Mini Split Brands: Who are They and Which are the Best?
There are many mini split brands. Did you managed to learn all of them? To give you a completion information about mini splits, I put together 10+ mini split brands in this post. By going through this post, you will have a better idea of who are the brands, what they do, where is their origin, who actually makes their mini splits, is there any joint venture or partnership, who provides the warranty and then, decided for yourself which brands you should go for.
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation is a Japanese multinational electronics and electrical equipment manufacturing company, established in 1921 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company produces residential air conditioners, commercial air conditioners, elevators, escalators and factory automation systems and others.
In 2018, Mitsubishi Electric partnered with Trane Technologies in a 50/50 joint venture and formed Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US (METUS) to provide ductless and VRF systems to the United States and Latin America. They provide up to 12-year warranty when the system is installed by one of their Diamond contractors. Their official website is https://www.mitsubishicomfort.com/residential/products/.
Mitsubishi mini splits are known for their hyper-heating technology (h2i) which provides excellent low-ambient heating performance. The h2i feature comes standard in their MSZ-FS model, the EZ FIT MLZ model (ceiling cassette), SVZ model (multi-position air handler), MFZ model (floor-mounted), SLZ model (ceiling cassette), SEZ model (low-static ducted) and PEAD model (high-static ducted).
In terms of product lineup, Mitsubishi has a wide range of variety to choose from. For single-zone systems, you have the MSZ-FS, MSZ-EF which has a stylish looking indoor unit, MSZ-GL, MSZ-HM, MSZ-JP for 115V and MSZ-WR. All of them are wall-mounted. Some of them come with mobile app control. Non-wall-mounted models are listed earlier as part of the hyper-heating lineup.
For multi-zone systems, you can mix and match between different indoor unit types. Mitsubishi offer you up to 8-port where you can connect up to 8 indoor units with a single outdoor unit.
Mitsubishi mini splits are often associated with high quality and high reliability. Thus, they can sometimes cost more to purchase than other brands.
Daikin
Daikin Industry Limited is a Japanese multinational conglomerate company, established in 1924 and headquartered in Osaka, Japan. The company produces residential and commercial air conditioners, and they are one of the world’s largest air conditioner manufacturer. Daikin are known for their invention of the VRV technology and R32 refrigerant. They also have businesses in chemicals, air filtration and medical equipment.
In the United States, Daikin Comfort Technologies Manufacturing (formerly Goodman Manufacturing Company) provides up to 12-year warranty for their mini splits when installed by one of their Pro contractors. Their office website is https://daikincomfort.com/. Daikin acquired Goodman in 2012.
In 2021, Daikin introduced the new Daikin ATMOSPHERA mini split featuring R32 refrigerant. It is a single-zone ductless system with up to 27.4 SEER, 13.8 HSPF and 16.3 EER ratings for ultra-efficient cooling and heating. Four sizes of indoor and outdoor heat pumps are available, from 9,000 to 24,000 BTU.
The Daikin ATMOSPHERA is now approved for sale in most states in the Unites States. However, due to high demand, many had feedback the product is often out of stock or the waiting time is very long.
Other single-zone systems by Daikin include the ENTRA and OTERRA as their entry-level models which are also now available with R32 refrigerant, the EMURA for stylish looking indoor unit, the AURORA for low-ambient heating, LV series, the VISTA ceiling cassette, the large-capacity ductless POLARA and FDMQ ducted system.
For multi-zone systems, Daikin offer the VRV IV-S series, low-ambient heating AURORA up to 4 zones, the RMXS 8-zone series, the MXZ series for up to 5 zones and the CIRRA 2-zone.
Daikin mini splits can be controlled by their ONE SMART thermostats. Furthermore, you can also control from the Daikin DKN app. These innovative control solutions are easy-to-use and aimed to save money on utility bills and reduce energy consumption with the weekly schedule.
Fujitsu
Fujitsu Limited is a Japanese multinational information and communications technology equipment and services corporation, established in 1935 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. It has a 42% shareholding in Fujitsu General which manufactures and markets various air conditioning units and humidity control solutions under the General & Fujitsu brands.
The warranty of Fujitsu mini splits is provided by Fujitsu General America Incorporation. The standard warranty period is 7-year for compressor, 5-year for parts and 90 days for controls and accessories. Under certain conditions, the warranty for compressor and parts can be extended to 10 years. Their official website is https://www.fujitsugeneral.com/us/residential/.
Fujitsu mini splits have some of the most compact 115V models, namely the 9RL2 and 12RL2 model. Their LZBS1 series is currently the highest in energy efficiency at 33.1 SEER2. Other high-efficiency models include the LMAS1 series and LZBH1 for low-ambient heating. These are single-zone systems.
Other single-zone systems include the entry-level LPAS1 and RL2 for 115V as mentioned earlier. For multi-zone systems, Fujitsu offer up to 5 zones with a mixture of different indoor unit choices, namely wall-mounted, floor-mounted, ceiling cassette and ceiling concealed/ducted.
LG
LG Electronics Incorporation is a South Korean multinational major appliance and consumer electronics corporation, established in 1958 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. The company produces various home appliances. Apart from mini splits, LG is also known for their window and portable air conditioners.
In the United States, LG Electronics U.S.A Incorporation provides 7-year warranty on compressor and 5-year warranty on parts. Under certain conditions, the warranty can be extended to 10 years. The official website for LG mini split is https://www.lg.com/ca_en/heating-and-cooling/mini-splits-heat-pumps/.
LG has a comprehensive product lineup. Their flagship LG Art Cool Mirror has a stylish indoor unit design. Other single-zone systems are Art Cool Premier, the Extended Piping series, the High Efficiency series, Standard Efficiency, Mega 230V and 115V. Other than wall-mounted, LG also offer floor-mounted (console), ceiling cassette, low/high static ducted and vertical air handler.
For multi-zone systems, the LG Art Cool Gallery is arguably one of the most unique looking indoor units. It allows you to hide the blower behind a framed photo. Similarly, you can mix and match different indoor unit types up to 6 zones.
Panasonic
Panasonic Holding Corporation is a Japanese multinational electronics company, established in 1918 and headquartered in Osaka, Japan. The company produces residential and commercial air conditioners, compressors and a variety of home appliances such as refrigerators, televisions, hair dryers and cameras. Panasonic is known for their compressor products branded as Panasonic as well as Sanyo which it acquired in 2009.
Panasonic Appliances Air-Conditioning of North America (PAPANA) provides warranty to the original purchaser of every new Panasonic HVAC Product purchased and used in the 50 states of the United States. The warranty only covers installation done by licensed HVAC contractors which the term is 7-year warranty for compressor, 5-year warranty for parts and 1-year warranty for controllers.
The office website for Panasonic mini splits is https://na.panasonic.com/us/home-and-building-solutions/heating-air-conditioning/mini-split/.
In terms of product lineup, CLIMAPURE XE is Panasonic’s flagship single-zone mini split system. It is a high-efficiency model that provides extra air filtration with their proprietary nanoe X air purification system that is also used in some higher-trim Lexus cars, while also good at heating in cold weather.
Other single-zone systems include EXTERIOS E series, PRO RE series, YE series for 115V models, slim duct and 4-way ceiling cassette. For multi-zone systems, Panasonic offer a few outdoor units categorized by their cooling capacity and number of zones where the maximum is 5 zones.
Some Panasonic mini splits come with built-in Wi-Fi and App for you to control by smartphone. You can also use a wired thermostat instead of the default wireless remote controller.
Gree
Gree Electric Appliances Incorporation is a Chinese home appliances manufacturing company, established in 1991 and headquartered in Guangdong, China. They are the world largest RESIDENTIAL air conditioner manufacturer. The company produces household air conditioners and commercial air conditioners as well as water dispensers, rice cookers and home appliances.
In the United States, Tradewinds Distributing Company, LLC is the exclusive distributor of Gree mini splits. They offer 10-year parts and compressor warranty for selected dealers. Their office website is https://www.greecomfort.com/. You can buy Gree mini splits from selected online stores as well as from their dealers and contractors.
In terms of product lineup, Gree’s LIVO+ and VIREO+ are their single-zone systems. The SAPPHIRE series is for extreme conditions and high efficiency. U-MATCH+ is for light commercial applications. For multi-zone systems, Gree offer several models, namely MULTI 21+, MULTI ULTRA, SUPER MULTI and SUPER MULTI ULTRA.
For the indoor unit type, you only get wall-mounted for single-zone systems. For multi-zone systems, you can choose between wall-mounted, floor-mounted, ceiling suspended, ceiling cassette and high/low static ducted. Gree doesn’t offer floor-standing air handler.
Gree mini splits don’t have any significant differences, proprietary technology or unique features that separate them from others. However, they are often cost less to purchase with similar specifications, features and performance.
Trane
Trane is a subsidiary of Trane Technologies, an American manufacturing company focused on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and refrigeration systems, established in 1871 and headquartered in North Carolina, United States. The company produces residential furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, packaged systems as well as commercial air conditioning systems.
In 2018, Mitsubishi Electric partnered with Trane Technologies in a 50/50 joint venture and formed Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US (METUS) to provide ductless and VRF systems to the United States and Latin America. They provide up to 12-year warranty when the system is installed by one of their Diamond contractors. Their official website is https://www.trane.com/residential/en/products/#ductless-systems.
Trane mini splits share the same specifications, features and performance with Mitsubishi mini splits.
Carrier
Carrier Global Corporation is an American multinational heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, and fire and security equipment corporation, established in 1915 and headquartered in Florida, United States. The founder, Willis Carrier is known as the father of air conditioning who invented the first electrical air conditioning unit in 1902.
In 2017, Carrier joint ventured with Midea who the parent company, Midea Group is one of the largest air conditioner manufacturer in China, established in 1968 and headquartered in Guangdong, China to meet growing demand in North America for residential ductless air conditioning systems. Carrier mini split official website is https://www.carrier.com/residential/en/us/products/ductless-mini-splits/.
In 2022, Carrier acquired Toshiba, a Japanese multinational electronics company, establish in 1939 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Together, they formed the Toshiba Carrier brand that provides the variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system.
Carrier’s Infinity series was the most energy-efficient mini split with 42 SEER. However, since the mandate of SEER2, a new testing standard, the Infinity series no longer hold the most energy-efficient title. Instead, the crown goes to Fujitsu LZBS1 with 33.1 SEER2.
Other single-zone systems from Carrier include the Performance series that has wall-mounted, floor-mounted, ceiling cassette, ceiling concealed/ducted and multi-position air handler, alongside the Comfort series with only wall-mounted. For multi-zone systems, Carrier offer up to 5 zones with the ability of mix and match different indoor unit types.
Senville
Senville is a leading retailer of mini split air conditioners and efficient heating and cooling products, established in 2005 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada. The company sell mini splits extensively on Amazon as well as their official website https://senville.com/. When purchased online, the product often comes with an installation kit.
Senville mini splits are made in China. The Midea Mini Split website suggests that Senville mini splits are made by Midea, one of the largest air conditioner manufacturer in China, established in 1968 and headquartered in Guangdong, China. Senville provides up to 7-year warranty on selected models.
In terms of product lineup, Senville offer single-zone high efficiency model, ultra high efficiency model, Alexa enabled model, ceiling cassette model and ceiling concealed/ducted model as well as multi-zone systems. They are some of the lowest-cost mini splits.
Pioneer
Pioneer is a mini split brand by Parker Davis HVAC International Incorporation, an American air conditioning system established in 1995 and headquartered in Florida, United States. The company sell Pioneer mini splits on a variety of online stores including Amazon.
Pioneer mini splits are originated from China. Several sources suggested that they are likely made by Midea, one of the largest air conditioner manufacturer in China, established in 1968 and headquartered in Guangdong, China. Parker Davis HVAC provides up to 5-year parts and compressor warranty on Pioneer mini splits. Pioneer’s official website is https://www.pioneerminisplit.com/.
In terms of product lineup, Pioneer offer the single-zone wall-mounted 19 SEER Diamante series, the 22 SEER Diamante Ultra, the WYS series, ceiling cassette model, floor/ceiling-mounted model, ducted model alongside multi-zone systems.
Cooper&Hunter
Cooper&Hunter is an Estonian company established in 1996 and headquartered in Florida, United States. The company distribute air conditioners, dehumidifiers and heat pumps. In 2017, the company entered into definitive agreements for a long-term partnership with Zhuhai Vino Environmental Technology Equipment Co. Ltd., a Chinese company established in 2014 and headquartered in Guangdong, China.
Since then, Cooper&Hunter has continued to expand its product range to include a variety of air conditioning and air quality solutions including single and multi zone mini splits, PTACs, portables, dehumidifiers, air purifiers, and more. They provide 7-year warranty for compressor, 5-year for parts and 1-year for the remote controller. Their official website is https://cooperandhunter.us/.
In terms of product lineup, Cooper&Hunter offer regular single-zone and multi-zone systems as well as hyper single-zone and multi-zone systems which are for low-ambient heating. They have wall-mounted, ceiling cassette, floor-mounted, ceiling concealed/ducted and air handler to choose from.
MrCool
MrCool is an American HVAC systems suppling company, established in 2014 and headquartered in Kentucky, United State. The company is best known for their DIY (do-it-yourself) mini splits with their patented Quick-Connect connector and coupler.
MrCool mini splits are made by Midea, one of the largest air conditioner manufacturer in China, established in 1968 and headquartered in Guangdong, China. They provide 7-year warranty for compressor, 5-year for parts and 1-year for the remote controller. Their official website is https://mrcool.com/.
MrCool offer 3 variants of DIY mini splits, namely DIY 4th Gen E Star, DIY 4th Gen Multi-Zone and DIY OuttaSight. Other than that, they also offer 3 premium performance models, namely Olympus E Star, Olympus Hyper Heat and Olympus Multi-Zone. Their Easy Pro and 3rd Gen Advantage are the affordable and efficient option.
Bosch
Bosch is a German multinational engineering and technology company, established in 1886 and headquartered in Gerlingen, Germany. Its subsidiary, Bosch Home Comfort Group is a European provider of smart, sustainable and energy-efficient products including mini splits, heat pumps and hot water tanks.
Bosch mini splits are originated from China. The warranty is provided by Bosch Thermotechnology Corporation. The warranty period is 10-year for compressor and 10-year for parts if registered. Otherwise, the warranty period for parts is 7-year. Their official website is https://www.bosch-homecomfort.com/us/en/residential/home/.
Bosch offer the Climate 5000 series and the MAX performance series for low-ambient heating. Both series are available in single-zone and multi-zone systems. The available indoor unit types are wall-mounted, ceiling cassette and ceiling concealed/ducted.
Della
Della or Della Appliances is a brand by RGE Motor Direct Incorporation, an American retail company established in 2012 and headquartered in California, United States. The company provides 10-year warranty on compressor, 5-year on parts and 1-year on controller when installed by a licensed HVAC contractor. Their official website is https://dellahome.com/pages/mini-split-ac/.
Della mini splits are originated from China. They are pre-charged with R32 refrigerant which is a new type of refrigerant that’s more efficient and better for the environment, and they come with an installation kit and built-in Wi-Fi for mobile app control.
ROVSUN
ROVSUN is trademarked by Dreamershop Trade Limited, a Hong Kong company established in 2017. The company registered ROVSUN with the United States Patent and Trademark Office since 2018. ROVSUN provides 365 days warranty. ROVSUN mini splits are made in China. Official website is https://www.rovsun.com/. ROVSUN mini splits are available on Amazon.
If you have anything to add (or ask) about this topic, leave a comment down below!
