Mr Cool Mini Split Reviews 2026

The MrCool mini-split systems have become a common DIY-friendly home heating and cooling system.

This is a detailed overview of how MrCool mini splits perform, what features they have, what the installation process is like, and how energy-efficient they are, based on user reviews and professional opinion.

We also put the models of MrCool (such as DIY Series and Olympus Series) in comparison with other manufacturers like Mitsubishi, Daikin, and Pioneer.

Thinking about a single-zone unit to keep your garage comfortable or a multi-zone system to keep your entire home comfortable, read on to find out how MrCool compares in real-life reviews.

Overview Of MrCool Mini Split Systems

MrCool mini split system

MrCool is a young HVAC company that has already become known due to its ductless mini-split systems that can be easily installed by a do-it-yourselfer. In contrast to conventional mini-splits, which must be installed by a professional HVAC technician, MrCool flagship DIY series has pre-charged line sets and quick-connect fittings, which enable the owner to install the system without special tools or training.

This invention has turned MrCool into a preferred option among the handy homeowners who want to save on the installation expenses and also experience efficient heating and cooling.

The MrCool product range consists of a few lines that are adapted to various requirements:

  • DIY Series: These are single-zone heat pump mini splits (in their 4th and 5th generation) that are specifically designed to be installed by amateurs. They come complete with all the setup requirements including pre-charged refrigerant lines and come in sizes ranging approximately 12,000 BTU (1 ton) to 36,000 BTU (3 ton).
  • Olympus Series: The Olympus is the multi-zone series of MrCool, and it can support 2 to 5 indoor units with one outdoor condenser. It is aimed at whole-home or multi-room applications and is highly efficient (usually Energy Star rated) and even includes so-called Hyper Heat models that perform better in cold weather. These normally need to be professionally installed (line sets are not pre-charged) to be installed correctly.
  • Advantage Series: Single-zone line that is low-cost and is meant to be professionally installed. The Advantage units are well-efficient (approximately 1720 SEER) and are accompanied by a shorter warranty unless they are installed by a pro. They are a choice of people who do not mind getting an installer but would like to have a cheaper unit.
  • Universal Series: The Universal series is a special product, a more conventional central-type heat pump (2-3 ton or 4-5 ton convertible) that can be installed by the do-it-yourselfer. It is a whole-house heating/cooling ducted system that is in between mini-splits and traditional HVAC. This review will however concentrate more on the ductless mini-split units (DIY and Olympus lines).

In all these product lines, MrCool focuses on simplicity, low prices, and contemporary features. The brand is aimed at consumers interested in an effective heat pump system that is not so expensive and complicated to install like the traditional HVAC systems.

Current clients value this freedom of choice – a 24,000 BTU MrCool mini split (20 SEER) costs less than 2,700 dollars and was rated by users at an average of 4.5 stars, which is very high.

Performance And Energy Efficiency

The performance to efficiency ratio of MrCool mini splits is one of the greatest selling points of the mini splits. MrCool units are also very efficient in cooling and heating, and can even match more costly brands in terms of raw efficiency ratings.

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Indeed, nearly every MrCool model has an Energy Star rating and has a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating over 17, with most models in the 20+ SEER category. The newest 4 th Gen DIY systems, such as, have approximately 20 22 SEER (roughly 22.5 SEER2 in the new rating system) and this means that they can deliver comfort and use less electricity than older AC or heating systems. According to users, this means real savings: some homeowners have experienced significant reductions in their electric bills after installing a MrCool mini split, particularly when they were replacing inefficient electric baseboard heaters or window AC units.

MrCool mini splits are potent mini splits in terms of cooling performance. They are available in BTU ratings that are appropriate to small rooms (e.g. 9,00012,000 BTU to cover 300-500 sq ft rooms) up to 36,000 BTU units that can cool large open spaces or several rooms.

Customers often remark that the units are good in both cooling and heating modes and they are often more efficient and quieter than expected. The system has the ability to modulate its output through the use of inverter compressor technology and this enables the system to maintain constant temperatures without the noise associated with the conventional on/off cycling. The indoor air handler units are also very quiet to operate as many people find them to be, usually, the sound is a mere hum of the fan, and it can be easily covered by the background noise. The outdoor condensers are also fairly quiet (usually in the 50-60 dB range at full power, quieter at low speed), and thus can be used in residential neighborhoods without disrupting the peace.

Any heat pump must pass a critical test on heating performance and MrCool provides solutions to various climates. The typical DIY series heat pumps are capable of comfortable heating under moderate winter conditions and are rated to operate under subfreezing temperatures. The manufacturer claims that the MrCool DIY minisplit can heat to outdoor temperatures as low as -5°F and can operate (at reduced capacity) to -13°F.

This is a very strong feature of a DIY unit and implies that in most parts of the U.S. the MrCool can be used as a main source of heat. In very cold climates (northern states), MrCool Olympus Hyper Heat models take it a notch higher: the 9,000 BTU Olympus Hyper Heat, to give an example, has a high 28 SEER efficiency and is specifically optimized to work in cold weather. People that live in such climates report that these units are able to maintain their homes at comfortable temperatures even when the outside temperatures are in the single digits. (However, at very low temperatures below -13°F, the capacity of any heat pump will be greatly reduced, thus some users maintain a back-up heat source on those infrequent cold nights.)

It should be noted that the efficiency of energy in real life application is also determined by the correct sizing and installation. An appropriately sized MrCool mini split will operate efficiently and can save a lot of heating/cooling expenses, whereas an oversized or undersized unit may short-cycle or have difficulty.

A poster in one of the forums explained that these heat pump systems are functional and economical when used correctly and to many homeowners, it is a no-brainer decision because of the cost savings. Conversely, some users in extremely cold regions have complained of excessive electric consumption when overworking the unit beyond its optimal range e.g. one user in Kentucky reported that his electric bill tripled during a very cold winter with a MrCool running 24 hours a day. This implies that MrCool units are effective, but they should be properly set up and might be ineffective in extreme weather (in which case a supplemental heat source or a more powerful hyper-heat model may be a better choice).

Key Features And Technology

MrCool has a lot of contemporary features and technologies in their mini split systems. Some of the outstanding features are as follows:

  • Inverter Technology: Every MrCool mini split has a variable-speed inverter compressor. This enables the unit to vary its cooling/heating capacity continuously as opposed to on or off. The outcome is more consistent room temperatures, increased efficiency and less noise. It also minimizes the wear of the compressor which may prolong the life of the system.
  • Smartphone App And Wi-Fi Control: Newer MrCool models (Gen 3 and Gen 4 DIY, and the most recent Olympus multi-zones) have the SmartHVAC WiFi kit. This module allows wireless control through the MrCool app on your phone and works with smart homes. The system can be controlled remotely to change temperature, mode or fan settings and can be voice controlled via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. The Wi-Fi capability is a major advantage to tech-savvy homeowners and is not an added feature at an additional cost and some of the competing brands require additional cost to add the Wi-Fi adapters.
  • Quick-Connect Pre-Charged Line Sets: Another MrCool trademark (on the DIY line) is the patented quick-connect line set. Every DIY unit comes with pre-charged refrigerant lines that have special fittings which snap together very tightly. This obviates the necessity to vacuum the lines or to add refrigerant, which would otherwise need HVAC equipment and knowledge. The fittings are leak-proof in case they are connected correctly. This technology enables the DIY installation to be performed by amateurs and it is one of the technologies that make MrCool stand out among the other brands.
  • Leak Detection And Safety: Certain MrCool systems have inbuilt leak detection sensors which may notify the user in case the refrigerant is low. As an example, the 4th Gen Advantage series has a feature of advanced refrigerant leak detection. This may prevent running the unit with low refrigerant (which may destroy the compressor) and assists in the maintenance of the unit. Also, MrCool units are fitted with safety features such as freeze protection and voltage surge protection to enhance reliability.
  • All-Climate Comfort Modes: MrCool mini splits have the standard operating modes of Cool, Heat, Dry (dehumidification), and Fan-only. Dry mode intelligently dehumidifies the system; MrCool states that their units are able to control indoor humidity well within a broad range of temperatures (as low as 32 F and as high as 122 F). Auto mode also exists in the systems, where the systems alternate between cooling and heating when required and a Sleep Mode that gradually reduces the temperature at night to achieve greater comfort and energy savings.
  • Follow Me Feature: The MrCool handheld remote controls usually have an in-built temperature sensor. When the Follow Me is activated the system will read the temperature at the remote location (where you sit, for example) and will operate to achieve the desired setpoint at that location, not just sense at the high wall unit. This balances the comfort in the room.
  • Durability Improvements: MrCool outdoor units are corrosion-resistant to guarantee durability as they have a Gold Fin condenser coating. This is particularly handy when installing in coastal regions or high humidity where salt or moisture may cause equipment to rust. The units also have metal enclosures and good electronics that are similar to other big brands. Numerous users have reported that their MrCool systems are still running well year after year in the hot summer and cold winter without many problems, which means good durability.

In general, MrCool offers a set of features that can be compared to the current HVAC standards. Smartphone control, auto-swing louvers, programmable modes, and diagnostic alerts are all standard features, despite the fact that MrCool systems are frequently much less expensive than premium competitors.

The fact that it has the DIY quick-connect technology is a game changer to the self-installers. MrCool might not include some of the ultra-fine-grained controls or proprietary sensors that some premium brands are advertising, but in practice, it has all that is required to efficiently and comfortably control the climate in a home.

Installation And DIY Experience

MrCool excels in the ease of installation and that is what sets it apart the most in the mini-split market. The MrCool DIY series is deliberately made to be installed by a homeowner who has moderate handyman skills and this has been proven by many customer reviews. Most users claim that they were able to install their MrCool mini split within a day or a weekend and save hundreds or thousands of dollars on professional labor.

In one of the customer review summaries of Home Depot, the MrCool mini-split was often described as being easy to install, often as a DIY project by homeowners. This is the feeling that is expressed in most forums and videos where first time installers were able to install the unit by strictly adhering to the manual.

The basic steps of DIY installation of a single-zone MrCool mini split are as follows:

  1. Installing the indoor unit- A template of a wall bracket is given to drill holes and fix the indoor air handler on an outer wall. The users make sure that the unit is leveled and the drain line can be inclined downwards.
  2. Drilling an entry hole- A 3 inch to 3.5 inch hole is drilled in the wall through which the line set, drain hose and signal cable will be inserted. MrCool supplies a wall sleeve to line this hole.
  3. Installing the outdoor condenser -The outdoor unit must be set on a firm pad or it can be mounted on wall brackets. It is factory charged with refrigerant. It should be placed in a place where there is enough airflow and that snow or debris will not cover it.
  4. Refrigerant lines and cables connection- The line set is pre-charged and all that is required is to screw the fittings on the indoor and outdoor units using wrenches. There is no need of a vacuum pump since the lines are charged and sealed. The core of the DIY design of MrCool is this plug and play connection. The indoor unit (which is already pre-connected to a plug on DIY models) has electrical wires which connect to the terminals on the outdoor unit, and a communication cable links the two parts.
  5. Electrical hookup – DIY models that are 120V (such as the 12k BTU model) may occasionally be able to simply plug into a normal outlet, but most MrCool systems (particularly 230V models) will require a connection to a disconnect box and the correct breaker in your panel. Although the kit comes with cables, most users employ the services of a licensed electrician in this aspect to make sure that it is up to code and safe.
  6. Testing and purging air- When the installer has connected the equipment, he opens valves on the outdoor unit to purge the air into the lines. No addition of refrigerant is necessary. The system is then switched on and tested on cooling and heating. When everything is tight, then there must be no leakage and the unit must start cooling instantly. In the instructions provided by MrCool, it is stressed that the connections should be checked to see whether there is a leak of refrigerant.

The users always commend the simplicity of the manual of MrCool and the thoroughness of the DIY kit. The package does not only contain the units and lines, but also line insulation, putty to seal the wall penetration, vibration pads of the outdoor unit, and bushings/clamps to make the installation tidy.

This detailing makes the installation to be surprising easy to many people. One of the expert reviews mentioned that many users like the quick connect system where they can easily install it without professional assistance and save time and installation costs. Essentially, MrCool has eliminated the largest technical obstacles (charging refrigerant and vacuuming) in the installation procedure.

That being said, DIY installers are nevertheless advised to be patient and go by the instructions carefully. The refrigerant lines should also be properly torqued (two wrenches are needed to tighten so that you do not create leaks).

A typical tip is that it is not necessary to over-tighten beyond the specification, a user once over-tightened a valve and broke an Allen wrench bit in it, causing a refrigerant leak and some annoyance. These problems can be prevented when using the proper equipment and following the manual. Users can be assisted through any confusion in the setup by the documentation and customer support of MrCool.

To the not-so-confident, a middle ground that some people follow is to perform the mounting and installation themselves, and then call in an electrician to do the final wiring or have an HVAC technician inspect their handiwork. Since the MrCool DIY units do not void the warranty in case you install it yourself (the entire 7-year compressor, 5-year parts warranty is intact as long as you register the product, even without a licensed installer), homeowners are assured that they will not be losing protection by not hiring a contractor.

This is a major plus as compared to most other brands that need professional installation to warrant the warranty.

How about the installation of the MrCool Olympus multi-zone systems or Advantage series? These models are normally fitted by professionals, but good DIYers have also attempted to fit them. The Olympus multi-zone units are supplied with flare connections and usually require a vacuum pump to evacuate lines, and refrigerant top-off when the lines are long. MrCool also has instructions on these, but because multi-zone systems are more complicated (multiple indoor units, branch box or distribution lines, etc.), many individuals prefer to use a pro on multi-zone systems.

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A mini split still costs less to professionally install than a full central HVAC; the cost is estimated at a few hundred dollars to install a simple single-zone to 700-3000 dollars to install a multi-zone depending on the number of zones and complexity. Despite such costs, an installed Olympus multi-zone can still turn out to be cheaper than a similar multi-zone of Mitsubishi or Daikin.

In a nutshell, the installation factor: MrCool is getting rave reviews because it has made mini-split installation user-friendly. According to one of the professional installers, MrCool DIY heat pump has most of the energy saving features of the major brands but without the fuss, you can actually do it yourself.

This is supported by real world experience where users have been able to heat and cool garages, bonus rooms, workshops, and even whole homes with MrCool systems they installed themselves. All you have to do is remember that DIY does not imply that you should compromise on quality of installation, which will make the system reliable and efficient. The business model of MrCool has succeeded in reducing the cost of entry of effective ductless systems in residential premises.

MrCool DIY Series Review (Single-Zone Systems)

The MrCool DIY Series is the shining jewel of the brand and has been reviewed by both homeowners and professionals extensively. These single-zone systems (one outdoor condenser and one indoor air handler) can be found in sizes such as 12k BTU (1 ton), 18k BTU (1.5 ton), 24k BTU (2 ton), and 36k BTU (3 ton) and can be used on rooms or spaces of approximately 400 sq ft to 1500+ sq ft.

They are Heat Pump units, which implies that they offer air conditioning and heating. Here is the list of the main conclusions of MrCool DIY mini split reviews:

  • Installation Ease Of Use: As one would expect, the DIY series is a hit when it comes to installation. The customers in various retail locations report that the process is easy. As stated, the simple installation is usually commended by Home Depot reviewers. It has taken many people a couple of hours to install the unit with the help of someone. The pre-charged lines that are included get rid of the most difficult aspects of a standard mini split installation. This has enabled individuals who would not have tried HVAC work. A user on one of the forums stated that he had saved 10,000 dollars by installing a 24k BTU MrCool himself as compared to a quote on a professionally installed system. This price and do-it-yourself possibility are likely to be the most common positive aspects mentioned in MrCool DIY reviews.
  • Performance And Comfort: MrCool DIY units are said to perform as promised by their owners after installation. These units are able to cool a hot room in summer very fast and heat in winter comfortably. One customer, in one review, said that the unit cools well: we had a heat wave here… many days in the high 90s. It is sometimes too cold and I need to increase the temperature”.
  • When in heating mode, the user is usually surprised; a homemade 18k BTU model can easily heat a two-car garage or a basement that was never heated before. The good temperature regulation and the fact that the remote has a thermostat installed in it imply that the system maintains the room at the required comfort level without a lot of fiddling. The only warning is that where the climate frequently falls below 0 F, the DIY may not be able to provide full heating capability, and such users may prefer to use auxiliary heat or a hyper-heat version. However, in most climate regions, MrCool DIY offers comfort throughout the year.
  • Efficiency And Silent Operation: The owners of the DIY series often remark that the operating cost is low and quiet. These units are much more efficient than old window AC units or space heaters with SEER ratings of about 20. According to one of the expert websites, MrCool mini-splits are the ones that are surprisingly efficient at the price.
  • This efficiency is particularly welcome by users who have high electricity rates. The indoor unit is quiet with noise usually less than 30 dB on low fan which is basically a whisper. One user said the system was super quiet and that it required little maintenance throughout the years of use. This is not an uncommon feedback, and any worry about DIY unit being louder or less sophisticated is eliminated, as MrCool DIY operates as quietly as most high-end brands, and can be used in bedrooms or living rooms.
  • Reliability And Maintenance: The reviews following the years of ownership are mostly positive, which means that MrCool DIY units are reliable. There are several reports of units that have operated without problems 3, 4, 5+ years. An example is a 5-year update by one person, who stated that the unit was chugging along and even after moving the system to a new addition, it reinstalled without problems and everything was good.
  • Routine maintenance is primarily cleaning the air filters on the indoor unit (this is easy to do by popping open the front panel) and sometimes rinsing the outdoor condenser coil to remove dirt. Other users have reported that cleaning the indoor blower wheel thoroughly may be a challenge (the wheel may be dusty after a couple of years). One DIY owner said that cleaning the blower wheel was not easy at all, and that is a minor complaint, since it is a difficult job on most mini splits, not just MrCool.
  • In general, however, not many cases of component failures are reported during the first 5-7 years of the life of the DIY series. MrCool has a 5-year parts/7-year compressor warranty and they do honor warranties as long as the installation was properly done. It should be mentioned that not all HVAC technicians may be willing to service a DIY unit, but the parts to replace it are available (MrCool or its OEM suppliers have parts, and some generic parts like fan motors can fit).
  • As a matter of fact, an HVAC tech noted that MrCool units were among the easiest to repair and parts were not difficult to obtain unlike some proprietary systems.
  • Customer Support: Here it is mixed. On the one hand, a lot of users who addressed MrCool support to get some advice during installation or to solve minor problems note that the company was helpful. As a brand that markets to end-users, MrCool has a reason to offer direct support.
  • Conversely, some customers have experienced frustrating moments particularly when it comes to warranty repairs. As an example, a BBB review by a customer whose unit failed after two years said that it was difficult to get MrCool to honor the warranty and difficult to find a local technician who would service it. These negative cases appear to be rather an exception than a rule, though they remind that DIY products may be accompanied by difficulties in after-sales service.
  • To counter this, it is advisable to purchase the product using an authorized dealer and registering the product immediately. Other dealers even come in to assist in liaising with MrCool in warranty claims. Hopefully, the support infrastructure of MrCool will keep on improving as the number of their customers increases.

To conclude, MrCool DIY series has received positive reviews as an inexpensive, efficient, and easy to operate mini split system. It enables homeowners to get professional results without the help of professionals.

A MrCool DIY mini split is the first experience of HVAC installation to many individuals and the sheer amount of positive reviews indicates that the product is living up to its claim of being a Do-It-Yourself comfort. Simply make sure that you measure the unit to your space and read the instructions carefully and you will probably be among the happy owners of MrCool DIY units that have a comfortable home environment.

MrCool Olympus Series Review (Multi-Zone Systems)

MrCool Olympus multi zone mini split system

In a bigger house or in a case of more than one room, the MrCool Olympus series provides ductless mini split systems that can be used to connect a number of indoor units to a single compressor. Olympus multi-zone packages are available in many capacities, typical sizes are a 27,000 BTU system that will support two to three zones, up to a 48,000 BTU system that will support four or five zones.

All indoor units are wall-mounted handlers (the most common), but MrCool also provides ceiling cassette units or slim ducted units as an alternative to a more hidden installation. Olympus series is normally installed by HVAC professionals (or highly experienced DIYers) since the line sets are not of the quick-connect variety; they are the standard flared connections that require vacuuming and charging. This is what the reviews and feedback say about Olympus series:

  • Whole-Home Comfort: Olympus multi-zone systems are frequently installed by users who want to replace an older central HVAC or add AC/heat to existing non-ducted homes. Such systems have been hailed as an effective way of offering personal climate control in various rooms. As an example, an Olympus 4-zone (48k BTU) system will easily cool a 2000 sq ft home, and each room has its own wall unit that can be turned on or off separately.
  • The flexibility is appreciated by homeowners: you can make one bedroom warmer, another cooler, and switch off units in rooms that are not used to save energy. This is a great advantage of this zone control compared to a single thermostat central system.
  • Efficiency And Specs: The multi-zone Olympus units have high efficiency ratings, but are generally a little less efficient than the single-zone DIY units since one condenser is working harder. Nevertheless, a lot of Olympus installations are Energy Star certified.
  • As an example, a 2-zone (9k+18k) Olympus system has a rating of 22-23 SEER, which is very good in terms of multi-split systems. DC inverter compressors can be used to make sure that the outdoor unit can ramp down and prevent energy wastage even when only one zone is calling. The Olympus Hyper Heat versions excel in heating mode, these can provide almost full heating power at 0 F and keep going into negative temperatures.
  • A single user in a cold climate selected an Olympus because Mitsubishi and Daikin had a known performance in cold climates, but the MrCool Hyper Heat had comparable performance at a lower cost. Practically, users have discovered that the Olympus manages to keep pace in winter relatively well. But in an extreme climate it is prudent to oversize a little or to have a little reserve heat source on the coldest nights. Nevertheless, the Olympus is a dependable source of heat to the majority as long as the system is properly sized.
  • Installation: Olympus systems need more installation work as compared to the DIY series. Since the lines are not pre-charged, the installer will have to run refrigerant lines to each indoor unit, vacuum the lines with a pump and inject refrigerant into the system by releasing it out of the condenser.
  • MrCool has the required distribution block or ports to serve several zones, and they usually have the line sets included in the package (e.g., a two-zone may have two 25 ft lines included in the package). A large number of customers buy Olympus systems at retail stores such as Home Depot, Lowe or online HVAC stores and then contract a local HVAC contractor to do the hookup.
  • The overall price can even beat the high-end brands even when an installer is paid. Mechanically minded users have even installed Olympus units themselves by renting or borrowing a vacuum pump and manifold gauges, essentially doing their own DIY multi-zone project. MrCool does not officially classify Olympus as DIY, but they do not prohibit homeowners to install either of them. All you need to do is just remember that in order to obtain the full 7-year/5-year warranty on Olympus, the company requires that you have a licensed HVAC professional sign off on the startup.
  • User Satisfaction: The general sentiment around MrCool Olympus multi-zone systems is positive. Many buyers of these systems are somewhat DIY-oriented folks who liked the concept of MrCool DIY single-zones but needed multiple zones – they were drawn by MrCool’s pricing and features and decided to try the Olympus. According to customer r

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.
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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.

Written by

Rene has worked 10 years in the HVAC field and now is the Senior Comfort Specialist for PICKHVAC. He holds an HVAC associate degree and EPA & R-410A Certifications.

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