Most mini splits start with 9000 BTU. However, many people don’t need so much capacity for their mini split because of their small room size. Hence, they are looking for the smallest possible mini split. So, which mini split has the smallest BTU?
Modern mini splits have inverter technology that enables them to operate at different capacities. For instance, a 9000 BTU mini split can reduce its capacity down to 1023 BTU when the room is sufficiently cooled. Such a mini split is perfect for smaller rooms.
The cooling capacity of mini splits certified by AHRI is rated at 95°F (35°C). In other words, a 9000 BTU model has 9000 BTU of cooling capacity only when the ambient temperature is around 95°F (35°C). The higher the ambient temperature, the lower the cooling capacity.
However, not all mini splits can reduce their capacity that much. Some mini splits are only able to reduce as much as 40% of their rated capacity, leaving a 9000 BTU model with 5400 BTU at best which may still be too much for certain rooms.
Using a rule of thumb of 20-30 BTU per sqft, a 9000 BTU mini split is suitable for a 300-450 sqft room. But, if you have a 100 sqft room, for example, you’ll need a mini split that can ramp down to about 2000-3000 BTU. Otherwise, it’ll be too cold.
So, if you intend to use a mini split for very small rooms, mini splits with the lowest possible capacity are your top choices. But you don’t want to use poor-quality mini splits that can break in a year or two either.
Hence, the goal is to select a mini split that can ramp down to your preferred BTU as well as be good in overall quality and performance.
With that said, let’s take a look at some of the smallest mini splits available on the market.
1. Mitsubishi MSZ-FS06NA
Nomination: Smallest Mitsubishi Mini Split
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating |
| Brand | Mitsubishi Electric |
| Type | Wall Mounted Heat Pump (Ductless) |
| Model Name | MSZ-FS Model |
| Model No. (Indoor / Outdoor) | MSZ-FS06NA / MUZ-FS06NA |
| Rated Capacity (Cooling / Heating) | 6,000 BTU / 8,700 BTU |
| Rated Efficiency | SEER 33.1; HSPF 13.5 |
| Cooling Capacity Range | 1,700 BTU to 9,000 BTU |
| Heating Capacity Range | 1,600 BTU to 14,000 BTU |
Mitsubishi MSZ-FS06NA is the smallest Mitsubishi mini split. It has a rated capacity of 6000 BTU for cooling and 8700 BTU for heating. Its lowest cooling capacity is 1700 BTU while its lowest heating capacity is 1600 BTU.
In terms of the rated capacity, Mitsubishi MSZ-FS06NA is one of the smallest mini split on the market.
Usually, mini splits are only able to reduce their capacity to about 40% of their rated capacity. This model can reduce its capacity to about 28% of its rated cooling capacity and 18% of its rated heating capacity. In other words, the capacity range of Mitsubishi MSZ-FS06NA is wide.
Furthermore, it has excellent energy efficiency for both cooling and heating. Moreover, its low ambient heating performance is very impressive which I’ve covered it in my post Best Mini Splits for Heating.
If you want a small mini split that is made by Mitsubishi, this model is great.
2. Fujitsu ASU9RL2
Nomination: Smallest Fujitsu Mini Split
| Manufacturer | Fujitsu General America, Inc. |
| Brand | Fujitsu |
| Type | Wall Mounted Heat Pump (Ductless) |
| Model Name | RL2 |
| Model No. (Indoor / Outdoor) | ASU9RL2 / AOU9RL2 |
| Rated Capacity (Cooling / Heating) | 9,000 BTU / 10,000 BTU |
| Rated Efficiency | SEER 16; HSPF 9 |
| Cooling Capacity Range | 1,700 BTU to 10,700 BTU |
| Heating Capacity Range | 1,700 BTU to 12,000 BTU |
Fujitsu ASU9RL2 is the smallest Fujitsu mini split. It has a rated capacity of 9000 BTU for cooling and 10000 BTU for heating. Its lowest cooling capacity is 1700 BTU while its lowest heating capacity is also 1700 BTU.
Although being a 9000 BTU model, Fujitsu ASU9RL2 is one of the smallest mini split on the market due to its ability to ramp down to a very low capacity.
This model has almost the same capacity range as the Mitsubishi MSZ-FS06NA. However, it is not as efficient. Nonetheless, Fujitsu ASU9RL2 is a more affordable option.
3. Daikin Atmosphera FTVM09VVJU
Nomination: Smallest Daikin Mini Split
| Manufacturer | Daikin AC (Americas), Inc. |
| Brand | Daikin |
| Type | Wall Mounted Heat Pump (Ductless) |
| Model Name | Atmosphera |
| Model No. (Indoor / Outdoor) | FTVM09VVJU / RXM09VVJU |
| Rated Capacity (Cooling / Heating) | 9,000 BTU / 11,000 BTU |
| Rated Efficiency | SEER 27.4; HSPF 13.8 |
| Cooling Capacity Range | 4,400 BTU to 12,500 BTU |
| Heating Capacity Range | 4,400 BTU to 19,500 BTU |
Daikin Atmosphera FTVM09VVJU is the smallest Daikin mini split. It has a rated capacity of 9000 BTU for cooling and 11000 BTU for heating. Its lowest cooling capacity is 4400 BTU while its lowest heating capacity is also 4400 BTU.
Daikin Atmosphera FTVM09VVJU is a small mini split with R32 refrigerant while others are using R410A refrigerant which is less efficient and causes more harm to the environment.
This mini split does not ramp down as much as other mini splits listed here. However, it is a great mini split worth considering due to its high energy efficiency and the fact that it is using a more environmental-friendly and efficient R32 refrigerant.
It is an overall great mini split considering its affordability. As R410 refrigerant is phasing out rapidly, I suggest you get an R32 mini split whenever it fits.
4. LG Art Cool Premier LAN090HYV3
Nomination: Smallest LG Mini Split
| Manufacturer | LG Electronics, Inc. |
| Brand | LG |
| Type | Wall Mounted Heat Pump (Ductless) |
| Model Name | Art Cool Premier |
| Model No. (Indoor / Outdoor) | LAN090HYV3 / LAU090HYV3 |
| Rated Capacity (Cooling / Heating) | 9,000 BTU / 11,000 BTU |
| Rated Efficiency | SEER 27.5; HSPF 13.5 |
| Cooling Capacity Range | 1,023 BTU to 13,000 BTU |
| Heating Capacity Range | 1,023 BTU to 20,472 BTU |
LG Art Cool Premier LAN090HYV3 is the smallest LG mini split. It has a rated capacity of 9000 BTU for cooling and 11000 BTU for heating. Its lowest cooling capacity is 1023 BTU while its lowest heating capacity is also 1023 BTU.
LG Art Cool Premier LAN090HYV3 can ramp down to lower capacity than any other mini splits despite being a 9000 BTU model. Its lowest capacity is even lower than the Fujitsu ASU9RL2.
Furthermore, this model is very energy efficient. However, it is more pricy than other mini splits.
Similar to the Mitsubishi MSZ-FS06NA, LG Art Cool Premier LAN090HYV3 is one of the best mini split for low ambient heating as well.
5. Gree Livo LIVV09HP230V1AH
Nomination: Smallest Gree Mini Split
| Manufacturer | Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai |
| Brand | Gree |
| Type | Wall Mounted Heat Pump (Ductless) |
| Model Name | Livo |
| Model No. (Indoor / Outdoor) | LIVV09HP230V1AH / LIVV09HP230V1AO |
| Rated Capacity (Cooling / Heating) | 9,500 BTU / 9,500 BTU |
| Rated Efficiency | SEER 17; HSPF 9 |
| Cooling Capacity Range | 2,457 BTU to 9,600 BTU |
| Heating Capacity Range | 2,457 BTU to 11,500 BTU |
Gree Livo LIVV09HP230V1AH is the smallest Gree mini split. It has a rated capacity of 9500 BTU for cooling as well as heating. Its lowest cooling capacity is 2457 BTU while its lowest heating capacity is also 2457 BTU.
Despite being a 9500 BTU mode, Gree Livo LIVV09HP230V1AH is able to ramp down much more than many mini splits on the market. However, its energy efficiency is only mediocre.
Gree Livo LIVV09HP230V1AH is an entry-level mini split and thus, its affordability is on par with the Fujitsu ASU9RL2.
6. Fujitsu ASU9RL2
Nomination: Smallest 110V Mini Split
| Manufacturer | Fujitsu General America, Inc. |
| Brand | Fujitsu |
| Type | Wall Mounted Heat Pump (Ductless) |
| Model Name | RL2 |
| Model No. (Indoor / Outdoor) | ASU9RL2 / AOU9RL2 |
| Rated Capacity (Cooling / Heating) | 9,000 BTU / 10,000 BTU |
| Rated Efficiency | SEER 16; HSPF 9 |
| Cooling Capacity Range | 1,700 BTU to 10,700 BTU |
| Heating Capacity Range | 1,700 BTU to 12,000 BTU |
Mini splits that use 110V are very convenient. Apart from being the smallest Fujitsu mini split, Fujitsu ASU9RL2 is also the smallest 110V mini split.
Similarly, it has a rated capacity of 9000 BTU for cooling and 10000 BTU for heating. Its lowest cooling capacity is 1700 BTU while its lowest heating capacity is also 1700 BTU.
However, as mentioned earlier, its energy efficiency is not that great. Overall, this model is a great choice if you’re looking for something small and less expensive.
7. Fujitsu AUU9RLF
Nomination: Smallest Ceiling Cassette Mini Split
| Manufacturer | Fujitsu General America, Inc. |
| Brand | Fujitsu |
| Type | Ceiling Cassette Heat Pump (Ductless) |
| Model Name | RLF |
| Model No. (Indoor / Outdoor) | AUU9RLF / AOU9RLFC |
| Rated Capacity (Cooling / Heating) | 9,000 BTU / 12,000 BTU |
| Rated Efficiency | SEER 24; HSPF 13 |
| Cooling Capacity Range | 3,100 BTU to 12,000 BTU |
| Heating Capacity Range | 3,100 BTU to 18,000 BTU |
Some people want to have a small mini split that comes with the ceiling cassette indoor unit. If that’s the case, Fujitsu AUU9RLF is the smallest ceiling cassette mini split.
This model has a rated capacity of 9000 BTU for cooling and 12000 BTU for heating. Its lowest cooling and heating capacity is 3100 BTU while its lowest heating capacity is also 3100 BTU.
In terms of energy efficiency, Fujitsu AUU9RLF is considered high. Its energy efficiency is on par with many top wall-mounted mini splits despite being a ceiling cassette type.
8. Mitsubishi MFZ-KJ09NA
Nomination: Smallest Floor Mounted Mini Split
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating |
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Type | Floor Mounted Heat Pump (Ductless) |
| Model Name | MFZ-KJ Model |
| Model No. (Indoor / Outdoor) | MFZ-KJ09NA / MUFZ-KJ09NAHZ |
| Rated Capacity (Cooling / Heating) | 9,000 BTU / 11,000 BTU |
| Rated Efficiency | SEER 28.2; HSPF 13 |
| Cooling Capacity Range | 2,300 BTU to 14,000 BTU |
| Heating Capacity Range | 2,900 BTU to 19,000 BTU |
If you’re looking for a small mini split with the floor mounted indoor unit, Mitsubishi MFZ-KJ09NA is the smallest floor mounted mini split.
It has a rated capacity of 9000 BTU for cooling and 11000 BTU for heating. Its lowest cooling and heating capacity is 2300 BTU while its lowest heating capacity is 2900 BTU.
Not only does Mitsubishi MFZ-KJ09NA has the ability to ramp down significantly, but it also has some of the highest energy efficiency among mini splits.
All and all, when it comes to floor mounted mini splits, this model is also one of the best.
9. Fujitsu ARU9RLF
Nomination: Smallest Ducted Mini Split
| Manufacturer | Fujitsu General America, Inc. |
| Brand | Fujitsu |
| Type | Ceiling Ducted Heat Pump (Ducted) |
| Model Name | RLF |
| Model No. (Indoor / Outdoor) | ARU9RLF / AOU9RLFC |
| Rated Capacity (Cooling / Heating) | 9,000 BTU / 12,000 BTU |
| Rated Efficiency | SEER 21.5; HSPF 12.2 |
| Cooling Capacity Range | 3,100 BTU to 12,000 BTU |
| Heating Capacity Range | 3,100 BTU to 18,000 BTU |
People who don’t like the look of mini split indoor units want to conceal it and thus, they are looking for a small BTU ducted mini split. Hence, Fujitsu ARU9RLF is the smallest ceiling ducted mini split.
Fujitsu ARU9RLF has a rated capacity of 9000 BTU for cooling and 12000 BTU for heating. Its lowest cooling and heating capacity is 3100 BTU while its lowest heating capacity is also 3100 BTU.
In terms of heating, this model has great energy efficiency. But, for cooling, it is only average. Still, as far as ducted mini splits go, this model is one of the best on the market.
Summary
Considering the quality and performance, I prefer the Mitsubishi MSZ-FS06NA as the best smallest mini split. It is able to ramp down its cooling and heating capacity much more than many other mini splits. Its energy efficiency is also one of the best on the market.
Now, let’s summarize all of the mini splits listed in this post:
- Mitsubishi MSZ-FS06NA: Smallest Mitsubishi Mini Split
- Fujitsu ASU9RL2: Smallest Fujitsu Mini Split
- Daikin Atmosphera FTVM09VVJU: Smallest Daikin Mini Split
- LG Art Cool Premier LAN090HYV3: Smallest LG Mini Split
- Gree Livo LIVV09HP230V1AH: Smallest Gree Mini Split
- Fujitsu ASU9RL2: Smallest 110V Mini Split
- Fujitsu AUU9RLF: Smallest Ceiling Cassette Mini Split
- Mitsubishi MFZ-KJ09NA: Smallest Floor Mounted Mini Split
- Fujitsu ARU9RLF: Smallest Ducted Mini Split
Although most mini splits start with 9000 BTU of cooling capacity, selecting a mini split that has a wide capacity range can help to prevent overcooling in small to tiny rooms.
This article was originally published on aircondlounge.com. Actions will be taken for unauthorised republication of this article.
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