Confortotal mini split air conditioners are cost effective ductless heat pump systems that have gained popularity among the DIYs in the US.
These units are said to be effective in cooling and heating and they are very cheap compared to the big name brands.
We have done a detailed analysis of Confortotal mini splits with their specifications, actual user reviews, advantages and disadvantages, cost, installation and warranty and compared them with other well-known brands such as Pioneer, MrCool, Mitsubishi and Gree.
To get a glimpse of the advantages, disadvantages, and main specifications of Confortotal mini split systems, the table below will give you a quick rundown of the same:
Pros | Cons | Key Specs |
---|---|---|
Affordability: Very low cost (around $500 for a 12,000 BTU/1-ton kit ). DIY-Friendly: Many owners install it themselves with included kit (lineset, wiring) and basic HVAC tools . Quiet Operation: Indoor unit operates around ~42 dB, providing quiet cooling . Heating & Cooling: Functions as a heat pump for year-round use (cooling in summer, heating in winter). Wi-Fi Option: Some models include Wi-Fi/Smartphone control (Alexa compatible) for convenience . | Limited Warranty: Only 1 year on parts and 5 years on compressor , shorter than premium brands. Support/Documentation: Sparse manuals (users often have to find guides online) and less established customer support. Mixed Reliability: Some reports of failures (e.g. loss of cooling after 1 year) , indicating variable long-term durability. Installation Challenges: Requires vacuum pumping and proper flaring; not a pre-charged “plug-and-play” system like certain DIY kits. Cold Climate Limits: Heating performance drops below ~25–30 °F outdoor temp , so not ideal for extreme cold without backup heat. | Capacity: 12,000 BTU (1 Ton) model cools ~450–550 sq ft . (Other sizes available up to ~60,000 BTU for large areas.) Efficiency: ~21 SEER cooling efficiency on inverter models (meets modern standards; uses R410A refrigerant). Voltage Options: Comes in 115V or 230V versions for 1 Ton units , making it versatile for different home electrical setups. Included Kit: Complete install kit with copper line set, wiring, drain hose, and remote control for DIY installation. Features: Remote-controlled with modes for cool, heat, dry, fan, auto. Some models have Smart Life app connectivity for Wi-Fi control . |
Overview of Confortotal Mini Split Systems
A Confortotal mini split system package – the indoor air handler (top), the outdoor condenser unit (bottom right, with Confortotal logo), the remote control and the installation kit (refrigerant lines, wiring and accessories).
These parts enable the ductless system to be installed completely on a DIY basis.*
Confortotal provides single-zone ductless mini split air conditioners with heat pump, which is aimed at house owners who want to find a cheap way to provide comfort.
The brand sells units of different sizes (usually between 9,000 BTU and 24,000 BTU on wall-mounted units, some larger 36,000+ BTU and even 60,000 BTU units on larger spaces). The systems have an indoor wall-mounted evaporator and an outdoor condenser. The units utilize the standard refrigerant R-410A and a 1-ton (12k BTU) system has approximately 2.2 pounds of refrigerant charge at the factory, which is adequate to the standard line lengths supplied. The indoor unit is a sleek neutral design (white casing) that fits into most interior design and the outdoor unit is a small white metal cabinet with the Confortotal logo.
Efficiency and technology: The inverter models of Confortotal have a decent efficiency rating, about 21 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) of cooling, even though the price is low.
This compares to most mid-range mini splits, so they will be able to provide comfortable cooling without blowing your electric bill. The Wi-Fi units use variable-speed (inverter) compressors, which enables them to vary output and maintain constant temperatures without the need to turn on and off repeatedly. This saves energy and also enhances comfort due to more stable room temperatures . Regarding heating, Confortotal mini splits are heat pumps that can be used to provide warmth during colder months; they are usually rated to operate in outdoor temperatures as low as 25-30°F before additional heating might be required . This renders them suitable to moderate climates, although during freezing winters they will not be able to heat as well as the higher-end systems labeled as hyper heat.
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Features: Confortotal units are supplied with a digital remote control which allows easy use of modes (cooling, heating, dehumidify, fan-only, and auto).
Most of the models have built-in Wi-Fi as well, which enables smart control through a mobile application (Tuya SmartLife) or voice control (Alexa/Google Assistant) . That is remarkable at the price, as you can program temperatures or times via your phone, which on some rival models is optional. The other features are an LED temperature display on the indoor unit, automatic restart after power outage and a Clean mode. Actually, the system is self-cleaning and will flash a reminder code of CL to remind one to clean the filters after prolonged usage. The airflow of the indoor unit can be automatically oscillating (up/down vane swing) to spread air evenly and Confortotal claims that the condenser coils are coated to resist corrosion by the elements . They are not as sophisticated as some of the high-end brands, but they have all the necessities in terms of comfort and convenience.
The manufacturer of Confortotal boasts of 30 years of ensuring comfort and states that it is a leader in the production of air conditioners.
As a matter of fact, Confortotal seems to be a brand name of a distributor (located in Texas, USA) which obtains units in large OEM plants. As a matter of fact, HVAC fans have noted that Confortotal mini splits are probably manufactured by large OEMs like Midea or Gree, and rebranded to be sold. This is not uncommon, most of the value priced mini splits in North America are produced by a few Chinese firms and marketed under different brand names. The positive is that the main technology in Confortotal units is comparable to that of well-known brands (as Midea/Gree manufacture on behalf of many leading brands), which may provide good performance at a good price.
Technical Specifications and Performance
Technical specifications A typical Confortotal 12,000 BTU (1 Ton) mini split system will have the following specifications:
- Cooling Capacity: 12,000 BTU/hr (1 ton), which is appropriate to an area of about 450-550 sq. ft. (e.g. a large bedroom or a mid-sized living room). Additional capacities are 9,000 BTU (3/4 ton) to ~350 sq. ft. rooms up to 18,000 BTU (1.5 ton) to ~7001,000 sq. ft. and multi-ton models to large or multiple spaces.
- Heating Capacity: About 12,000 BTU of heating capacity too (heat pump). Adequate to the same area in mild winter. But in very cold weather heating output declines; Confortotal units can be depended upon to maintain heating capacity only to about 25-30°F outdoors, beyond which efficiency declines.
- Efficiency Ratings: ~1921 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) on cooling on the inverter model . The newer 115V models are about 21 SEER (which is ~17.5 SEER2 under new rating standards). Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is normally 9-10 in 12k BTU. Standard models usually have heating performance of about 9-10 HSPF (Heating Season Performance Factor). These figures represent fair efficiency, much higher than window ACs and at least as high as the U.S. minimum efficiency standards, but slightly less than high-end mini splits with SEER 25+. Nevertheless, users say that the Confortotal are very efficient in real life application provided they are sized correctly.
- Sound Levels: The indoor unit is very quiet, about 26-42 dB range (depending on fan speed). A single user mentioned that the units are very quiet and maintain temperature well even during hot days in Alabama, which is an indication that noise is not a problem. The outdoor compressor unit makes noise within the range of 50-55 dB, which is similar to a low conversation, and is hardly noticeable when mounted outside at ground level.
- Electrical: 9k and 12k BTU models require 110-120V ~60Hz power (which can be plugged into a dedicated 15-20A circuit), larger models require 208-230V. This voltage flexibility is an advantage, in that a 1-ton Confortotal can be installed in a house without a 240V circuit by using the 115V model, and is thus available to retrofit older houses or additions. A 12k unit consumes power of about 900-1200 watts with full capacity cooling.
- Refrigerant and Plumbing: R-410A refrigerant (pre-charged in the outdoor unit to a standard line length). The copper line set that is included is normally 12 to 16 feet. The installation kit comes with the copper lines (flared ends), the control cable, the condensate drain hose, the wall sleeve and the putty, in other words, all that is needed to do a typical installation, except the mounting bracket and the electrical disconnect. A professional can cut or extend the line set in case it is necessary (adding more refrigerant to it in case of extension).
- Operating Range: The ambient range of cooling mode is approximately 60°F to 115°F outside. Heating mode range is approximately 30°F to 75°F outside to produce good output (below 30F the system will probably still operate but with a greatly reduced capacity). The unit has an automatic defrost mode to cope with the frost formation on the outside coil during heating mode, and this mode comes on when necessary to avoid ice.
In general, the specs of Confortotal show a competent mid-range mini split system. It provides the essential performance that is required to be comfortable, which is quiet operation, good efficiency rating, and cooling and heating capabilities.
It does not have the extreme high efficiencies or cold-climate performance of the top shelf brands, but on paper it competes well with other budget mini splits. Now we should take a look at how these specifications convert into actual advantages and disadvantages to homeowners.
Pros and Cons of Confortotal Mini Splits
Taking into consideration a Confortotal mini split, one should compare its benefits to its disadvantages.
The major advantages and disadvantages according to specifications and user experiences are given below:
Pros:
- Ultra-Affordable Price: The most outstanding advantage is the price. Confortotal units are available at a fraction of the cost of brand name systems. As an example, a 12,000 BTU (1 ton) Confortotal with the installation kit can be found at around $450-600, most competitor mini splits of similar capacity cost 800 and more. The 12k BTU heat pump was bought by one DIY installer on eBay at a price of approximately 500 dollars. This low initial price reduces the entry threshold of effective cooling/heating in residential properties that would otherwise remain with window units or portable ACs.
- Full DIY Kit: Confortotal kits contain practically all the items required to install (pre-flared copper lines, wiring harness, drain, remote, etc.) . Basic handy skills and HVAC knowledge have enabled homeowners to install these units without hiring labor saving them money. A Reddit user said that they installed their Confortotal mini split was “real easy to do yourself with basic HVAC knowledge” . A pre-packaged kit to install is a great advantage to the DIYers.
- Simple to Install (with DIY Experience): Although any mini split is tricky to install, users claim that Confortotal is not too complex. The line sets are pre-flared and pre-insulated, you basically install the indoor air handler, drill a hole in the lines, connect the piping and wiring to the outdoor unit, vacuum the lines, and charge the refrigerant. It is like any other DIY mini split, and lots of handy homeowners have done it in an afternoon. The manual that comes with it (where it exists) and the general design (like Midea/Gree units) allow you to use general mini split installation instructions. The installation is quite friendly to a DIY project as long as you own or rent a vacuum pump and manifold gauge set.
- Silent and Comfortable: The owners often commend the silent performance and consistent comfort of Confortotal mini splits. The indoor units are multi-speed and auto, and the airflow is very quiet to maintain the temperature. Users reported that the unit maintains the set temperature well even under heavy cooling loads in hot climates and it does not roar like a window AC. The general opinion is that after being installed, the Confortotal does its cooling/heating duty surprisingly well without attracting attention, it is super quiet and can cope with very hot days as one Amazon reviewer in Alabama testified .
- Energy Efficiency: Confortotal units are energy-efficient given the cost of the unit with an inverter compressor and SEER ratings of about 20. They are much more efficient than older central air systems or window units and this can mean a visible difference on your electric bill during the summer months. When users upgrade inefficient ACs to this mini split, they usually experience the low power consumption in the form of utility bills that they can easily handle, particularly when they use the scheduling or eco modes to prevent unnecessary running. It is a budget unit, so SEER 20+ is a pro, it means that the unit performs on the Energy Star-like level (in its size category) .
- Included Heat Pump (All Year Round): Unlike a typical AC, the Confortotal is a heat pump, which can be reversed to heat your area during winter. Such two-in-one can minimize the necessity of additional heating during shoulder seasons. The mini split can take care of all your heating requirements in moderate climates until the weather becomes below freezing. The ability to heat a unit that costs $500 is a lot of value, and it is like having an HVAC system that works all year round in a single package.
- Modern Connectivity: Wi-Fi control and smart integration is a good plus at this price. A lot of Confortotal devices are compatible with the Smart Life app (Tuya platform) and can be controlled remotely using your smartphone or even using voice commands. This implies that you can set up the settings or check the temperature in your home even when you are not there. This is an advantage that competing budget brands do not always have or will charge an additional fee to have a Wi-Fi module, so it is a notable feature to tech-savvy users.
Cons:
- Short Warranty & Unknown Support: The biggest negative is that it has a short warranty and support system. Confortotal offers just 1 year warranty on parts and 5 years on compressor . This is significantly less thorough than a lot of established brands (which frequently provide 5-10 years on parts with registration). After a year, something might break down and you might have to pay the repair costs by yourself. Also, since such units are frequently sold through third parties (e.g. marketplace sellers on eBay/Amazon), it may be difficult to get warranty service or technical support. Confortotal does not have a large national service network of its own, and some users have been forced to depend on the seller or their own problem solving.
- Quality Control and Reliability: A budget brand may have inconsistency in reliability. There are owners who claim that their units have been operating without a hitch over the years and there are those who have had early failures. As an example, one of the customers stated that the heat was functional but the AC did not blow cold even after only a year of use, which means that the refrigerant has leaked or the component has broken. The other DIY installer discovered that the internal fuse in the outdoor unit blew on initial start up and had to be replaced . These stories indicate that the quality control might not be as strict as the high-end brands, and thus the chance of receiving a unit with a fault or one that will not last long is increased. Such parts as circuit boards or fan motors can be more likely to have problems in the long run. Said that, there are many users who have not experienced problems in 2+ years of use, so it depends. It is prudent to test the unit well after the installation and monitor the performance in the long run.
- Poor Cold Weather Performance: The heat pump in the Confortotal is fine in mild weather, but it is not made to work in cold weather. In case you reside in an area where the winter nights regularly fall below 2025 °F, you will discover that the heating capacity of this unit will reduce considerably and it may turn off to prevent damage. In comparison, top-end mini splits (such as the Hyper-Heating line of Mitsubishi) can be used in sub-zero temperatures. So, on the negative side, Confortotal is not the most suitable heating system as the main one in the cold north regions, you may require an additional heating source when it is very cold outside.
- Do-It-Yourself Installation (or Extra Cost): The ability to save money by doing it yourself is a pro to the do-it-yourselfer, but a con to the rest of us: to achieve the cost advantages of Confortotal, you probably need to do the installation yourself. The cost of hiring a professional HVAC installer on a customer-supplied unit may add several hundred dollars, which will wipe out part of the savings (and some pros will not install customer-provided equipment at all, or may not be familiar with the brand). The unit is not pre-charged with quick-connect fittings as a MrCool DIY (see below) so you will have to work with refrigerant lines. This implies vacuum pumping of the lines and there should be no leakages. This may be an obstacle to a person who lacks the tools or expertise. It is not always plug and play installation. Poor flares, incorrect vacuum are some of the mistakes during installation which may cause problems such as refrigerant leaks which affect the longevity. Concisely, Confortotal may not be the right choice when you are not comfortable with a DIY project or you are not ready to learn, and this may be a drawback in case you were expecting an easy-to-assemble snap-together solution.
- Manual and Documentation Gaps: A number of users have reported that the documentation is not sufficient. Not all units were shipped with a detailed manual and customers had to go online to find instructions or manuals of other models of the same type. There are PDFs to download on the official site, but the general advice on installation and use might not be as slick and thorough as you would expect of a big brand. This may complicate troubleshooting. As an example, it may take some time to determine the error codes or some advanced features by searching through forums or contacting other owners, as the support line is not extensive.
- Aesthetic and Build: The build quality and aesthetics of the indoor unit are quite basic though it is not a major problem. Its design is simple (white plastic chassis) and most people are fine with that, but it lacks the luxury fit-and-finish and thin profiles that some of the high-end models have. The outdoor unit, also, is functional. The mounting hardware and accessories may not be as robust (e.g. bracket or insulation quality) as more expensive kits. Confortotal may be one step behind in the looks or ultra-compact size department.
To conclude, the advantages of Confortotal mini splits revolve around their outstanding value and DIY-ability, which allows efficient cooling and heating to be affordable to cost-conscious consumers.
The downsides are based on the dangers of less expensive equipment: reduced warranty period, possible unreliability, and the necessity to install it carefully by oneself. Most owners believe that the trade-offs are worth it, but it is necessary to enter with realistic expectations and an idea of what (or what lacks) you will have after the purchase.
Real User Feedback and Long-Term Performance
No one can talk more about the performance of a product than the voices of real users in the long run.
A couple of years ago, Confortotal mini splits entered the possession of homeowners and hobbyists, and it received a variety of reviews. To give a picture of how these units work in practice we here list some real user experiences:
Positive feedback: Many Confortotal customers are surprised in a good way with what they receive in exchange of their money.
The most common positive review themes are silent performance, good cooling and simple installation. As an example, one Amazon reviewer who installed two units said, they are super quiet, hold the temperature well even on super hot Alabama days and are super efficient. Comfort Total is a great bargain…” . This kind of feedback indicates that the unit was able to maintain the area comfortable without struggling even in harsh conditions (high heat and humidity). One more Reddit user stated that his Confortotal mini split has served him well after two years of use: it has worked out great, he said. He was especially pleased that it was making his space comfortable in the long run, which means that some units are well built. The low power consumption is also a favorite among users, with some successfully integrating the mini split into off-grid or solar systems because of the inverter modulating and drawing fewer watts when the desired temperature is achieved.
The owners like the fact that the Confortotal is cheap and offers comfort as promised.
One of the members of the DIY forums referred to it as a cheap heat pump… I was able to withdraw a vacuum… there were no leaks… I released refrigerant… no leak… It was already in operation” . The unit ran as anticipated after the initial installation hiccups (replacing a blown fuse). It is not the only story of this kind: after the install is over, the system tends to cool and heat well. Most people note that the cooling capacity is good, a 12k BTU model can easily cool a 400-500 sq ft room, and the heating can be significant in colder weather in that room as well. Essentially, happy customers believe that they received all that was promised: a silent, functioning mini split, at a low cost.
Negative feedback: Everything has not been perfect. Other users encountered problems that dampened their spirit.
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One of the most common complaints of a group of owners is premature failure in the cooling feature. As an example, one of the customers on an HVAC QA board complained: “We used it only one year.” The A/C does not blow cold air but the heat pump does.” This indicates a short-term leakage of a refrigerant or compressor failure. Although such cases are not very widespread, they do occur and the owner may find himself in a dilemma considering the low warranty. A failed unit may require a purchase of a replacement unless they have refrigeration repair skills or are willing to pay to have it repaired (which may still prove cheaper than a high-end unit + install, but is an inconvenience and time waster).
The other problem that is discussed by the users is concerned with the controls and documentation.
One of the Reddit users asked to understand a code on the display, which was a reminder to clean the filters . Although this is not a malfunction, it is important to note that the user manual or instructions given failed to bring this out. Some users have had a problem with installing the Wi-Fi app or remote functions because of the lack of instructions. Nevertheless, the Confortotal owners community (on forums, YouTube, etc.) has been quite useful in exchanging tips, including how to change the temperature display between Celsius and Fahrenheit, or how to connect the unit to the app.
Reliability and maintenance: In the reliability department, there are reports of quirks, in addition to outright failures. One user noted that he would turn off the indoor unit using the remote and the compressor in the outdoor unit would not shut down immediately but would run until he shut off power at the breaker . This was a cause of concern over a wiring error or a control logic error.
This is not normal behavior and could be a defect or installation issue, but it is a case of the type of weird issue that some have experienced. Confortotal mini splits are easy to maintain on a regular basis, which mainly involves cleaning the air filters (washable filters should be rinsed monthly or as necessary) and making sure the outdoor condenser is free of debris. Self-clean mode of the system assists in minimizing the internal mold or mildew, however, it is advisable to clean the coils manually once a year to ensure the system lasts longer.
Another positive aspect of different HVAC forums is that even the cheap mini-splits will survive when properly installed and maintained.
A Reddit HVAC professional commented that he has observed a lot of cheap units that are still operating well even after 7-8 years, but poorly installed systems may fail after 4-5 years. This means that a Confortotal unit can provide a number of years of service, particularly when you are careful when installing (tight flares, correct vacuum, correct voltage) and maintaining. You should not be surprised to have 5-10 years of service out of it, but you might be unlucky and have a part break down sooner. Luckily, replacement parts (such as control boards, fan motors) to these generic designs are usually available through the seller or aftermarket and are relatively cheap, but you would probably be doing the replacement yourself or paying a tech to do it at your own expense.
General user opinion: In general, those who knew what they were purchasing (a low-end unit) tend to be very happy with it – they feel that they got their money and more.
The ones who got into trouble are likely to warn others that it is a gamble to some extent. This is because there is no strong support system and therefore results may be highly DIY. Provided you are not squeamish about rolling up your sleeves to deal with small problems (such as changing a fuse or tightening a fitting), and provided you watch the performance of the unit, a Confortotal mini split can be a satisfying, money-saving undertaking. In case you want a set it and forget it appliance with dealer support and a long warranty, the reviews indicate that you may be inclined to a more mature brand. We will then compare Confortotal head-to-head with some of those brands that have already established themselves in the market, namely Pioneer, MrCool, Mitsubishi, and Gree, to see how it fares on different fronts.
Installation Experience and Ease of Use
Installation of any mini split is one of the most important factors when buying one. In the case of Confortotal, the intended customer is usually a do-it-yourself installer.
In this case we describe the experience of installation of Confortotal units and their practical user-friendliness:
What is in the box: Confortotal kits are quite complete. Upon opening the package, you will get the indoor air handler, the outdoor unit, a remote control, and the installation kit (typically bundled accessories).
The kit contains insulated copper refrigerant lines (pre-made flare connections), a signal/power cable to connect indoor and outdoor units, a condensate drain hose on the indoor unit, wall sleeve and putty to pass the lines through the wall, and occasionally small accessories such as wrapping tape on the lines. The indoor unit mounting brackets are supplied (already mounted to the back of the air handler). You might have to buy or make a bracket or pad to the outdoor unit separately in case you do not have one. Its line set and wiring are also a huge plus, since it all comes in the right size and you do not have to run around trying to find parts that will fit.
DIY installation process: The process of installing a Confortotal mini split is basically the same as that of any ductless mini split:
- Install the indoor unit on the wall (normally high up close to the ceiling to allow the best air circulation). This is done by attaching the mounting plate to studs or by using the right anchors then the indoor unit is hung on it.
- Bore a 3-4 inch hole in the wall to carry the line set, drain hose and cable to the exterior. The wall sleeve that comes with the kit will assist in preventing these lines being chafed and the putty/sealant will seal the gaps.
- Install the outdoor pad or bracket and install the outdoor condenser. Make it level and in a position that has sufficient clearance of air flow.
- Run the refrigerant lines, drain, and cable from the indoor unit through the wall to the outdoor unit. The lines are bendable copper
How to Get the Best HVAC Prices
- Firstly, keep in mind that installation quality is always the most important thing for residential HVAC project. So never sacrifice contractor quality for a lower price.
- Secondly, remember to look up the latest rebates as we talked above.
- Thirdly, ask for at least 3 bids before you make the decision. You can click here to get 3 free estimates from your local contractors, and this estimate already takes rebates and tax credit into consideration and filter unqualified contractors automatically.
Lastly, once you chose the right contractor, remember to use the tactics from this guide: Homeowners Tactics When Negotiating with HVAC Dealer to get the final best price.