You live somewhere with heat pump subsidies. Youll install the heat pump just like youd install a central AC. This system consists of a wall-mounted indoor unit and an outside condenser, similar to an air conditioner. However, their systems are always dependable and operate smoothly. Reliability is crucial because you also dont want to fix or replace your mini-split every couple of years. This is incredible efficiency, and Mitsubishi comes as close as producing models that get upwards of 28 to 30. In 20 years, the difference is $809.02. The way a mini-split disperses air is better than a window unit or a portable AC. With the system split between an indoor and outdoor unit, the only noise in the room is the fan needed to move air. How many square feet will a mini-split cool? However, when the temperature is between zero and 40, they tend to be more efficient than other mini-split brands. Do they offer an ongoing service plan? Who you hire to install a mini-split system is as critical and difficult a decision as choosing the equipment itself. Some homes, particularly older ones, have only 100-amp or even 60-amp electrical service. Several years later, it works mostly as expected, though it still suffers from the occasional glitching (like a lot of smart home tech). For this guide, were focusing on mini-splits more broadly, regardless of whether theyre heat pumps or cooling-only units or something. In addition to their brand, Daikin owns various other air conditioning companies, the two most notable of which are Amana and Goodman. A lower rating is better, especially if the heat pump will be installed near a bedroom window. I've been conducting professional home inspections since 2002. LG is well-known for its refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, and other kitchen appliances. ft. large, suiting basements, kiosks, kitchens, home offices. Mitsubishi is the dominant ductless brand in the US, and for good reason. A window AC completely blocks a good chunk of the window, obviously. However, like most others, Bosch got caught up in the mini-split craze and started producing their line in recent years. Daikin is another worldwide company that offers a large selection of units. But if its a bigger heat pump, and you turn on too many additional appliancesor plug in an electric vehicleyou could trip the breaker and have to reset your system. Daikin and Fujitsu offer similar smart-home functions to its competitors. Should Heat Pumps be Turned Off at Night? Mr. The total cost came in just under $17,000. 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. The signal strength of the units to the AC is hit or miss. In the U.S., we typically use air-source heat pumps, and most often a subset known as air-to-air heat pumps. The Senville SENL 12CD is a 12,000 BTU model that is also popular and well reviewed. We still dont recognize that sign in. An exceptional alternative to traditional HVAC systems, mini splits heat and cool individual rooms by utilizing a combination of efficient technologies to lower electricity usage and decrease . The higher the SEER rating is, the more efficient your mini-split will be and the more money youll save on your electric bill. Mitsubishi While Daikin may be the biggest HVAC company, Mitsubishi is the one that sells the most in America due to the fact that they have been in America since the 1980s. ReliabilityAccording to our member survey, reliability is by far the top predictor of an owners overall satisfaction with a heat pump. We have the best options for portable air conditioners, if a window unit or central air wont work for you. While their mini-splits arent as flashy, fancy, or innovative as Mitsubishi or LG, Pioneer is a brand valued for its affordability and reliability. Clean grilles and filters monthly. However, mini-split systems can house up to four (sometimes more) wall cassettes, each with its own BTU rating or tonnage. You could even think of it as a hybrid setup, rather than a system with a backup. Some indoor units can also be mounted on the floor or recessed into a ceiling. Lennox was founded in the Heartland in Iowa, and theyve been making top-notch products for over 100 years. If youre looking for something more complicated with higher efficiency ratings and works better in cold temperatures, they offer several non-DIY mini-split options. Mitsubishi Electric runs its smart features off a proprietary app, Kumo Cloud, which controls multiple zones via a clean-looking interface. These are all expensive ways to heat a home, but depending on factors such as where you live and the cost of electricity, youre likely to save money over time if you switch to a heat pump, even when you include the cost of installing it. If you have an appropriate body of water on your property, these can be easier and less expensive to install than ground-source systems. Heat pumps with higher SEER ratings also tend to have higher HSPF ratings, though theres no direct relationship between the two. 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). Most models include a wireless remote and/or a wireless wall-mounted controller, and many can be controlled via smart phone or be integrated into a larger system like Nest or Alexa. Mr. Mini-split plus radiators:Radiator systems that run on oil or propane, or regular electric-resistance heat, tend to be expensive to run, but mini-split systems that are big enough to heat your entire home tend to be expensive to install. For one thing, even a perfect DIY installation may void the units warranty, exposing thousands of dollars of equipment to the risk of not being covered on a legitimate claim. One of the biggest differences between various mini-split heat pump brands is their mechanical construction. While Mr. Some compressors have two speeds, which mitigates the swings, but theyre still present. Its Chill Week here at Wirecutter, and we have plenty of tips and treats to help you cool down, from canned cocktails to a possible cure for night sweats. These connect by a refrigerant line and a drain line. Aside from these 10 top brands, there are countless more out there. Keep in mind that they go as high as the low to mid-40s. Another downside to window units, De Stasio said, is that every time that air conditioner shuts off and stays off for 20 minutes, youre not doing any kind of dehumidification. Since the mini-splits variable speed can dial down to near zero once the target temperature is reached, its actually at its most efficient when you leave it at the setting you find comfortablewin-win. While they offer a wide range of products, the 5000 Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump System is one of their best. These units are less expensive, but the installation process is not for the beginner, or even intermediate DIYer. These may be lesser-known brands, but they both have wide-ranging networks of installers in most North American markets. The 09CD model is a Senville mini split air conditioner 9000 BTU system with enough power to chill a room up to 450 square feet. So if your home already relies on a heat pump, and youre happy with it, the simplest thing to do when it wears out (generally after 10 to 15 years of service) is to replace it with a similar model, which will probably be more efficient. One of the most important things with choosing a mini-split brand is to look at efficiency and reliability. We earn a commission if you purchase at no additional cost to you. It involves electrical work, plumbing, checking for refrigerant leaks, and drilling a 3 -inch hole through the side of your house (and another one for the electrical line). According to CRs member surveys, the overall median price paid for the purchase and installation of a ducted heat pump between 2016 and 2021 was $7,791, though that varies by brand. 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. Daikin and Fujitsu are fine alternatives to Mitsubishi Electric and LG. But Fujitsu isn't far behind. 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. Keep us posted on your experience with the Hyperheat They can put in three or four mini splits per day. This decreases efficiency, stresses components, and leaves your home less comfortable. A search of various models showed installation cost differences ranging from 2 percent to more than 35 percent. Bosch heat pumps run the gamut from style, size, and capabilities. 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. Influence-free. I can count on one hand how many replacement parts I've had to put on a Mitsubishi mini-split system, De Stasio said. Your house is poorly insulated, or leaky. 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 minimum federal standards are all set to increase in early 2023 to a SEER of no less than 14 in northern regions, and 15 in southern regions, as well as a minimum HSPF of 8.8. Anything larger than 24,000 BTU often involves a multi-zone system with multiple indoor units. Electric strip:Common in mild climates, a simple electric heating element can be built into the heat pump itself or the indoor air handler. Make plans for maintenance: Mini-split maintenance is usually minimal but is also best done by an HVAC technician, at least until you watch them enough times to know the ins and outs yourself. 2023 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. Before you can decide which brand is best for you, you should know what your options are and what different brands specialize in. 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