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. In 20 years, the difference is $809.02. But the technology has improved, making air-source heat pumps a practical choice almost anywhere in the countryeven in places with cold winters. $1,685 at Amazon. Harry Sawyers is the senior editor covering home improving, HVAC, and gardening at Wirecutter. Ducted Air-Source Heat PumpThis type of heat pump looks and acts a lot like a central AC. The indoor units vary in size based on what the room needs, and theyre typically mounted high on a rooms wall and are about the size of a long duffel bag. In terms of efficiency, Fujitsu is almost a consistent winner. 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. Our ratings include 24 brands and are based on data from our member surveys covering more than 13,500 heat pumps in real-world use, installed between 2005 and 2021. All air-source heat pumps struggle to perform as temperatures drop; the space they can effectively heat shrinks, and they dont work as efficiently. Ad-free. While there are only so many ways to make an indoor unit look good, certain brands emphasize appearance more than others. Ideally, the pipes go through the wall directly behind the unit, where theyre hidden. Thats a lot, but it may still come in under the cost of a comparable ducted system; on the other hand, the best window units and portables range from about $200 to $700 apiece. This system works well enough, but the temperature and relative humidity in your home will swing up and down with the cycles. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Bosch Ultra-Quiet 12K BTU 230V Mini Split Air Conditioner & Cooling System with Inverter Heat Pump, 20.7 SEER High-Efficiency at Amazon.com. Lennox was founded in the Heartland in Iowa, and theyve been making top-notch products for over 100 years. Here are a few common types of hybrid setups. You want to significantly reduce your carbon footprint. That means they absorb and release heat from the air (rather than water or earth), and deliver heating or cooling to your home through a forced-air system (rather than radiators). The indoor noise levels of Bosch Climate 5000 12k are 39.5 / 34 / 25 dB for Hi/Mi/Lo fan speed setting. Weigh the options: If youre deciding between some optionssay, a 2-zone version of your system versus a 4-zone, ask for written estimates for both configurations. Mini-splits are also more energy-efficient than ducted heat pumps because they avoid the energy losses associated with ductwork. Even in the perfect location, mini-split indoor units take up a chunk of wall space and theyre not the most attractive things in the world, as we heard separately from two friends who recently installed them. Carrier produces several great mini-splits, but their 9,000 BTU single-zone system with a SEER rating of 42 might be their best. I have to run the heat at 90 degrees for it to feel comfortable, she says. De Stasio told us a typical single-unit install costs roughly $3,000-$5,000, but if youre looking to create a whole-house systemwhich needs multiple indoor units and a larger outdoor unit to support themit can start getting cost-prohibitive. Gree mini-splits also have a split reputation when operating in cold climates. Unlike manufacturer options such as Mitsubishis Kumo Cloud, which do the same thing, these 3rd party options do not require expensive professional installation. Be leery of a contractor who bases estimates merely on house size or vague rules of thumb. But modern heat pumps in a properly designed system can provide all the heat a home will need up through zone 6. Its also compatible with Ecobee sensors, Alexa, and Google Assistant. I would say for 5K going for the Hyperheat for extra 5K is almost a no brainer if the temperature drop below 25F where you live. Multi-zone systems wont be as efficient as single-zone systems because of the required power. 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. If you have an appropriate body of water on your property, these can be easier and less expensive to install than ground-source systems. As with most heating and cooling systems, its wise to hire a professional to handle the design and installation of a new heat pump system. He spent 10 years in high-end construction as a carpenter, foreman, and supervisor. We asked installers, manufacturers, and homeowners who have mini-split systems to tell us what anyone considering one would need to know. *All vehicle prices . 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. You also have to commit to a location with the indoor units, and theres no moving them around, like with window air conditioners or portable ACs. Follow the manufacturers directions for changing the filter, and the filter manufacturers recommendations for how often it should be changed. Many homes with existing ductwork for forced-air HVAC systems can be adapted to heat pumps. We respect your privacy. Best Warranty Daikin Wall-Mounted Ductless Air Conditioner. These connect by a refrigerant line and a drain line. Many are sold direct to consumers through Amazon, Sylvane, AJMadison, and other retailers, while others are sold exclusively through installers with distributor agreements with the manufacturer. If you want to cool or heat specific rooms with better efficiency and less clutter than window ACs and space heatersand less complexity than central HVACconsider a mini-split system. Youll also want to make sure theres enough space for you or a technician to access and service the unit. He lives in a house in LA with his wife, three boys, a dog, and a lot of Wirecutter recommendations. Should Heat Pumps be Turned Off at Night? The conventional wisdom is that heat pumps should receive regular maintenance for optimal performance, although our reader survey showed no correlation between the frequency of maintenance and how likely a heat pump was to need maintenance or repairs. There are companies, like Mr. Bosch Air Conditioner Review - 1.0 Split Heat Pump. 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. Check their background. Have more questions? You could even think of it as a hybrid setup, rather than a system with a backup. Your home has ductwork. Carrier is another brand better-known for their traditional air conditioners and furnaces than their mini-splits. While their units arent as durable or techy as other top brands and dont perform as well in extreme conditions, Mr. Size (Capacity)A heat pump thats too small for your needs will struggle to keep your home comfortable. Bosch The Climate 5000 Ductless Minisplit Heat Pump System delivers up to a 22 SEER rating, with an operating range of -13 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. 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. This article will look at the top names in ductless mini-split heat pumps. Heres a sizing chart showing different units typical heating and cooling capacity. Bosch Multi-Zone Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner. 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. No pressure! De Stasio mentioned sunrooms, which are pretty much glass ovens that heat up and cool down much faster than the rest of the house. Anything larger than 24,000 BTU often involves a multi-zone system with multiple indoor units. 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. The indoor units are quiet and most new mini-split systems have enhanced abilities to filter the air from pollutants, mold, and allergens to keep your home healthy. In 2017, a friend in Los Angeles installed a one-zone Mitsubishi Electric system with a single indoor unit for a total installed cost of about $4,500. It offers the highest SEER rating of any mini-split made in North America and is one of the highest in the world. Set up a site visit and interview: For no charge, your prospective installer should come over, walk the property, talk about your needs, and discuss the equipment options available. Theyre a Japanese company and the first to develop mini-split systems, which they did in 1959. The Department of Energy divides the U.S. into eight climate zones. 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. The tasks themselves are things that a homeowner can do, but a professional is going to know how to do them safely and how to do them thoroughly.. While their mini-splits arent as flashy, fancy, or innovative as Mitsubishi or LG, Pioneer is a brand valued for its affordability and reliability. Bosch heat pumps run the gamut from style, size, and capabilities. Ask detailed questionscould you potentially add another indoor unit in the future? The signal strength of the units to the AC is hit or miss. Another option is to get units that recess into the ceiling. 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. Request written estimates: At minimum, you should see a one-page quote outlining the work involved and the prices before you agree to start the job. Lennox tends to put more stress on durability and longevity than they do on efficiency. The exact mini-split equipment you need depends on your homes unique heating and cooling requirements, and your options are limited to the qualified installers in your areabut weve researched this topic enough to be able to tell you about the scenarios when mini-split systems make sense and how to decide among the brands available. Panasonic shares the advantage of being a stable, global brand, but it has disadvantages relative to its other mainstream North American competitors. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Its either on or off. The best course is to work with a qualified local contractor who knows what kind of equipment works well in your area. This pre-charged mini split heat pump has everything you need for a quick and easy DIY installation - no special tools or training required. 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. Ever since, Mitsubishi has been the industry leader in innovation, new technology, and efficiency. Cool produces one of the only DIY mini-split units globally that anyone and everyone can easily install. 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. For one, mini-splits are much quieter. One of the biggest differences between various mini-split heat pump brands is their mechanical construction. They can also add air conditioning to a high traffic area like a kitchen or living room, or even a room where you just might want a little extra temperature control like a nursery. With the system split between an indoor and outdoor unit, the only noise in the room is the fan needed to move air. The main benefit is a longer warranty vs a system installed by a non- diamond installer. furnace, it may need only a 36,000-Btu/hr. Both the Ambi and Flair had issues with connectivity, especially with dual band WiFi. Additionally, Fujitsu has a partnership with Rheem, one of the top brands in the HVAC industry. Add in thermostat-like controls alongside smart-home integration and mini-splits start to sound pretty greatbut they arent cheap, with installation costs that can reach into the five figures. Mitsubishi offers every type of mini-split system, including single-zone or multi-zone units, the MXZ series. 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. Will the work be inspected? Because the indoor unit will be a permanent fixture in your home, its important that you like the way it looks. For this guide, were focusing on mini-splits more broadly, regardless of whether theyre heat pumps or cooling-only units or something. 1-703-521-2227 | steve@perryaire.com One of the most important things with choosing a mini-split brand is to look at efficiency and reliability. The only criteria the Bosch 1.0 falls short of the Lennox XP25 & Trane XV20i is; efficiency. Here are some tips for hiring a good installer. If you hire a service technician, heres what youll want them to do, once a year: clean and flush the coils, drain the pan and drainage system, and vacuum the blower compartments. Systems that meet Energy Star guidelines for efficiency have a minimum SEER of 15. While they are typically one step behind Mitsubishis innovation, Fujitsu gives them a run for their money. $7,140 at Wayfair. Regardless of your budget or the size of your home, theres a mini-split option out there for you, and well help you find it. In cold climates, look for a higher HSPF. A contractor can help you figure out whether this makes sense in your home. A good HVAC firm will know what equipment to useespecially for tricky jobs that require some expertise and experience to design aroundand the technical skill the pros bring to the installation will affect its initial performance as well as whatever service calls you make over the years. A contractor can set up the system to switch automatically at a specific outdoor temperature. 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. ft., the Daikin mini-split is perfect for primary living areas, hot or cold rooms, and more. 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. (3)Feature is only available on Generation 3 single zone system only (4)Available in 115V. (Were not seeing any apps meant to do this.). The funny thing is the difference in cost between the #1 MrCOOL 22 SEER and #7 Klimaire KSIV 19 SEER is actually about $400. The main categories are ductless mini-split systems, inverter ducted systems, standard heat pumps, or entry-level HVAC heat pumps. Hybrid systems still save a ton of energy and carbon emissions compared with most other setups and can offer some peace of mind in colder climates. The higher the SEER, the greater the efficiency. There is none of the loud compressor hum that is typical of a window unit. LG also puts more stress on aesthetics than other companies and offers a line of sleek and nondescript indoor units. When it works we were able to set them up over 25-feet away without an issue, but the best range seems to be closer to 12-feet. Cool mini-splits and the allure of saving money on the installation has led to its extreme popularity. They make more mini-splits than anyone else, and theyve been doing it longer. Daikin has long been one of the worlds top air conditioning and furnace brands. The total cost came in just under $17,000. Daikin offers perhaps the widest range of inventory and options for mini-splits. We earn a commission if you purchase at no additional cost to you. Ground-source or geothermal heat pumps absorb and release heat underground, where the temperature is a constant 50F to 60F all year. While Gree mini-splits certainly isnt as grand as Mitsubishi or Fujitsu products, theyre an excellent option if youre on a budget. 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. 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