, make sure your home has the right voltage.

Check out our wiring guide for mini splits.

1. Energy efficiency

To get the most efficient mini split for your budget, look for these things that impact energy efficiency:

☑ EnergyStar certification

An EnergyStar certified mini split means it uses up to 60% less energy than standard heating and cooling systems.

☑ EER and SEER rating EER stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio and is an objective measurement of how efficiently a unit is engineered to run. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and is a measurement of how efficiently a unit will operate over the course of one cooling season.

On January 1, 2023, this was changed to SEER2 which more accurately measures the real-world energy consumption of mini splits and heat pumps. Check out our SEER2 guide to determine the minimum rating for your region.

☑ Refrigerant

In 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency started phasing out R410-A, a refrigerant commonly used in AC and heat pumps. This has been replaced by A2L refrigerants that are more efficient and eco-friendly.

To future-proof your system, look for a mini split that uses A2L refrigerants like R32.

☑ Inverter technology

Inverters can lower the power consumption of devices based on demand. Instead of running full blast all the time, an inverter mini split is able to adjust its consumption automatically to meet the desired temperature, then dial back its operation. This lowers electrical consumption and greatly extends its lifespan.

Here’s our list of the best inverter mini splits.

Best Mini Split FAQ

How much do mini splits cost?

The mini split system itself can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $9,000, which is a very wide range so there are options for different situations and budgets.

Factors that affect the price include the BTU capacity, single or multizone capacity, brand, inverter technology, and efficiency such as EnergyStar certification, SEER, and refrigerant.

How much is the mini split installation cost?

The installation of a mini-split typically costs around $800 to $3,000 per zone. To know more about installation costs, check out our Mini Split Cost Guide.

What are the best mini split brands?

Friedrich

Friedrich Air Conditioning is an American brand that has made a name for itself in the AC industry. Founded in 1883, the San Antonio, TX-based company specializes in mini splits, window ACs, and humidity control products. We carry a comprehensive line of as well as PTAC, VTAC, and through the wall units.

Bosch

With a rich history dating back to 1886, Bosch continues to be a leader in several fields, from automotive and power tools to electronics and home appliances. The company’s mini splits embody meticulous German engineering, and we offer a range of the best Bosch mini splits and controllers.

Daikin

Daikin is a Japanese multinational brand that specializes in air conditioning with 98 years of history. Daikin mini splits are trusted the world over, and Total Home Supply carries the best Daikin mini splits for both single and multizone applications. You can find out more in our Daikin Mini Splits guide.

MRCOOL

MRCOOL is a pioneer in the do-it-yourself cooling and heating market. The brand’s DIY ductless mini splits are the only true DIY HVAC on the market to date. We carry the best MRCOOL mini splits, including spare parts, components and accessories.

Are ductless mini splits worth it?

Yes. Ductless mini splits are much more efficient, which translates to utility savings in the long run. They also provide individual zonal control and are quieter during operation.

What are the pros of ductless mini splits?

✔ Installation – Unlike traditional HVAC systems that require extensive ductwork, wiring, and vents, mini-splits usually need only a small hole in the outside wall to run the refrigerant line and drain tube.

✔ Individual zone control – Mini splits provide greater control for heating and cooling each room of the home. Each indoor unit is its own climate zone, and a single outdoor unit can be connected up to five or more indoor units.

✔ Efficiency – Ductless mini splits are renowned for their energy efficiency. Ductwork accounts for 30% of energy losses in traditional AC systems. Since mini splits do not require ducts, they are much more efficient, which translates to greater energy savings in the long run.

✔ Flexibility – The different types of mini splits can be wall-mounted, suspended from the ceiling, mounted flush from a drop ceiling, simply placed on a floor stand.

✔ Quiet operation – Mini splits emit minimal sound, producing as little as 25 dB compared to 50-80 dB for most window ACs.

What are the cons of ductless mini splits?

❌ Price – Mini splits carry a higher price tag, costing roughly between $1,500 – $2,000 per ton (12,000 BTU per hour) of cooling capacity. However, this is offset by the cheaper installation cost, and the long-term utility savings from its energy efficiency.

To know more about the advantages and drawbacks of ductless mini splits, check out The Pros and Cons of Mini Split Systems.

Ductless mini split installation: Is DIY installation possible?

Yes, a DIY mini split installation is feasible. Here’s our guide to Ductless Mini Split Installation for both DIY and professionals.

How many mini splits do I need?

This is determined by the number of zones, or rooms, you wish to heat or cool. A single-zone mini split can service one room or space, while a multi-zone mini split can handle multiple rooms, all connected to a single outdoor unit.

Which is better: ductless mini split or central air?

Each type of AC system has its own pros and cons. Check out our head-to-head comparison of Mini Splits vs Central Air.

How do I determine which line set I need?

All ductless mini splits require an . Here’s how to choose the right mini split line set.

What mini split accessories do I need?

There’s a whole ton of mini split accessories, from wires and line set covers to condenser pads, drain tubes and condensers, and grilles. Thankfully, we have a

What are the disadvantages of a mini

Mini split systems offer homeowners and businesses a convenient yet costly cooling and heating option. Still, they can bring drawbacks such as high initial costs, complicated installation, high maintenance costs, limited cooling and heating capacity, compatibility issues with existing HVAC systems, and noise pollution.

Which mini

Comparing the Best Mini-Split Heat Pumps for Canadians.

How reliable are mini

Mini splits on average last about 20 years. If you consider how much money you can save on electricity and maintenance you will see that going with a mini split system can be a great decision. Adding a mini split system will also increase the value of your home should you ever decide to sell it.

What is the life expectancy of a mini

How Often Do You Need To Replace a Mini Split? The frequency of replacing a mini split system depends on various factors, including the quality of the system, usage patterns, and maintenance. Generally, a well-maintained mini split from a reputable manufacturer can last 10-15 years or more.