Which mini split air conditioners are best?
Mini split air conditioners are heating and cooling systems that allow users to control temperatures on a room-by-room basis. They are more efficient than whole-house AC systems, and because they use no ductwork, they are also more efficient and less expensive than traditional HVAC systems.
Split air conditioners are so-called because half of the apparatus is inside your home and half is outside. If you are looking for a mini split air conditioner, take a look at the top picks we’ve aggregated below.
What to know before you buy a mini split air conditioner
Mini split air conditioners cool individual rooms just like window air conditioners, but there are some crucial differences. Mini split air conditioners have the vents inside like window units but are quiet because the compressor sits outside. They are more attractive than window units because the indoor part (the air handling unit) is smaller.
Window unit ACs block the light, and you cannot use the window for anything else. Mini split air conditioners are typically on the wall, where they are less intrusive.
What to look for in a quality mini split air conditioner
Number of zones
- Single-zone mini split systems have one outdoor unit (the noisy compressor) and one indoor unit (the part that regulates the temperature and fan speed and uses vents to direct the cold air). You buy one mini split air conditioner for each room. Single zone mini split systems are the easiest to install. They require only a small 3-inch hole in the wall to connect the indoor and outdoor units.
- Multizone mini split systems have anywhere from two to eight indoor units connected to a single outdoor unit. The big plus is that you save on outdoor compressors while still maintaining the ability to heat and cool individual rooms to different temperatures.
BTU
The power of all types of air conditioners is measured in BTUs. Mini split air conditioner labels will list how many BTU the unit is rated to deliver. Measure the length and width of your room and multiply them together to get the square footage. Determine how many BTUs are needed to heat and cool each zone where you need a mini split air conditioner using this converter.
- 150- to 250-square-foot zones need a mini split air conditioner that delivers 5,000 to 6,000 BTUs.
- 250- to 350-square-foot zones need 6,000 to 8,000 BTU systems.
- 350- to 450-square-foot zones need 8,000 to 10,000 BTU systems.
- 450- to 550-square-foot zones need 10,000 to 12,000 BTU systems.
- 550- to 700-square-foot zones need 12,000 to 14,000 BTU systems.
- 750- to 1,000-square-foot zones need 14,000 to 18,000 BTU systems.
- 1,000- to 1,300-square-foot zones need 24,000 to 30,000 BTU systems.
Modes
- Automatic: This option senses the zone temperature and adjusts automatically to maximum comfort levels.
- Timer: Use this option to save money by not heating or cooling the zone when you are away.
- Fan: This option allows you to circulate air in the room even when not heating or cooling.
- Dehumidify: If you live in a humid area, a dehumidifier will remove excess moisture from the air to make you feel even cooler.
- Remote control: When you buy a mini split air conditioner with a remote control, you can mount your inside unit high on the wall near the ceiling, out of reach and unobtrusive.
How much you can expect to spend on mini split air conditioner
You can find single-zone mini split air conditioners with 10,000 or fewer BTUs for $600-$1,000. Mini split air conditioners that deliver 12,000 to 18,000 BTUs cost $1,000-$2,000. A four-zone system will cost from $4,000 upward, depending upon the features you want.
Mini split air conditioner FAQ
Can I install a mini split air conditioner myself?
A. If you are a skilled DIYer with a complete set of tools and a helper, you should have no problems installing a single-zone system. Otherwise, it is best to hire a pro. Check to see if installing it yourself will void the factory warranty.
What does SEER mean?
A. It is the industry term for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is a complicated formula that calculates an average. Think of it as the higher the SEER, the more energy-efficient the mini split air conditioner.
What’s the best mini split air conditioner to buy?
Top mini split air conditioner
Senville LETO Series Mini Split Air Conditioner
What you need to know: This powerful, midsize pump works as a versatile solution to heat, cool, humidify and circulate air around your home.
What you’ll love: It’s exceptionally quiet. It has Alexa-enabled functionality, and you can control it via your smartphone. You can set routines for temperature changes.
What you should consider: It requires either professional installation or familiarity with installing similar units.
Top mini split air conditioner for the money
Pioneer Diamante Essenza 11,500 BTU 17 SEER2 115V High-Wall Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner
What you need to know: This simple, yet solid air conditioner has all the essentials you need.
What you’ll love: It’s very quiet. It offers cooling, ventilation, heating, and dehumidifying,
What you should consider: Budget models typically lack the durability found in higher-priced units.
Worth checking out
OLMO 24,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner & Heat Pump
What you need to know: This remote-controlled conditioner heats and cools rooms up to 900 square feet.
What you’ll love: This quiet-running system has 21 SEER2 inverter technology for energy efficiency. It has a smart defrost cycle. You can control it via the included remote or on the Olmo smartphone app.
What you should consider: This unit must be professionally installed.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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