As a result, indoor temperature fluctuates a little bit. This is the most popular option. There are many different mini-split brands to choose from. To do that, several mini split system types are compared with one another. Then, their mini-splits are also top-of-the-line. Each has its pros and cons. Multi-zone systems will cost double or triple this amount. While Mr. The number of DIY mini split brands is sure to grow based on the success especially of MrCool. 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. If the living room is often occupied by 3 or 4 people, think about 20-22 BTU per square foot. 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. Instead of repeating these advantages and features for each MrCool DIY AC heat pump, here is one list that covers them all. Mini-splits have a broad cost differential, ranging from $750 to $1,500 to between $4,000 and $6,000 for a single unit. Fujitsu Halcyon mini split air conditioners offer 38 SEER, which is the highest SEER from that brand. Daikin offers perhaps the widest range of inventory and options for mini-splits. It certainly has a great name for an HVAC brand! Thats 576 square feet. A sharp mini split technician can help you design the perfect system for your homes layout or other space you want to cool. 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? Cool might be the best and most popular mini-split brand youve ever heard of. Small Room, Bedroom and Living Room:Pretty much the same AC needs. We highly recommend using our Mini Split SEER Savings Calcualtor to get a more accurate savings for your mini split. But these systems are not ducted like standard split systems. 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. Keep in mind that they go as high as the low to mid-40s. They also have the widest variety of products from any American company that manufactures mini-splits. If youre thinking about choosing a mini-split system for your home, you must know which brand is the best of the best. It is our AC BTU per square foot chart. In terms of efficiency, most LG mini-splits have a SEER rating between 17 and 28, which puts them in the middle of the pack for efficiency. Like Mitsubishi, Fujitsu offers excellent products with a reputation for resilience and dependability. Cool mini-splits and the allure of saving money on the installation has led to its extreme popularity. Most standard split system ACs have non-inverter compressors, though units with inverter technology are becoming more popular. Mitsubishi offers every type of mini-split system, including single-zone or multi-zone units, the MXZ series. Look no further than the Daikin 17 SEER wall-mounted ductless system. Because cool air sinks, a wall mounted unit is better for AC than for heating. Carrier is another brand better-known for their traditional air conditioners and furnaces than their mini-splits. They produce similar products but get made by a completely different company, Fujitsu General. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating and refers to how much cooling power a system can produce with as little electricity as possible. The higher the SEER rating is, the more efficient your mini-split will be and the more money youll save on your electric bill. Cost per indoor unit tends to drop a little as the number of units rises. Price: Prices for equipment start below $1,000 for a small, single-zone mini split. Single Vs Multi-Zone Systems. However, you should always strive for a SEER rating of at least 20. The disadvantage of a concealed duct mini split system is that they dont distribute the air as well as your other options. Almost all mini split systems are heat pumps. What is the smallest mini split air conditioner? 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. 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. What a hassle or a huge expense! This is an important consideration for reasons related to effective cooling (and heating, if you choose a heat pump) and the mechanical durability of the system you choose. Terminology tip: Ductless = Mini split Generally the terms ductless and mini split are synonymous. This will NEVER affect our opinion of a product or service! Theyre renowned for their energy efficiency, cheap operation, and easy installation. When is a high SEER AC a good investment? The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the mini-split system is. Nothing. Theyre also relatively easy to install and maintain, which boosts them in the eyes of HVAC installers. Cost: Single-zone systems installed start at about $4,100. The two units get connected by a refrigeration line containing refrigerant that either heats or cools the air in the inside unit, which then disperses it through built-in vents. These units are located in the middle of a room, recessed into the ceiling usually between ceiling joists. Klimaire is quite good too and a little more affordable. 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. Now, heres another bit of important information: The onlyDIY mini split brands are MrCool and Klimaire. Cost: Youll pay a bit less for a Klimaire model comparable to a MrCool model. Carrier is an excellent middle-of-the-pack option for mini-splits in quality and price. Their companys sheer size and resources give them a competitive advantage over smaller manufacturers despite not having been in the mini-split game for as long. Multi-zone systems wont be as efficient as single-zone systems because of the required power. With 33 SEER, it is one of the most efficient mini split heat pumps too. There is no obligation to hire them just get answers to your questions. 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. In addition to their brand, Daikin owns various other air conditioning companies, the two most notable of which are Amana and Goodman. Some systems are extremely easy to install, while others take two or three times as long. There are dozens of different brands, makers, and hundreds of products. One of the biggest differences between various mini-split heat pump brands is their mechanical construction. Are Mini Split Heat Pumps Good for Heating? All mini split systems employ inverter compressors. A good SEER rating for a mini split can be anywhere from 17 to 30 or higher. Large, multizone mini split heat pump systems can cost $15,000. Before you can decide which brand is best for you, you should know what your options are and what different brands specialize in. Rene has worked 10 years in the HVAC field and now is the Senior Comfort Specialist for PICKHVAC. These units are typical around three feet wide, one foot tall, and stick eight to twelve inches off the wall. As with all things in life, your budget will likely play a significant role in your final decision. Mini splits with capacity of 18,000 BTU and larger require a 220v circuit and plug, aka outlet. So, more BTUs can help. Fujitsu also produces one of the best mini-splits for cold weather environments, the Fujitsu Halycon. (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. Cool doesnt carry the branding power or the weight of Mitsubishi, LG, or even Pioneer, theyre taking the mini-split world by storm for one reason. The result is a steady indoor temperature and optimized climate control. Mini split systems:Daikinmakes several top-selling mini split series, but the Aurora is the best of them all. Glad you like it and let me know if you have any other questions. However, the level of insulation in the garage is very important. Making up your mind in regards to which mini-split brand to choose is a daunting task. Lennox was founded in the Heartland in Iowa, and theyve been making top-notch products for over 100 years. Prices: Installed cost ranges from $3,700 to $17,000, and sometimes a little more. This brand, akaFujitsu General, makes some of the most efficient mini split ACs available today with a top SEER in the mid-30s. With an inverter mini split, set your thermostat where you want the temperature to remain. They also have a variety of installation types for their indoor units, ranging from wall-mounted to ceiling-mounted to floor-mounted. Example 2:How much can I save with the highest SEER AC? The advantage is that you dont see them. Again, there are a few specifics under each product. Known as single-stage or 1-stage and two-stage or 2-stage, they have limited ability to adjust. Mobile Rooms and RVs: Compared with traditional RV air conditioner, mini split is a more efficient and quieter option. 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. It combines a decent SEER rating of 22 with the ability to operate in temperatures down to -13 degrees Farhenheit. The difference, obviously, is about the voltage needed to run the system and the type of plug used. Cool produces one of the only DIY mini-split units globally that anyone and everyone can easily install. The downside is taking up space that might be valuable within the room. However, theyre a very affordable and reliable brand with a history of producing quality appliances. Youll save 20% compared to a 16 SEER AC. At Pick HVAC, thats not how we treat our readers. Rheem, Trane, Ruud, and many other notable HVAC companies produce quality mini-splits. One of the top reasons people prefer mini-splits to other heating and cooling systems is their efficiency. Their vast inventory and innovative technology are partly due to their partnership with Toshiba, another top mini-split brand. In fact, most systems make it your onlyoption. The DIY pre-charged mini split vs installed by a professional system is an intriguing difference for handy homeowners. This section defines the common ductless system types for a better understanding of the type that will best serve your purposes. In a cool climate, it might not be worth the extra cost of the equipment. Klimaire DIY 12,000 BTU 20 SEER Mini Split AC Heat Pump, Klimaire DIY 18,000 BTU 19 SEER Mini Split AC Heat Pump, Klimaire DIY 24,000 BTU 18 SEER Mini Split AC Heat Pump. But in a mild or cool climate, where you dont use AC every day, it doesnt make sense to pay to get the highest SEER possible. If, for example, you need 60,000 BTU, consider a 36,000 BTU system for the living areas or the first floor and a 24,000 BTU system for the living areas or upper floor. The refrigerant can then carry it outside to disperse it. 1-The higher the SEER rating, the more expensive the unit, in general. And in AC mode, they dont remove as much clammy humidity as an inverter-driven AC. Less heat means cooler air indoors. 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. SEER ratings from about 17 to 28 for its various models give you options. A single-zone mini-split system is when you have a single outdoor unit powering one indoor unit. Theyre the company credited with inventing inverter compressor technology, revolutionizing the heating and cooling world. It offers the highest SEER rating of any mini-split made in North America and is one of the highest in the world. There are links to the top mini split AC models and sizes below, so if youre ready to purchase a unit, weve selected the highest rated mini split systems for you to consider. I'm a licensed Home Inspector, Certified Master Inspector (CMI), and FHA 203k Consultant. 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. 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. As a result, theyve become one of the top American brands in the world. All HVAC contractors are screened, licensed, and insured. You can find a few 6,000 BTU mini split ACs from Mitsubishi and others. I started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance. Lennox tends to put more stress on durability and longevity than they do on efficiency. Its pretty much what it says. Whether you need a new install, service, or basic repair We Can Help! However, certain mini-split brands specialize in multi-zone systems where a single outdoor unit powers multiple indoor units. Greer Crown and Sapphire are among the most efficient and effective single-zone and multizone heat pumps available. Vireo/Vireo+ systems are midlevel systems with efficiency levels around 22 -23 SEER. I've been conducting home inspections for 17 years. Take your time with installation for either brand to be sure you get it right. It is pre-charged with refrigerant, including the lines. 2). They all use a 220/240v plug. Its models are heat pumps too, so you get heating and cooling. The best way to choose the right brand is to look at your budget, desires, climate, and the type of system you require and see which company fits the bill. We know you can find lists of the Best DIY Mini Split ACs other places that have brands like Pioneer, Daikin, Senville and others. See the Pros and Cons of Mini Split Systems above for more reasons to consider a mini split. While not exact, you can subtract 20% for the 20 SEER AC from 58% for the high SEER unit to get 38%. The Difficulty of Installation and Maintenance. The indoor unit is installed inside existing ductwork, so they are ideal for existing homes. Example1: How much can I save with a 20 SEER AC? Their SEER ratings are at the top of the list, with ratings as high as 30+ for single units and 20 for multi-zone units. Our ratings: Efficiency:MrCool ACs are a few SEER points higher. Aside from these 10 top brands, there are countless more out there. 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. A good SEER rating for a mini split in these climates is 17 to 22. With the new Smarthvac app, you can control your DIY from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. This is especially true for DIY mini split systems. Mini split systems:Youve got lots of model and indoor unit options with LG mini split AC heat pumps. This table gives recommendations for what size mini split for basement use or bathroom, kitchen, garage, grow room, sunroom, attic, etc. A 208v requirement usually indicates a 3-phase commercial installation. LG also puts more stress on aesthetics than other companies and offers a line of sleek and nondescript indoor units. Unsuspecting consumers buy a mini split off those sites only to find they need to hire a pro for installation or send it back. You can save money using a multi-zone system if you plan to condition your entire home with mini-splits. But whats the good of saving money on your mini split system if it doesnt create the indoor climate you want? While they are typically one step behind Mitsubishis innovation, Fujitsu gives them a run for their money. This system consists of a wall-mounted indoor unit and an outside condenser, similar to an air conditioner. Yes, theres a type of mini split indoor unit designed to be installed inside a duct, so it isnt visible. 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. Those sites are mistaken or worse. Theyre an American brand made by the Parker Davis Company, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. * Electricity cost is based on 1 Ton (12,000 Btu) Mini Split AC, Electric Rate: 13.85 /kWh, Cooling Hours: 1320 hrs/yr. While they offer a wide range of products, the 5000 Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump System is one of their best. Mini split systems:TheMitsubishi MXZ Seriesis a top seller with a good SEER rating of 19 and 10 HSPF, about average. Best Portable Heat Pump in 2022: Buying Guide, Fujitsu Mini Split Error Code & Troubleshooting Guide. While their units arent as durable or techy as other top brands and dont perform as well in extreme conditions, Mr. The advantages are that they are fairly affordable compared with ceiling cassettes, both for the unit and installation. There are a few 2-4 zone DIY mini splits available. We may or may not be compensated for purchased you make as a result of our recommendation. They are all AC heat pumps, so you get heating with them too. While many of them get made by the same parent company, some use better components than others. Bosch doesnt have as wide a range of products as many of its competitors. When it comes to mini-splits, Mitsubishi is considered by many to be the best brand in the business. This brand has a proven track record of high quality. The Livo/Livo+ mini split systems are affordable with decent efficiency. Also, see our Daikin Mini Split Error Codes (Troubleshooting Guide). Many people think of Fujitsu as Mitsubishis top competitor in the realm of mini-splits. Total cost of installation: The installation cost include the electrical wiring and discounnect/breaker installation. Example 3:How much can I save using a 38 SEER vs 20 SEER unit? But we recommend working with a local installer before buying the unit. If you want a pro to size the system, help you choose the right components and install them, then get estimates from several local installers. They are similar to wall mounted units in design. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you so much for writing such a detailed guide to minisplit systems!!!! Regardless of how many zones or how large you want your mini-split to be, Daikin has an option. This difference was covered above. 42 SEER is the highest SEER rating. And the efficiency ratings of central air conditioners is rising, so you have energy efficient options. Cost: You can get a basic Gree system installed for $2,700. Youll find it on Carrier, Bryant and Payne, which are all Carrier brands. Theres an indoor unit for each zone. What is a good seer rating for a mini split? Before you decide which mini-split system to choose, you need to know what to look for. The units cost more because they are complex in design. Mini-split heat pumps also operate without a system of ductwork, reducing the installation difficulty and cost. They remove heat for AC, and they bring in heat from outside for heating. And cooking in the kitchen raises both heat and humidity, so more AC BTU per square foot is welcomed. Their efficiency and SEER ratings are good but not great. Pioneer is a smaller company thats relatively new to the mini-split world. Systems for most Mitsubishi mini splits range from single-zone 9,000 BTU to multizone (up to 8 zones) systems and 48,000 to 60,000 BTU. Daikin Mini Split Error Codes (Troubleshooting Guide), Mitsubishi Mini-Split Error Codes (Troubleshooting Guide), 10 Best Ductless Mini Split Brands & Buying Guide (2022), How Many Mini-Splits Do You Need? LG Multi F and Multi F Max are excellent systems for extreme weather. 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. The harder your system is to install and maintain, the more likely it is that something will go wrong during the installation. We recommend using a multi zone system for the space, so that youll have indoor units in at least two locations for better airflow.