Best Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump System For DIY 2025

DIY mini split heat pumps are an effective, money-saving method of heating and cooling your home without the need of a professional installation.

We compare the top mini split heat pump systems that can be installed by the DIYer, in terms of inverter technology, energy efficiency (SEER ratings), BTU capacity, smart features, and climate zone compatibility below.

The comparison table can be used to get a quick look at such important specs as BTU, SEER, minimum operating temperature, and whether a unit has pre-charged lines to make DIY installation easy.

DIY Mini Split Heat Pump	Capacity (BTU)	Efficiency & Climate	Notable Features
MrCool DIY 4th Gen 12,000 BTU	12,000 BTU (≈500 sq ft)	22 SEER (heats to -13°F)	Wi-Fi Smart Control, Pre-charged 25ft line, Energy Star
Klimaire DIY 12,000 BTU	12,000 BTU (≈550 sq ft)	19 SEER2 (heats to -13°F)	Alexa/Google Control, Pre-charged 25ft line, Wall Bracket Incl.
Pioneer Diamante 12,000 BTU	12,000 BTU (≈500 sq ft)	19 SEER (heats to -13°F)	Optional Wi-Fi Kit, Durable Build, Requires Vacuum Install
Senville LETO 12,000 BTU	12,000 BTU (≈550 sq ft)	21 SEER (heats to 5°F)	Alexa Enabled, 4-in-1 Mode, Requires Vacuum Install
Cooper & Hunter MIA 12,000 BTU	12,000 BTU (≈500 sq ft)	20.8 SEER2 (heats to 5°F)	Wi-Fi Ready, Whisper Quiet, Requires Pro Install
DuctlessAire 12,000 BTU	12,000 BTU (≈400 sq ft)	17.6 SEER2 (heats to ~5°F)	Quiet Operation, Complete 16ft Kit, Requires Vacuum Install
DELLA 12,000 BTU	12,000 BTU (≈550 sq ft)	19 SEER2 (heats to -4°F)	Wi-Fi/Alexa, 4D Airflow, Requires Vacuum Install

Why Choose a DIY Mini Split Heat Pump?

You can save thousands of dollars of professional HVAC installation costs by installing a mini split heat pump yourself. DIY mini splits are easy to install and usually come with pre-charged refrigerant lines that allow homeowners to install components without special tools or vacuum pumps.

These ductless systems are efficient in heating and cooling using inverter technology and are suitable in places where ductwork is not feasible to run. Homeowners in the hot Southern states and cold Northern states are looking to DIY mini splits due to their energy efficiency, zoned comfort control and year round performance.

By choosing a DIY-friendly unit, you will receive a full kit that will include all the components required to install it: indoor air handler, outdoor condenser, line set, control wires, and mounting hardware. Most of them work with Wi-Fi or smart thermostats, which can be controlled remotely and easily scheduled.

You can select a model that will work in your climate zone (some can work in winters with temperatures below zero), and you can have heat in winter and cooling in summer without the contractor.

Key Features to Compare in DIY Mini Splits

• BTU Capacity and Room Size: BTU rating should be matched with the size of the room. As an example, a 12,000 BTU (1 ton) mini split will usually serve an area of 400-600 sq ft. A unit that is too small will not be able to heat/cool and a unit that is too large will short-cycle.
• Energy Efficiency (SEER/HSPF): The higher the SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) the lower the running costs. Most of the most popular DIY mini split heat pumps have SEER 19-22 (up to ~20 SEER2 new ratings), which means highly efficient operation. High HSPF heating is also found in efficient heat pumps.
• Climate Capability: When you live in a cold climate, seek models that are rated to heat to -13F or so. Mini split heat pumps designed to operate in cold climates employ improved compressors and in some cases crankcase heaters to operate in low temperatures. Units such as MrCool and Pioneer can be able to sustain heating capacity even in subzero weather, some budget units are rated only to 5F or -4F.
• DIY Installation Features: The simplest systems to DIYers are pre-charged, quick-connect refrigerant line sets. These systems (e.g. MrCool DIY and Klimaire DIY) are supplied with refrigerant already sealed in the lines and condenser, and you can install them without vacuum pumps or special tools. Full installation kits (pre-flared copper lines, wiring, etc.) are also available, although they still need a vacuum pump to evacuate the air prior to the release of refrigerant. Think about how comfortable you are and whether you want the installation to be really tool-free or you do not mind a bit of HVAC vacuum work.
• Smart Connectivity: A number of new mini splits have Wi-Fi connection to be controlled through smartphone apps or voice assistants. In case you are interested in connecting your AC/heat pump to smart home solutions (Alexa, Google Assistant), select a model that has built-in Wi-Fi or is Wi-Fi ready. As an example, the units of Senville are Alexa-ready out of the box, whereas Pioneer and Cooper & Hunter have optional Wi-Fi dongles.
• Noise Level: Mini split heat pumps are characterized by low noise level. The lowest fan settings of indoor air handlers are as low as 2340 dB (quieter than a refrigerator). When installing in a bedroom or study, seek models that are advertised as whisper-quiet or look at dB ratings. The MIA series by Cooper & Hunter, e.g., is based on Whisper Technology, which makes it very quiet and thus suitable to bedrooms.
• Accessories: See what comes with the package. Good DIY kits usually include mounting brackets to the outdoor unit, decorative line set covers, remote controls and even touch-up paint to line holes. An entire set is cheaper than purchasing accessories individually. The DIY bundle of Klimaire also has the wall mounting bracket and the electric cables required, which is an added advantage to the DIY installers.

MrCool DIY 4th Gen 12,000 BTU Mini Split Heat Pump

The MrCool DIY 12,000 BTU is considered as the most convenient mini split heat pump to install by yourself. It is a 4th-generation model that is Energy Star certified and has a high efficiency rating (~22 SEER), and it can cool or heat a room or studio up to approximately 500 sq ft.

• Pre-Charged DIY Installation: MrCool has patented quick-connect line set, which is pre-charged with R-410A refrigerant. The 25-ft line set has screw-on connectors which allow you to install the system without vacuuming or special tools. Just run the lines, tighten with wrenches and the system is ready, it is a real DIY-friendly system.
• Performance: This 1 ton heat pump is dependable in cooling and heating. It is rated to provide full heat output to -13 o F, which makes it applicable even in cold weather. It is also capable of cooling efficiently even in outdoor temperatures of up to 115 o F. The inverter compressor adjusts to conserve energy and to keep constant temperatures.
• Energy Efficiency: The MrCool DIY is very efficient with an approx 22 SEER (up to 22.5 SEER2) rating. It is one of the few DIY minisplits which are Energy Star. Consumers have reported much reduced energy bills as compared to the old electric heaters or window AC units.
• Smart Features: Wi-Fi is built-in to be controlled through the MrCool app. Temperature, modes, and schedules can be controlled via your phone or be connected with Alexa and Google Assistant to be controlled by voice. This gives easy remote control and monitoring of the system.
• Low Noise: The indoor air handler is as quiet as ~23 dB at low fan speed (almost silent). It is quiet enough to use in a bedroom even at high fan settings. The outdoor condenser is approximately 50 dB which is lower than a normal conversation thus will not disturb the neighbors.
• Warranty: MrCool has a standard 7-year compressor and 5-year parts warranty. Interestingly, when you register the unit, you will receive a limited lifetime compressor warranty, which shows that the manufacturer is confident in DIY installation. This is a great advantage to long term peace of mind.

Highlight: MrCool DIY series is the gold standard of do-it-yourself mini splits, as it is easy to install (no HVAC technician required) and highly efficient and smart. It is a perfect option to homeowners who want a tried and tested method of adding heating and cooling without any hassles.

Klimaire DIY 12,000 BTU Mini Split Heat Pump

Another best choice among the DIY homeowners is Klimaire 12,000 BTU DIY Mini Split. The DIY series of Klimaire is such that you can install it yourself and not lose the warranty. This 1-ton (12k BTU) unit is 230V and can easily cover approximately 450-550 sq ft of area. It provides effective cooling and heating with SEER2 rating of 19 (about 20 SEER old rating).

• No-Vac Installation: The Klimaire has a 25-ft pre-charged quick-connect line set and pre-wired interconnecting cable, which is quite similar to the idea of MrCool. It is all plug and play: mount the indoor air handler, set the outdoor condenser, connect the refrigerant lines and wiring harness and you are almost there. It does not need any vacuuming and does not require specialty HVAC tools.
• Effective Inverter Operation: This heat pump has a variable speed DC inverter compressor that adjusts energy consumption. It has a 19 SEER2 rating that guarantees good energy savings. Klimaire made it to be all climate capable, it is able to heat when the outdoor temperature is as low as -13F and cool when the outside temperature is as low as 5F. This implies that it can fit well in most of the U.S. climatic regions, including cold winters in the north and hot summers in the south.
• Smart Control: The unit has an in-built smart connectivity. You can control settings using the Smart Life app (or TuyaSmart) anywhere on your smartphone. It is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home to use voice control. This enables immediate changes of temperature or mode and incorporation into smart home routines.
• Kit and Accessories: Klimaire offers a very complete installation kit. The box will contain the indoor unit, outdoor unit (pre-charged with refrigerant), the 25-ft insulated refrigerant line set with quick connectors, a 25-ft electrical communication cable and even a wall-mount bracket to hold the condenser. The fact that the wall mounting bracket is included saves the additional purchase and makes the DIY installation even easier (you can wall-mount or ground-mount the outside unit).
• Silent and Dependable: The indoor unit is very quiet with a low fan setting of about 34 dB, and it is due to its Whisper Quiet fan design. It is not intrusive in the bedroom or living room. The outdoor unit is constructed with a Goldish Fin coating on the coil to prevent corrosion, which is relevant to durability in salty or humid areas. Klimaire supports the system with a 5-year parts and 7-year compressor warranty, which indicates that the company is confident in DIY installations provided that their instructions are adhered to.

Point of interest: Klimaire DIY mini split is a complete package that is literally all-inclusive to the do-it-yourself installer. It is unique in its cold-weather ability and the presence of such extras as the mounting bracket. It is an excellent option when you desire a DIY heat pump that is durable in any season and has all the installation requirements.

Pioneer Diamante 12,000 BTU Mini Split Heat Pump

Pioneer Diamante 12,000 BTU is a popular mini split system among homeowners and also one of the best selling mini split systems in Amazon. Pioneer (by Parker Davis HVAC) is an old brand that provides cheap but quality ductless heat pumps. The Diamante series 12k BTU (1 ton) unit has a cooling efficiency rating of approximately 19 SEER and can heat down to -13 o F outdoors. It is a 230V system that is appropriate to spaces of about 400 500 sq ft.

• DIY-Friendly (with Caveats): It is not a quick-connect model, but a lot of experienced DIYers have successfully installed Pioneer units. The kit consists of 16 ft copper line set (pre-flared), indoor/outdoor units that are pre-charged with refrigerant of that length, control cable and drain. Installation requires running of the lines, flare connections, vacuuming of the lines and finally releasing the refrigerant. This implies that a vacuum pump and gauge set is required, or you can get an HVAC technician to do a final hook-up in a short time. It is slightly more complicated than MrCool/Klimaire, but thousands of customers have installed it themselves with the help of the elaborate manual and online tutorials.
• Efficiency & Performance: The inverter compressor in Pioneer offers up to 19 SEER cooling, and can produce heat even during very cold days (rated to -13F with reduced capacity). It is auto defrosting in winter and can cool down to approximately 122 o F in summer. This broad operating range means that it is versatile in climate zones. In the majority of moderate climates, the Pioneer will be able to keep the indoor temps very comfortable all year round with minimal power consumption.
• Controls and Optional Wi-Fi: The system is provided with an IR remote control to change mode, temperature, fan speed and set timers. Pioneer also has an optional Wi-Fi smart dongle (sold separately) which can be plugged into the indoor unit, allowing the system to be controlled with an app and be integrated into a smart home. The mini split can be controlled by your phone or voice assistant with the Wi-Fi accessory. In case you want smart features, it is good to know that you can upgrade this unit to have that feature.
• Quiet Comfort: The Pioneer is always commended by the users as being very quiet and having a powerful airflow. The indoor unit also features a silent mode that is whisper-quiet (low 30s dB range) and perfect to use in bedrooms at night. The outside compressor is also quite silent and will not disturb any of the neighbors. The Diamante line features a smooth, non-obtrusive design of indoor air handler that fits most rooms.
• Reliability and Support: Pioneer is known to have good customer support and a huge user base. It is AHRI rated and UL certified. The warranty is normally 5 years on the compressor and 2-3 years on parts (when installed as per their instructions, technically a professional installation is required to cover the full warranty). A large number of DIYers continue to use Pioneer due to its combination of value and performance, and are willing to put in a little additional installation work to get a lower price than the specialized DIY kits.

Highlight: The Diamante series by Pioneer is pro-grade performance at DIY price. It is one of the best choices when you need a reliable, effective mini split and do not mind (or can hire) the vacuuming part of the installation process. It has a powerful heating ability in cold weather and optional smart features, which makes it one of the most versatile mini split heat pumps in its category.

Senville LETO 12,000 BTU Mini Split Heat Pump

Senville LETO 12,000 BTU is a well-known low-cost mini split heat pump that has already impressed a lot of DIYers with its combination of features and cost. The LETO series 12k BTU unit (model SENL-12CD) produced by Senville is a 115V system with a high 20.8 SEER2 efficiency (about 22 SEER). It has a comfortable capacity of cooling/heating of approximately 450-600 sq ft. Senville sells this model as a 4-in-1 system, i.e., it is an air conditioner, a heater, a dehumidifier, and a fan.

• Smart Home Integration: The built-in support of Alexa voice control is one of the outstanding features. It is Alexa Enabled right out of the box, so once installed you can connect to your Wi-Fi and control temperature and settings using the Senville app or Alexa without touching a button. You may program routines (e.g. Alexa, turn on the AC at 6 PM) and change the climate wherever you are using a smartphone. Not many in this price range have integrated smart control of this kind.
• High Efficiency & Cooling power: The Senville LETO has a ~21 SEER efficiency, which keeps the running costs down. Its inverter compressor is smooth in modulation and people have complained about how fast it can cool an area. It also has a turbo mode to cool or heat fast in case you need to get to the set temperature fast. The system is AHRI certified and has the standard R-410A refrigerant that is pre-charged in the outdoor unit up to 25 ft.
• Heating Performance: LETO series is capable of delivering heat at ambient temperatures as low as 5 o F (-15 o C). This will satisfy the requirements of the majority of temperate zone users (it will heat comfortably in average winter conditions in such areas as the mid-Atlantic, Pacific Northwest, etc.). It will lose its heating ability in very cold conditions (below zero Fahrenheit) and Senville AURA series would be more suitable in such conditions. In moderate climates, this unit is effective in heating and can save the use of other sources of heat during winter.
• Installation Kit: Senville comes with a 16 ft copper line set, control wire and drain hose in the box. It is charged with refrigerant in advance to accommodate up to 25 ft of lines, but should be professionally installed (or a skilled DIYer with HVAC gauges) since the lines need to be vacuumed and then opened to relieve the charge. A lot of them self-install them by hiring or purchasing a vacuum pump or having a technician only commission it. It comes with all the required components, so you do not have to find any other installation material except mounting brackets or a pad to place the condenser (not included).
• Warranty & Support: Senville offers a 5-year compressor and 5-year parts warranty, which is rather strong in a unit of this price range. They provide customer support in the US and also provide technical support to troubleshoot. It should be mentioned that to keep the warranty, they (as well as most brands) will mention that the unit must be installed by a HVAC professional. But in reality Senville has been found to be fairly accommodating to DIY installers, going as far as assisting customers with any installation problems via telephone.
• Noise and Aesthetics: The indoor unit is sleek and contemporary in appearance, and it has an LED temperature display that can be switched off at night. It is very silent in its operation; the sound of the fan is like a low whisper when it is on low fan. The outdoor unit is also quiet in line with the higher-end models. Senville has a twin-rotary compressor design that is a balance between performance and low sound output.

Key feature: The Senville LETO is an excellent value mini split heat pump that is both efficient and smartly connected at a reasonable price. It is a great option when you are a DIYer on a budget and want modern features (such as Alexa voice control) and do not mind doing some DIY with the right tools or engaging a pro to do the last part of the installation. Its performance and value have been testified by thousands of positive reviews.

Cooper & Hunter MIA 12,000 BTU Mini Split Heat Pump

Cooper & Hunter MIA Series 12,000 BTU is a powerful ductless mini split that is popular due to its quality and low noise. C&H is a reputable brand (it tends to produce parts in conjunction with other brands such as Gree) and the MIA series 1-ton heat pump is a 115V system with 20.8 SEER2 (approximately 20 SEER). It is intended to be used in rooms of about 450 sq ft, and can cool as well as heat (down to 5 F ambient temperature to heat).

• Quality & Efficiency: Cooper & Hunter units have a reputation of being well built and durable. MIA 12k BTU is UL Listed and AHRI Certified, which means that it is a product that complies with high safety and efficiency requirements. It is one of the most efficient of its kind at 20+ SEER, which means that it will result in reduced electric bills. C&H are stable and many users prefer them to work continuously under heavy-duty (e.g. server rooms or workshops).
• Wi-Fi Ready Controls: Although the MIA series does not come with built-in Wi-Fi, it is Wi-Fi ready. Actually, the package comes with a smart Wi-Fi adapter through a special smart port. With the attached C&H USB adapter, you can manage the unit with the C&H smartphone app. This will allow you to turn it on/off, switch modes, temperature and fan speeds easily. It fills the gap between people who desire intelligent control in a unit that emphasizes the traditional reliability.
• Silent Operation: C&H has one of its marketing features as the Whisper Technology. The indoor air handler is designed to be ultra-quiet, and is therefore a perfect solution to bedrooms, living rooms or offices where noise is an issue. Customers have been known to remark that even the outdoor compressor is quieter than they anticipate. This is achieved by effective fan design and sound-absorbing insulation, which makes it a low-noise performance.
• Installation Notes: The Cooper & Hunter MIA is supplied with a 16 ft installation kit: pre-flared copper refrigerant lines, control cable and drain hose. The outdoor unit is charged with the refrigerant in advance according to that line length. But, similarly to Pioneer and Senville, it is not sold as a DIY kit, vacuuming of the lines and professional installation is advised to guarantee the warranty. With the knowledge, you can do it yourself, but keep in mind that C&H warranty (7 years compressor, 5 years parts) is formally professional installation. A lot of individuals continue to do it themselves and say that there is no problem with the functioning of the unit when it is installed correctly.
• Applications: This mini split heat pump is flexible: it can be used in residential (bedrooms, dens, additions) as well as light commercial (offices, retail kiosks). It has a broad operating temperature range, cooling operation can be performed in cold weather and heating operation can be performed in mild subzero cold. It is a good option, therefore, to people who require climate control throughout the year.

Highlight: Cooper & Hunter MIA 12k is a whisper-quiet and very efficient model. It is an excellent choice in case you value the quality of the build and silence, and you do not mind that it is not a plug-and-play DIY model. The unit also comes with the latest smart control convenience with the included Wi-Fi adapter.

DuctlessAire 12,000 BTU Mini Split Heat Pump

A less popular but good performer in smaller spaces (up to approximately 400 sq ft) is the DuctlessAire 12,000 BTU mini split. This 1-ton ductless heat pump is reasonably efficient with a SEER2 rating of 17.6, and it is also capable of offering year-round comfort because of its cooling and heating capabilities. DuctlessAire sells the system as a full installation kit, which is attractive to the DIY installer, but lacks the tool-free quick connectors of some dedicated DIY brands.

• Full Installation Kit: The kit comes with 16 ft line set (insulated copper, pre-flared), indoor unit, outdoor unit, 16 ft of control wiring, and drain hose which is basically all that is required in a typical installation. The outdoor condenser is charged with the refrigerant in advance to accommodate the line length included. Although you still have to vacuum the lines in the process of installation, it is convenient to have everything ready. The accompanying manual offers set up advice and a large number of moderately skilled do-it-yourselfers have been able to install DuctlessAire units without any problems.
• Heating & Cooling Performance: This unit is year-round comfort designed. It has a cooling capacity of 400 sq ft and dehumidifies in the summer season. It can be used to heat to an outdoor temperature of about 5 o F (which is typical of standard heat pumps). In extremely cold weather, its performance will be low, hence it is more appropriate in moderate climates or as an add-on heat in colder regions. Its inverter compressor technology makes it ramp up or down in a smooth way to ensure that it does not have big fluctuations in the set temperature.
• Low Noise: DuctlessAire is focused on low noise. The indoor unit has a silent blower and several fan speeds, thus you can choose a low and quiet setting to have a low airflow. Users say that it is extremely quiet in use and it is generally heard as a slight hum when the room is quiet. It is therefore a good choice in a small bedroom or home office where noise can be a nuisance.
• Durability & Design: The outdoor unit has a rust resistant cabinet and is designed to resist different weather conditions. It also features an in-built basepan heater in winter to avoid the accumulation of frost, which is an addition that is usually present in higher-end models, a pleasant surprise in a budget-friendly model. It is equipped with the so-called 3D Air Flow technology, which implies that the louvers can distribute air in various directions to provide the even cooling/heating of the space.
• Smart Features: The model is marked as WiFi/Alexa ready, which means that you can add smart control with the help of an optional add-on (sold separately). It is controlled with the help of the remote control that comes with it and without the add-on, it has the standard settings (mode, temperature, fan, swing, timers). In case you want to integrate smart home, the extra module would be inserted to provide you with app and voice control.
• Warranty: DuctlessAire offers a warranty (usually about 1 year parts, 5-7 years compressor – one should check current conditions). They also advise professional installation as is the case with others. But with the smaller presence of the brand, a large number of purchasers are DIYers who were tempted by the cheaper price. You should consider pressure testing and vacuuming the system correctly to guarantee long life in case you do it yourself.

Highlight: The DuctlessAire 12k BTU mini split is a very quiet and competent heat pump that can be used in small spaces and it comes with a complete installation kit and it is reliable. It is a decent choice of cost-sensitive customers who are willing to have a full solution and are not afraid of the installation procedure (or are ready to pay a technician to do some of it). Its low noise level and cold weather features are a bonus to its year-round use.

DELLA 12,000 BTU Mini Split Heat Pump

DELLA 12,000 BTU Mini Split is a very popular product on Amazon, which is characterized by a large number of features and low price. This 115V ductless mini split has an approximate cooling efficiency of 19 SEER2 and can cover up to 550 sq ft. Della has a lot of the bells and whistles you would expect in a more expensive unit, including smart WiFi connectivity and multiple operating modes, making it a very attractive budget option to the DIYer who is willing to do the installation.

• Energy-Saving Cooling: The Della has 12,000 BTU, and inverter technology, which makes it efficient to cool a studio, large bedroom, or small living room. It has a 19 SEER2 rating (approximately 20 SEER), which makes it energy efficient and saves up to 30 percent of electricity consumption as compared to the older AC systems. It is also ETL Listed and AHRI Certified, and it is safe and performs well.
• Heating in Cold Weather: This is a heat pump that can heat to approximately -4 o F ambient. It has an intelligent compressor pre-heating and gold-plated fin coating to support the cold temperature performance. Although very low temperatures can decrease its heating capacity, it will generate heat even when it is below 0 C outside, which is remarkable of a budget mini split. This renders it feasible as a main heat source in the less cold winter areas and an auxiliary heater in the extremely cold areas.
• Smart & Convenient Features: Della packed a lot into this model:
  • 4D Air Flow: Motorized louvers move both vertically and horizontally, distributing air evenly throughout the room (up/down and left/right air sweep).
  • I-Feel Sensor: The remote control contains an in-built temperature sensor. In I-Feel mode, the system will adapt to the temperature at the position of the remote, so that the space around you will be at the desired level of comfort (not only where the indoor unit is located).
  • Various Modes: In addition to cooling and heating, it has a dry (dehumidification) mode, fan-only mode, sleep mode (to make gradual temperature changes at night), and turbo mode to make a quick conditioning.
  • WiFi App Control: This model is compatible with a mobile application and is promoted to be Alexa-compatible to be controlled by voice. You can switch the system on/off or adjust settings through your phone or smart speaker, which is convenient particularly when you are not at home or you need to cool a room in advance.
• Installation Considerations: Della mini split is supplied with the standard 16.4 ft line set and installation accessories. But this is not a DIY quick-connect unit; it needs line-set vacuuming. The manufacturer clearly mentions that it should be professionally installed and it is not a do-it-yourself product. Practically, most users have installed themselves by reading the instructions keenly, flaring and connecting the lines, vacuuming and testing the lines. In case you intend to DIY, make sure you possess or hire the right HVAC equipment to do it. Since the unit is cheap, some customers will just pay a professional to work on the unit only 1-2 hours to work on the critical refrigerant component, and they will mount and drill it themselves.
• Noise Levels: The indoor unit of Della is set at approximately 42 dB on the lowest level, which is quite quiet, i.e. the sound of a library. At increased fan speeds it will be audible yet not obtrusive (similar to white noise). The sound is not a problem in most home applications and most people use them in bedrooms without any complaints.
• Value Proposition: The greatest attraction of the Della 12k mini split is the value. You can have a complete heat pump system frequently at a much lower price than high-end brands. It is especially appealing to garages, workshops, home additions or offices where you do not want to spend too much money on good climate control. The trade-off is perhaps a little more work in the installation and the necessity to make sure everything is calibrated correctly, but when it is running, users report that it works as well as more expensive units in cooling and heating the space.

In short: Della 12,000 BTU mini split is a cost-effective smart mini split workhorse. It is perfect to DIYers who are sure in their installation abilities or who are ready to receive some professional assistance. When correctly installed, it offers silent, effective cooling and heating and the Wi-Fi/Alexa features it comes with make it a contemporary addition to any room at a small fraction of the price of brand-name systems.

DIY Mini Split Heat Pumps for Multiple Zones

And, in case you want to climate control more than one room with a single system, DIY multi-zone mini split heat pump solutions are also available. There are brands such as MrCool that provide multi-zone DIY systems (such as a 36,000 BTU condenser that can be connected to 2-4 indoor air handlers). The systems are also supplied with pre-charged quick-connect lines to each indoor unit, so a homeowner can install a whole-home solution without the need of HVAC technicians.

DIY multi-zone kits allow you to control the temperature in each room (zone) separately using individual remotes or smart controls, which can make your home much more comfortable and efficient.

When considering a multi-zone DIY mini split, keep in mind:

• Sizing: You will have to select a condenser size (BTU capacity) that would be able to accommodate the total load of all the target rooms. The typical DIY multi-zone sizes are 27k BTU (3-zone) or 36k BTU (4-zone), etc. Make sure that the BTU rating of each indoor unit is suitable to the size of the room.
• Installation: The complexity of installation goes up with multi-zone units because you must mount and connect several air handlers and run several line sets. The principles are however the same, no vacuum required when using the supplied quick-connect lines. The only thing is to carefully plan the layout of lines (you might need to drill bigger holes to run more than one line or use a different position on the wall to run the lines to each room).
• Electrical: Multi-zone condensers normally need 230V circuit and increased amperage. Make sure that your electrical panel is capable of supporting the required breaker and that you are adhering to electrical codes in the safe wiring of the system.

Despite these factors, a large number of home owners are able to install multi-zone DIY systems to heat and cool their entire home or a large part of it. The initial kit price is more, but it may be cost-effective compared to the installation of several single-zone systems or central system with ductwork. And you also have zoned control, a major efficiency advantage of mini splits.

Note: In very large or complicated installations, or in case you feel uncertain about multi-zone installations, you may always consider hiring a professional to do part of the work. Other users perform a hybrid DIY, mounting units and running lines themselves, and then paying a professional to test connections and commissioning. This is still cost-effective and at the same time everything is tuned to perfection.

DIY Ductless AC Heat Pump Kit Buying Guide

Our Ductless System Buying Guide contains all the fundamental knowledge you need to know about these wonderful systems and make a decent decision about your home.

The data here is particular to DIY mini split or ductless systems.

Make Sure it is DIY Friendly

It should possess the following characteristics to be a DIY ductless AC heat pump:

• The unit and line set have pre-charged refrigerant.
• Not need professional meters or vacuum.
• Not require adding any refrigerant.

What the Kits Don’t Include

You’ll need the following that are not in the kit:

• A special 208/220 circuit in your electrical panel (a few are 110/120).
• Wiring to a junction box in which the wiring will be joined.
• A junction box AC shut-off.

In case you are able to DIY these steps, then you will literally save a lot of money

How Much Can You Save?

The maximum cost savings are possible up to 2,700 dollars, possibly a bit more. When homeowners perform a big part of the work, they save approximately 925 dollars with DIY installation. This is a cost analysis and cost saving.

Pro installation will include “what the kits don’t include.”

There are sites or product pages which may indicate that you can save the entire cost of installation. Install yourself, DIY the stuff that the kits do not cover and you can save everything but the cost of wiring, a junction box and the single (110V) or double (220V) circuit. The materials cost less than 75 dollars.

However, when you employ an electrician to perform the wiring and connect or attach to circuits in the electrical panel, the cost of these things is $850 – $1400 in most houses.

This will mean that you will save a lot less in total, somewhere between $450 and 1,100 with an average of 675. The only thing you would save in this case is the price of the following steps:

• Hanging the outside unit
• Hanging the inside unit
• Making a hole in the outside wall
• The two units are linked together using refrigerant line and electrical wiring
• Putting a drain line out of the house
• Testing and fine-tuning the system

Nevertheless, a DIY ductless AC system is worth a consideration, as it can save more than a thousand dollars. This is particularly so when you are good at mechanics.

DIY Ductless AC Installation

One reader proposed the following list of the so-called skills required to properly install a do-it-yourself mini split AC or heat pump:

• Patience
• Common sense
• Mechanical aptitude and experience
• Knowledge of electrical codes
• Simple tools and common ability to use them

Videos are also an irreplaceable assistance in describing the negative connotations of some brands. This is a video on a Pioneer DIY mini split system installation.

Pros and Cons of DIY Ductless AC Systems

So here is a quick summary of what is to like and what is not to like so much.

Pros:

The list of advantages of ductless ACs is long such as low energy demands, operation at sub-zero temperatures where conventional heat pumps would not work.

Reduced potential cost with the largest cost factor being the amount of the work you are willing and able to do.

Cons:

It should be installed properly- or the system will not perform what it is supposed to perform.

The amount of money saved is not as much as you would imagine when you employ an electrician to wire unit.