11 Smallest Mini Splits with the Lowest BTU (Cooling & Heating)
The size (BTU) of a mini split always start with 9000 BTU. If you just want to cool a small room with a small-size mini split, are there any other options on the market? What is the smallest mini split available now?
Currently, the smallest mini split available on the market is 6000 BTU. C&H MIA 6K and C&H Astoria 6K are the two most popular small-size mini splits followed by the more premium Mitsubishi MSZ-FS06NA 6k BTU mini split.
Although 6000 BTU is the smallest mini split size, other mini split sizes like 9000 BTU or 12000 BTU can also considered as “small size” or low BTU units thanks to inverter technology.
What is the Smallest Mini Split Size?
The smallest mini split available now is 6000 BTU. 6000 BTU is the rated cooling capacity that we normally see on brochures and e-commerce sites like Amazon.
The rule of thumb for mini split is 25-30 BTU per square foot. So, a 6000 BTU mini split will cool up to 240 sqft. If there are more people in the room or the sunlight is stronger in the room, a 6000 BTU mini split can only cool up to 200 sqft.
Modern mini splits have inverter technology (also known as variable-speed compressor) that enables them to operate at different capacities. For instance, a mini split rated at 9000 BTU can run at 2000 BTU when the cooling demand is low.
Sometimes, this range of capacity is published by the manufacturer on their specification sheet like the below one:
Such a capacity reduction is also known as turndown. How far a mini split can turndown? Or, what is the turndown ratio? 4:1 means from the rated 9000 BTU to the lowest 2250 BTU.
When turndown is considered, the lowest capacity a mini split can go down to is 1023 BTU (see below list).
So, if you don’t find the current 6000 BTU mini splits appealing, you can consider a 9000 BTU mini split with a good turndown ratio to prevent overcooling.
11 Smallest Mini Splits Available Now
Following are the smallest mini split available on the market right now. They are all rated at 6000 BTU. Then, I also include a few more mini splits that has a good turndown ratio for you to choose from.
Cooper&Hunter MIA 6k BTU
Rated Capacity: 6,000 BTU
Lowest Capacity: 2,650 BTU
Smallest Room: 100 Sqft
Efficiency: 20.5 SEER (Good)
Price Range: $700-750
Recently, Cooper&Hunter launched their smallest mini splits, which one of them is the MIA 6k BTU. This model has a rated capacity of 6000 BTU and it can go down to 2650 BTU which is suitable for a 100 sqft room. Though it is not the most efficient one, it is one of the cheapest mini splits out there.
Cooper&Hunter ASTORIA 6k BTU
Rated Capacity: 6,000 BTU
Efficiency: 26.5 SEER (High)
Price Range: $1,300-1,400
Another small-size mini split that is recently available is from Cooper&Hunter as well, the ASTORIA 6k BTU. It has similar performance as the MIA 6k BTU but it is more efficient and thus, more expensive as well.
Midea ADVANTAGE 6k BTU
Rated Capacity: 6,000 BTU
Lowest Capacity: 2,490 BTU
Smallest Room: 100 sqft
Efficiency: 23.5 SEER (Good)
Price Range: $1,350-1,450
Midea ADVANTAGE 6k BTU is another small-size mini split new to the market. It has great efficient and priced competitively. It is one of the 6k BTU options out there.
Mitsubishi MSZ-FS06NA
Rated Capacity: 6,000 BTU
Lowest Capacity: 1,700 BTU
Smallest Room: 70 Sqft
Efficiency: 33.1 SEER (Very High)
Price Range: $2000-2200
| 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 |
MSZ-FS06NA is the smallest mini split made by Mitsubishi. Out of all Mitsubishi mini splits, this model has the lowest rated capacity which is 6000 BTU. The lowest this Mitsubishi mini split can turndown its capacity to is 1,700 BTU which is suitable for a room as small as 100 sqft.
In terms of the rated capacity, Mitsubishi MSZ-FS06NA is one of the smallest mini splits 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.
Fujitsu ASU9RL2
Rated Capacity: 6,000 BTU
Lowest Capacity: 1,700 BTU
Smallest Room: 100 Sqft
Efficiency: 16 SEER (Low)
Price Range: $1400-1600
| 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.
Daikin ATMOSPHERA 9k BTU
| 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 the only 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.
LG Art Cool Premier 9k BTU
| 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.
Gree LIVO 9k BTU
| 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.
Fujitsu AUU9RLF
| 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.
Mitsubishi MFZ-KJ09NA
| 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.
Fujitsu ARU9RLF
| 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:
- Cooper&Hunter MIA 6k BTU
- Cooper&Hunter ASTORIA 6k BTU
- Midea ADVANTAGE 6k BTU
- Mitsubishi MSZ-FS06NA
- Fujitsu ASU9RL2
- Daikin Atmosphera FTVM09VVJU
- LG Art Cool Premier LAN090HYV3
- Gree Livo LIVV09HP230V1AH
- Fujitsu AUU9RLF
- Mitsubishi MFZ-KJ09NA
- Fujitsu ARU9RLF
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.
/emai
This article was originally published on aircondlounge.com. Actions will be taken for unauthorised republication of this article.
