Mitsubishi offers every type of mini-split system, including single-zone or multi-zone units, the MXZ series. Last, mini-splits are nice in that they are all electric (and require no additional fuel or gas service, like with some traditional HVAC systems), but their electrical requirements are considerable. In Mitsubishi Electrics brochure (PDF), youll find fairly limited aesthetic options for wall units, although matte silver and black wall unit finishes are available, and you can also consider ceiling mounts, floor mounts, or other special configurations. Their MLA Cold Climate model maintains 100% efficiency to zero degrees and can produce heat up to -22 degrees. They are highly efficient because they dont have to compensate for big temperature swings the way air-source heat pumps do. We asked installers, manufacturers, and homeowners who have mini-split systems to tell us what anyone considering one would need to know. There are other manufacturers out there, but we cant really imagine bypassing these four options for a niche brand with weaker availability, selection, and customer support. The company offers many rebates as well as multiple control options. This means theyre much easier to install than a traditional ducted HVAC system, and they can deliver more of the conditioned air they produce, too. Theres an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, both of which have aluminum fins and coils to release or collect heat, connected by a refrigerant line filled with fluid that transports heat between the two units. The number of square feet your mini-split will heat or cool depends on the size of the mini-split. Mitsubishi mini-split products have an excellent maintenance track record. 9 Furnace Brands to Avoid & 5 Best Furnace Brands 2023, 13 Air Conditioner Brands to Avoid & 7 Best Brands 2023, 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, Make one of the best and only DIY mini-splits in the world, Very affordable regardless of which product you choose, Offer several products outside of their popular DIY options, They tend to be on the lower end of the efficiency scale, with SEER ratings no higher than 23, Not as reliable or durable as top mini-split brands, 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. But you do have a choice to make on what brand you go with, and in a big market, you can take your pick among qualified installers recommended by each of those four manufacturers. These may be lesser-known brands, but they both have wide-ranging networks of installers in most North American markets. Basic heat pumps have a single-speed compressor. Learn more. And local building codes might have regulations about how close an outdoor compressor is allowed to be from a neighbors window or property line. Living with a heat pump is a bit different from using a traditional heating system. On the other hand, an oversized unit will cost more, and if it isnt a variable-speed model, it will cycle on and off more often than it should. Not all mini-split brands offer this option, so choose your brand wisely. The controller units are not wall mounted but unobtrusive within most modern decor. I started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance. Bosch heat pumps run the gamut from style, size, and capabilities. Heres a sizing chart showing different units typical heating and cooling capacity. Look no further than the Daikin 17 SEER wall-mounted ductless system. We found four leading brands in our research: Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu, LG, Daikin, and Panasonic (and a handful of smaller names, like Mirage). At the outset, when youre asking lots of questions, be on the lookout for pushback, a dismissive attitude, or impatienceyou should have questions, even some very basic ones, and its a good sign if a pro can answer them respectfully. The threshold for poor performance varies from model to model: Some heat pumps falter at 25F, others at 17F or lower. Slightly more affordable than Mitsubishi and Fujitsu, Select models do excellent in cold weather, More aesthetically-pleasing designs than many competitors. That translates to a larger pool of service technicians to choose from, better availability of more models, higher likelihood youll be able to design a system to fit your needs exactly, and potentially faster service for troubleshooting or repairs. Can you trust them? Another downside is that Flair and Ambi are not directly compatible with Apples HomeKit. The contractor should also check to make sure that the system is properly charged with refrigerant, that there are no leaks, and that all mechanical components are working properly. Get FREE quotes from licensed HVAC contractors in your area today. Powered by consumers. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Youll be in touch throughout the installation, and in the future for service calls, warranty claims, or other troubleshooting. Its wise to get price quotes from at least three contractors. Conversely, some but not all heat pumps are also available as mini-splits. Youre likely to need a backup heating system if you live in one of these areas. One of the most important things with choosing a mini-split brand is to look at efficiency and reliability. 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. Depending on the equipment involved, LGs warranty can last up to 12 years, similar to Mitsubishi Electrics, and LGs local utility rebates vary by city, but they often cover at least some relevant mini-split equipment. They achieve this by using electricity to pump refrigerant and transfer heat from one space to another. Climate PerformanceIf you live in a region with cold winters, youll need to either pick a heat pump thats rated to work well in the lowest temperatures that your region regularly experiences or have a secondary heating system to back up your heat pump. Looking for a 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse for sale within 50 miles of Ashburn, VA ? Doug Mahoney is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering home improvement. Thats what central systems do, says Mike Smith, senior marketing manager of Mitsubishi Electric, one of the prominent mini-split brands sold in North America. Again, the higher the number, the more energy-efficient the unit. You can use a heat pump as the sole heating and cooling appliance in your home, or you can combine a heat pump with an existing heating system. In cooling mode, efficiency is commonly expressed as the seasonal energy-efficiency rating, or SEER. It may seem counterintuitive, but it takes much less energy to move a tiny bit of heat all the time than to move a lot of heat quickly. Also, see our Daikin Mini Split Error Codes (Troubleshooting Guide). Its more like a modern replacement for the physical controllers that come with the mini-splits. They arent as high-quality as the top mini-split brands. More posts you may like r/Tools Join 2 yr. ago You want to significantly reduce your carbon footprint. They also sent us a few oddly formatted and what can best be described as vaguely spam-y looking emails. Equipment manufacturers can give you a bit of a head start: You can search for a qualified contractor in your area at the sites of Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu, Panasonic, LG, and other makers. 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. Ask for a printout of all calculations and assumptions, including ductwork design. But the technology has improved, making air-source heat pumps a practical choice almost anywhere in the countryeven in places with cold winters. Plus, we offer advice on how to make the most of your heat pump once its installed. It is technically possible to install a mini-split yourselfhow-to videos on This Old House look straightforward enough, and theres a forum full of Reddit homeowners who say theyve done itbut self-installation is probably not worth the risk. Your username maybe be your email address. In this case, a ductless mini-split system is usually the easiest way to add a heat pump. In our bedroom, the unit is a little closer to the side wall than I'd like because they couldn't access the coupling without putting the unit where it is. The other option in this situation is to have the pipes do a short run along the interior wall before going through it, but, as he said, Generally, the units look best when the punch-through is hidden behind the unit rather than to the left or right of the unit.. $1,685 at Amazon. There are other brands where I can't say that. If something does go wrong, Mitsubishi Electrics limited 12-year parts warranty is among the best, and the brands popularity means lots of local utilities offer rebates. But with state or utility-based subsidieswhether theyre tax incentives or cash rebatesa heat pump can cost less than other heat-only systems. In terms of efficiency, Fujitsu is almost a consistent winner. I've been conducting professional home inspections since 2002. Ductless heat pump systems, called mini-splits, can provide heating and cooling in a home without ducts, or add climate control to rooms that the main system doesn't reach. Consumer Reports members can also viewour heat pump ratingsfor the most reliable brands of ducted heat pumps and the brands with the highest owner satisfaction. Here are a few common types of hybrid setups. As all mini-split conditioners, the system is single-zone, but it's really efficient, reliable and durable. The following chart shows how each model offered by Bosch differs. This article will look at the top names in ductless mini-split heat pumps. Heat pumps just have a few small differences that allow them to move heat in two directions, in and out. 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. Remember that you may have to rent a few tools to do the job. Even betterdetailed manufacturers information, from the pro, on each piece of equipment going into the job. It's got valves in the end of the line set and you just plug those into the condenser. Unlike manufacturer options such as Mitsubishis Kumo Cloud, which do the same thing, these 3rd party options do not require expensive professional installation. He previously worked at This Old House and Popular Mechanics magazines; before that, he restored historic houses and mowed lawns for a living. The app can potentially benefit some folks by also controlling other LG smart appliances at home, which would be convenientand, to LGs credit, after watching a lot of appliance makers apps have their ups and downs over the years, SmartThinQs roughly 3.5-star average across about 3,000 reviews is definitely above average for the category. The outdoor unit also has a compressor, which compresses and circulates the refrigerant. Ducted Air-Source Heat PumpThis type of heat pump looks and acts a lot like a central AC. The Flair Puck is much simpler. Typically the air-handler heads are placed high on a wall, but for homeowners who dont like the look or dont have the space, there are heads that can be placed inside the ceiling or floor. Instead, the outdoor unit connects to one or more individual indoor air handlers, or heads, which are installed throughout your home. The minimum HSPF is 8.2. This is not to say installation is simple, however, the vent hose hardware that every portable AC uses, one-zone Mitsubishi Electric system with a single indoor unit, take your pick among qualified installers, a larger pool of service technicians to choose from, SmartThinQs roughly 3.5-star average across about 3,000 reviews, theres a forum full of Reddit homeowners who say theyve done it, The Air Conditioning Contractors of America, How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Reward Points. A Heat Pump Might Be Right for Your Home. Also known as ductless mini-split air conditioners and heaters, they consist of one or more wall, floor, or ceiling-mounted indoor units connected to an outdoor compressor. The most common type of heat pumps, called air-source heat pumps, work by absorbing heat from the air and moving it either from outdoors to indoors (in heating mode) or vice versa (in cooling mode). The higher the SEER rating is, the more efficient your mini-split will be and the more money youll save on your electric bill. If you live somewhere with cold winters, you might have heard about heat pumps only recently. If you have an appropriate body of water on your property, these can be easier and less expensive to install than ground-source systems. LG also puts more stress on aesthetics than other companies and offers a line of sleek and nondescript indoor units. How Good is Hisense Air Conditioner - Expert Review & Comparison, Daikin 24,000 BTU 17 SEER Wall-Mounted Ductless Mini-Split A/C Heat Pump System, Daikin Mini Split Error Codes (Troubleshooting Guide), MRCOOL DIY 22 SEER Ductless Heat Pump Split System, PIONEER Air Conditioner WYS009AMFI22RL Wall Mount Ductless Inverter+ Mini Split Heat Pump, 9000 BTU-110/120V, Gree MULTI30CVIR400-30,000 BTU Multi21+ Quad-Zone Wall Mount Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump 208-230V (9-9-9-9), LG LG2ZMSS18 Dual Zone Mini Split System with 18,000 Total BTUs, Best Whole House Humidifier: Portable & Furnace Picks (2023), Wire Size and Breaker for Heat Pumps & AC units (Tonnage Chart). A popular compromise: Install a smaller mini-split that can handle most of your heating (and cooling) needs, and keep the old radiator system for the coldest days. A ductless, mini-split heat pump is an affordable and effective way to add climate control to parts of your house where the main system doesnt quite worklike a finished attic, garage workshop, or home addition. Theyre also relatively easy to install and maintain, which boosts them in the eyes of HVAC installers. De Stasio mentioned sunrooms, which are pretty much glass ovens that heat up and cool down much faster than the rest of the house. The difference in yearly cost between a superb mini split AC and an above-average one is $40.45. Seek referrals from neighbors, family members, business associates, or local green-energy resource groups. Heres Everything to Know. Also known as ductless mini-split air conditioners and heaters, they consist of. The 5-zone unit our Hawaii friend installed required a dedicated 40 A breaker for its 230-volt service, and his installation crew used a licensed electrical sub-contractor for the work, adding cost. 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