Top 11 Best Mini Split Air Conditioners in 2020 Reviews - Closeup Check (2023)

It is that time of the year again when the weather heats up. If you are shopping around for a mini split air conditioner, then you understand that these are the best alternatives to window AC units or the expensive central air conditioning. Mini split air conditioners are the perfect middle ground.

And even though these are the less expensive options on the market, they are still a significant investment, so it is crucial to find the right one for your needs. That means you need to concentrate on some of the essential features like understanding the modes and knowing how many zones work best.

Don’t worry about all the technicalities because we are here to make things simple for you. Our top 11 list covers some of the best units on the market. Besides, we have also included a buyers’ guide to help you understand these important features and what you should look out for in the best mini split air conditioner this year.

Understanding a mini split air conditioner

You are probably wondering how mini-split air conditioners. Common home heating and cooling systems are well known to people as a split system because they have both interior and exterior components. Mini split air conditioners, just like the central AC unit, features both outdoor and indoor components except that it does not use ducts to move the cool air.

The outdoor unit puts pressure to the refrigerant, which is dispersed through lines to the indoor unit. The indoor units (air handling units, blowers, and evaporators) are often placed at a strategic point in the house to help cool the space effectively. These models only pull air from the room into the unit, cools the air then blows it right back.

What are they made of?

• Each mini split air conditioner unit is made of:
• A condenser – placed outside the building.
• Refrigerant lines that connect the outdoor and indoor units.
• Indoor units that blow cool air in the house while sucking the warm air and taking it outside.
• Control unit that can either be a wall monitor or remote control.

Can these systems cool an entire house?

Yes. Different indoor units can connect to one outdoor unit to help cool the entire home. The good news is that different styles are designed to fit different rooms in your house.

Features to consider when buying a mini split air conditioner

When shopping and comparing products, there are important factors you need to have in mind. Some of them include:

Number of zones

Most homeowners prefer buying multi-zone units that let them cool several rooms in the house. Single-zone units are designed to cool a single room. They are often less expensive. The best models on the market have up to four zones with some allowing up to six.

Power/BTU

The higher the BTUs, the more area your unit can cover. Most manufacturers list the size a unit covers, making it easy to choose a specific model for your house.

Modes

While all these models have a cooling mode, you can also check those units that offer additional functions like the dehumidify mode, fan mode, heat mode and an automatic mode that automatically selects the right temperature setting to make your room more comfortable.

Compressor

You can either choose a rotary or an inverter compressor for your home. While rotary compressors are more common, the inverted compressor gives you newer technology that, in turn, helps save energy because they don’t turn on automatically at full power.

Energy efficiency

When shopping for the best model, you need to consider its energy efficiency to help cut the energy costs down while still maintaining a comfortable and cooler home.

Remote control

A remote control is important to consider especially if you plan to install the unit in the ceiling or on the wall. Remote control makes it easier to adjust the temperature or turn the unit on from anywhere in the room.

Timer

You might also want to go for one with a programmable timer that allows you to choose a specific temperature based on the time of day.

Despite being among the newly released mini split air conditioner, this device is packed with premium features. It is designed to improve your interior décor while keeping the climate in perfect control. It boasts an inverter technology which enhances energy efficiency to lower the operating costs. Also, it delivers fast heating and cooling as it is equipped with a turbo mode. In addition, it is easy to control and boasts sleep mode to allow you to enjoy your sleep.

This device stays clean all the time as it features auto clean function. So, it prevents the development of mildew. On the other hand, it is equipped with an auto reset function just in case there are power interruptions. Similarly, it features an auto timer that can save the previous setting memory. It is WIFI ready and includes a remote control for smooth functioning.

Mini split air conditioners offer a unique way to heat any home. Among the best of these devices, Senville SENL-24CD features a state of the art design that will impress. Featuring inverter technology, this air conditioner, and heat pump offer an effective way to boost the climate control of your home. Besides, it boasts SEER ratings as high as 17 to deliver powerful heating, cool and dehumidification. The installation is not that hard though it requires a professional. However, operating and controlling the device is pretty easy. With the low ambient kit, these devices can operate even in temperatures lower than 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, you will love the whisper quiet technology which makes it great for bedrooms, offices, and classrooms.

This is an energy efficient mini split air conditioner which operates on 108-120 VAC electrical power. With SEER rating as high as 16, it provides efficient and powerful heating and cooling. It features ETL certification so you can trust on its premium quality. The indoor unit boats a sleek and modern appearance. On the other hand, the outdoor unit is outstandingly designed to provide a powerful and efficient performance. It comes with an installation kit and a wireless remote controller. It also combines automatic air swing, timer function, auto restart, and 3 fan speed settings. In addition, it possesses an anti-freeze pipe sensor and washable filters. The elegant design is also a great aspect that will boost the décor of your home.

With a powerful performance of 24,000 BTU and 17 SEER, this is a great device for conditioning the climate of large houses. It features a turbo mode which warms up and cools your home fast. This device is carefully designed to blend well with the existing décor. Amazingly, these can serve single rooms. With an integrated inverter technology and variable speed compressor, this device delivers the capacity ideal for maintaining the desired room conditions. It is highly energy efficient compared to fixed speed ducted systems. Its unique technology minimizes the temperature fluctuations to ensure continuous cooling and heating. It produces sound levels as low as 37 decibels for indoor and 51 decibels for outdoor.

This is also a powerful mini split air conditioner. It boasts 12,000 BTU and 16 SEER rating. One of its outstanding features is the built-in Wi-Fi. So, it is possible to control this device from your tablet or smartphones. Also, it offers multiple fan speeds. With this unique feature, it is possible to control the temperature of the room depending on your needs.

Apart from temperature control, this machine also does dehumidification. Also, it combines timer and intelligent preheating to ensure you don’t face any hassle. The cooling range is 0 to 115°F while the heating range is-4 to 75°F. So, this ductless mini split air conditioner can work in all weather conditions.

Moreover, the automatic operation and restart functions mean that it is very little for you to do to keep the device running smoothly. In addition, the self-diagnosis feature can help you know when there is a problem. The LED display offers easy control while the control lock keeps the device safe from any mishandling.

Are you searching for the best air conditioner? The COOPER AND HUNTER Alice Mini Split Ductless Air Conditioner is a perfect choice. It is renowned for its superior performance and energy efficiency. It features an integrated inverter technology with low voltage start-up to ensure smooth performance with easy operation.

It features a sleek and modern design that responds to the needs of current lifestyles. It is elegant to ensure it conforms and boost the existing décor. In fact, it is purposely designed to be compatible with modern interior designs. In addition, the device is child proof. Well, it features a control lock feature that saves settings and prevents kids from manipulating them.

The Alice ductless mini split air conditioner and heat pump boast whisper quiet operation. The compressor is designed to work at low frequencies. So, this is a thing to look closely if you’re looking for the best and energy efficient air conditioner. This series won’t let you down.

This is the option to consider if you’re looking for an air conditioner that will be very easy to operate. Also, this device is solidly designed to ensure it stands the test of time. Well, the Inn nova ductless mini split air conditioner is not only easy to operate, but it is also compact.

This is an air conditioner that can boast A-class performance owing to its high airflow rate. However, the installation is a bit wanting. The unaided installation requires the use of some special tools. It boasts several modes which include dehumidification, cooling, heating, and ventilation. With an output of about 9000 BTU, this gadget is ideal for heating a 300-400 square feet area.

So, this is a classic option that is easy to use although the installation may appear tricky at first. Rated 15 SEER, this compact air conditioner is quite powerful for all the jobs you may want it to do for you. It uses unique carbon filters to keep the entire atmosphere fresh. You will also be impressed by Turbo mode, dual directional air flow and whisper quiet operation.

The package comes with an indoor and outdoor unit, a wireless remote control and 15 ft communication wire with installation and operation manuals. The system uses GMCC Toshiba Compressor. This unit is highly efficient and will not cost you a lot of money.

It stands out from the competition because of its compact and quiet design. Moreover, the comfortable sleep mode feature lets this unit operate at a silent volume and the advanced inverter technology helps maintain a steady temperature for superior comfort.

Aside from the quiet mode, the unit also features a 24-hour timer, LED display, seven indoor fan speeds, 2-way draining connection and corrugated filter screen. There is also an auto defrost, auto restart and auto cleaning feature that makes this unit user-friendly and easy to maintain. The company also throws in a 5-year warranty on parts for your peace of mind.

Pioneer’s Trio Split Heat Pump System has a maximum cooling capacity of 30,600 BTU and a maximum heating capacity of 32,860 BTU per hour. The YN-series is built with the latest technology for superior performance and excellent results.

The indoor unit features an attractive flat front panel and dimmable LED display. There are also permanent washable air filters and a multi-speed fan motor. The quiet operation of this system will give you a restful night.

The remote features a large LCD backlit display that makes it easy to use each indoor unit. Pioneer’s multi-split systems come in four different versions and provide decentralized and independent zone control to give you the perfect climate in each room.

This is the most affordable and efficient way to heat and cool your home throughout the year. The system is designed with Inverter technology to give you a perfect way of controlling the climate in your home. There is a silent indoor handler that provides powerful cooling and heating.

There is also an outdoor condenser that is mounted outside. The unit also comes with a programmable remote control for precise temperature control and a free 16 ft installation kit to improve its functionality. This system is ideal for single rooms, garages, and restaurants. It is quite compact and powered by a GMCC Toshiba compressor.

The affordable system comes with a year’s warranty on parts for your peace of mind. If you are looking for a powerful cooling and heating system for your home, then Senville’s model is the perfect system to consider.

This company will impress you with its services: they combine quality, comfort, effectiveness, and power in a single package at a price that is truly worth it. The system comes with an indoor and outdoor unit, a remote controller and other installation accessories in a kit for improved functionality.

The ductless mini split system makes it possible to heat or cool your room with ease without worrying about the noise level. The system has a cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU per hour and a heating capacity of 12,000 BTU per hour.

How much does a mini split air conditioner cost?

The prices of these models vary depending on the BTUs they offer. Generally, though, expect to spend at least $600 to $3,500 for a single-zone model.

Conclusion

Now that you have the right information, it is time to choose the best mini split air conditioner for your specific needs. Keep in mind that while the models we have listed offer different features, the buying guide we have included should let you know which one is right for your home.