The total cost came in just under $17,000. Whether its finding great products or discovering helpful advice, well help you get it right (the first time). 9. Last, a mini-split doesnt occupy a rooms electrical outlet or affect the function of your windows. Likewise, though, Fujitsu also delivers models that are sub-20, so it balances out in the end. They create models with a SEER rating of 38. This article will look at the top names in ductless mini-split heat pumps. Satisfy yourself that the installer understands the nuances of your space and the way the equipment can be configured to address your needs. Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, you can control your heat pump with your voice. What kind of warranty does the contractor offer on the labor (independent of the manufacturers warranty)? Daikin and Fujitsu offer similar smart-home functions to its competitors. 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. 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 two companies work together to produce their mini-split systems as Fujitsu makes the outdoor units and Rheem makes the indoor units. As counterintuitive as it seems, theres always some free heat energy in the air, even on frigid winter days. Call Us Today! MRCOOL DIY 4th gen ENERGY STAR 12000-BTU 115-Volt 22 SEER 500-sq ft Smart Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner and Heater with 25-ft Installation Kit. This is a final decision and can be a source of dissatisfaction among owners. 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. Like LG, Bosch is another company better known for its kitchen appliances than they are for mini-splits and HVAC equipment. 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. Panasonic shares the advantage of being a stable, global brand, but it has disadvantages relative to its other mainstream North American competitors. As of the writing of this post, all of the units we have installed have been the Bosch Variable Speed 1.0. Again, the higher the number, the more energy-efficient the unit. A contractor can set up the system to switch automatically at a specific outdoor temperature. These DIY models are certainly an option, but not one to be taken on without carefully considering what you might be getting yourself into. As a result, theyve become one of the top American brands in the world. But if thats all part of your new installation process, it could be all right. This refrigerant is then used to cool the air inside your home. Mitsubishi Electric stands out in this field, for starters, by being among the most common and popular options available in North American markets. But the technology has improved, making air-source heat pumps a practical choice almost anywhere in the countryeven in places with cold winters. Mini-splits are also more energy-efficient than ducted heat pumps because they avoid the energy losses associated with ductwork. They also have a variety of installation types for their indoor units, ranging from wall-mounted to ceiling-mounted to floor-mounted. Even betterdetailed manufacturers information, from the pro, on each piece of equipment going into the job. furnace, it may need only a 36,000-Btu/hr. Your electrical service is underpowered. The thermostat in the hallway 30 feet away has no idea that its 85 degrees in the sunroom. A mini-split will allow you to condition that sunroom separately from the rest of the home. All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story. And even a portable AC hogs its share of the window space by requiring the window to stay shut tight against the vent hose hardware that every portable AC uses to dump heat outside. Clear debris and dirt from condenser coils and check for blockages in the drainpipe. 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. We earn a commission if you purchase at no additional cost to you. We found four leading brands in our research: Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu, LG, Daikin, and Panasonic (and a handful of smaller names, like Mirage). Basic heat pumps have a single-speed compressor. Regardless of how many zones or how large you want your mini-split to be, Daikin has an option. The number of square feet your mini-split will heat or cool depends on the size of the mini-split. If yours is an older home, its always a good idea to upgrade your insulation and seal any air leaks, regardless of how you heat it. In cooling mode, a heat pump works exactly like an air conditioner. There are many different mini-split brands to choose from. EfficiencySome heat pumps use less energy than others to deliver the same level of comfort. Its a common, straightforward way to add a heat pump to a home or section of a home that doesnt have ducts. Their multi-zone units operate as high as 60,000 BTU, which is enough power to operate between two and eight indoor units depending on their size. And local building codes might have regulations about how close an outdoor compressor is allowed to be from a neighbors window or property line. Heres an overview by brand, in the order in which we would begin our search locally. It attempts to monitor your home, AC use, and external temperatures then adjust your AC throughout the day. The Bosch Gen 2 Climate Ductless Mini Split Series provides energy-efficient, on-demand comfort that is flexible, simple to install and easy to maintain. Bosch is one of the best and most recognizable HVAC brands. Have more questions? They arent as high-quality as the top mini-split brands. But the costs add up fast, and it can be tempting to try to get by with the minimum equipment possible. Cool mini-splits and the allure of saving money on the installation has led to its extreme popularity. Other Types of Heat PumpsThere are a few other types of heat pumps that are proved to work well in some situations but are less common than air-source heat pumps. AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary Accident Free Vehicle : No Consumer Reports members can see the predictedreliability and owner satisfaction ratingsfor 24 brands of heat pumps, based on data that CR members have shared about almost 13,500 heat pumps theyve bought new and installed in their own homes between 2005 and 2021. Heat pumps with higher SEER ratings also tend to have higher HSPF ratings, though theres no direct relationship between the two. With the right heat pump and system design for your home and regional climate, a backup heating system should not be necessary. Theyre powered by electricity, are relatively easy to install in many homes, and may save you money compared with other heating, ventilating, and air-conditioningsystems, depending on where you live and other factors, such as the cost of electricity. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Ask detailed questionscould you potentially add another indoor unit in the future? Some state governments and utility companies offertax incentivesor cash rebates if you install a heat pump, mitigating some of the cost. Mini-split heat pumps also operate without a system of ductwork, reducing the installation difficulty and cost. However, theyre a very affordable and reliable brand with a history of producing quality appliances. Additionally, Fujitsu has a partnership with Rheem, one of the top brands in the HVAC industry. A modern heat pump is most efficient when your thermostat is set at a constant temperatureit actually saves energy if you dont turn it down overnight. We asked installers, manufacturers, and homeowners who have mini-split systems to tell us what anyone considering one would need to know. The only caveat: Leaky, uninsulated ducts are bad for any heating system, but especially for heat pumps (more on that below). Federal and local incentives can reduce the cost significantly, and the systems are so energy-efficient that the savings from your utility bills could offset the cost of installation within 10 years, even by conservative estimates. LG also puts more stress on aesthetics than other companies and offers a line of sleek and nondescript indoor units. White Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 4WD 2.0L 4-Cylinder DOHC MIVEC 1-Speed Automatic 2.0L 4-Cylinder DOHC MIVEC. It's got valves in the end of the line set and you just plug those into the condenser. can also be expressed in tons, with 1 ton equaling 12,000 Btu/hr. Heat pumps just have a few small differences that allow them to move heat in two directions, in and out. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Air-to-water heat pumps are common in much of Europe, but theyre not currently in the U.S. (even though many homes in the Northeast and Midwest rely on hydronic radiators for heat). Start by asking homeowners in your community for recommendations for (or warnings against) local HVAC firms. He spent 10 years in high-end construction as a carpenter, foreman, and supervisor. 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. The minimum HSPF is 8.2. While their mini-splits arent as flashy, fancy, or innovative as Mitsubishi or LG, Pioneer is a brand valued for its affordability and reliability. These units are less expensive, but the installation process is not for the beginner, or even intermediate DIYer. $1,685 at Amazon. The gold standard is a variable-speed compressor. Mitsubishi is the dominant ductless brand in the US, and for good reason. heat pump. You probably dont have a ton of choice on which exact pieces of equipment you needthats determined mostly by your homes size, climate, and the heating and cooling needs youre addressing. Many people think of Fujitsu as Mitsubishis top competitor in the realm of mini-splits. Regardless of what youre looking for, theres a good chance that Pioneer makes it. Remember that you may have to rent a few tools to do the job. Ever since, Mitsubishi has been the industry leader in innovation, new technology, and efficiency. In 2018, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that almost 14 percent of U.S. homes use a heat pump as their primary heating (and cooling) system. The minimum SEER allowed for a new split system heat pump in the U.S. today is 13, and 14 in the southern half of the country. Doug Mahoney is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering home improvement. 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