This page has two main sections. The first is a simple table that can help you compare a wide variety of mini split systems. The table contains basic stats about the mini splits and links to the product listing on Amazon.
The second section is a lengthy review of different 12,000 BTU mini split systems from a number of different manufacturers. These mini splits are all listed in the table. We felt that in depth reviews offered a lot of specific information that people would find useful. Directly below is a list of links that will take you to the spot on the page with the corresponding mini split review.
Fujitsu 12RLS3 12,000 BTU wall mount
Daikin 12,000 BTU 1 Ton mini split
Mini Split Comparison Table
This table contains data from the mini splits we review on unhumid.com While we do make every effort to keep this ever growing list up to date, please be aware that manufacturers do make changes we may miss from time to time. If you notice an error, feel free to send an email to admin@unhumid.com
The there are two purposes for this list. The first is to provide an easy way to compare the capacities of different mini splits that are important to consumers. We also use this list to take a sample of the majority of mini split brands available on Amazon.com
Because we want to show most, if not all of the mini split brands, we will generally only feature one model from each manufacturer. All the images link to their product listings. Most manufacturers will show other available options in different voltages and capacities.
Notes on how to use this table
Sometimes manufacturers will list HSPF with a number behind it, for example HSPF4 or HSPF5. The difference is the climate zone that the rating is for. If the manufacturer does give more than one number we make a small note of which zone we have in the table.
Because HSPF is related to the winter season where you live, it is important to know which zone you live in. If you do not know the climate zone you live in, check out the map featured on the Florida Solar Energy Center’s website by clicking this link.
| Mini Split | SEER / HSPF | Area | Min Operating Temp |
| 17.2 / 9.0 | 350 – 450 sq ft | unknown | |
| 22.5 / 12 (Zone 4) | unknown | -22 degrees F | |
| 23 / 11.6 | unknown | -4 degrees F | |
| 33.1 / 13.5 | 200 sq ft | unknown | |
| 29.3 / 14.0 | unknown | -5 degrees F | |
| 16.0 / 9.0 | unknown | -4 degrees F | |
| 15.0 / 8.2 | unknown | +5 degrees F | |
| 17.0 / 9.0 | unknown | +14 degrees F |
12,000 BTU Mini Split Reviews
Pioneer WYS012-17
This Pioneer mini split is a 12000 BTU unit which gives it the ability to adequately heat or cool and area of anywhere from 350 to 450 square feet. For heating purposes, it has an HSPF rating of 9.0 and for cooling the SEER is 17.2. Both of these values, the HSPF and SEER, are about average.
There is not anything specifically remarkable about the mini splits that Pioneer makes. They are very middle-of-the-road and perform reliably. Because of this they are regularly at the top of the Amazon Marketplace.
The overall cooling capacity ranges from as low as 4,560 all the way up to 16,680 BTUs per hour. This, like the heating capacity changes as the outdoor ambient temperature changes. The compressor will become more or less efficient depending on how hot or cold it is outside. The heating capacity range is the same for the number of BTUs the unit can produce in one hour.
The compressor used in the Pioneer mini split we review on his page is a variable-speed compressor. The majority of mini splits on the market today use variable speed compressors because it is much more power-efficient. It allows the compressor to work at less than full load. This allows the compressor to keep working for longer stretches of time and avoid cycling on and off.
The indoor unit is a relatively quiet system. When the fan is running at top speed it generates about 40.5 decibels and at low speeds the fan produces 24.0 decibels. For reference normal conversation is rated at 60 decibels and a household refrigerator can be anywhere from 55 to 45 decibels. The outdoor unit produces 54 decibels when the compressor is running.
Just like with the heating and cooling capacities, these decibel levels are right in the middle when compared to other mini splits. Adding this mini split to the space you are trying to heat or cool will not significantly impact the ambient noise levels that are most likely already present.
At the highest fan speed the indoor unit circulates 294 cubic feet per minute. This goes all the way down to 141 cubic minute with the fan on low. These flow rates are comparable to air purifiers on the market today. When it comes to filtering the air, 294 cubic feet per minute is similar to air purifiers designed to treat spaces larger than 500 square feet. This is great when it comes to maintaining indoor air quality. However, it does not change the recommended room size of 350 to 450 square feet when it comes to heating and cooling.
The WYS012-17 needs a power supply of 110 to 120 volts at 60 hertz. This mini-split is single phase. The refrigerant type is R-410A. this is the most common type of refrigerant. Previously R22 was available but it is illegal in the United States today. R22 has been shown to damage the ozone layer. R-410A is able to be compressed more than R22 and this makes it more efficient. In short, using R-410A is good for the environment and for your heating and cooling bill.
We recommend looking to Pioneer for a mini split if you do not have any extreme requirements like operating in very low temperatures or a great vertical distance between the placement of the compressor and the indoor unit. The WYS012-17 is the best mini split for single room applications under normal conditions in climate zone 4.
Senville SENA/12HF
The Senville 12HF is another 12,000 BTU mini-split system with the same heating and cooling capacity as the Pioneer WYS012-17. One difference between the 12HF and the Pioneer mini split is that this one needs 208 to 230 volts of electricity.
The Senville 12 HF has a SEER of 22.5. This is starting to get into the higher ranges of what is available on the market today. However, we do review some mini splits on this page that have a SEER of over 30. In the case of this mini split the manufacturer provided two different HSPF ratings. Some manufacturers will do the extra math and let you know what the rating is for different climate zones. Senville gives the HSPF4 for climate zone 4 as 12. The HSPF5 for climate zone 5 is 9.9.
One of the unique features that really makes this mini-split stand out from the crowd is the ability to operate in outdoor ambient temperatures as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit. This is one of the lowest outdoor operating temperatures we have seen in all our research on mini split systems.
This mini split system uses a GMCC compressor that runs off R-410A refrigerant. The entire system needs 52.9 oz of refrigerant. It comes with 25 ft of pre-charged refrigerant line. For each additional foot of refrigerant line you will need 0.161 oz of refrigerant. You can have up to a maximum of 82 feet of refrigerant pipe going between the compressor and the indoor unit.
One thing to keep in mind when you have a very long refrigerant line is that the efficiency of the compressor has a tendency to go down. However the manufacturer does state that you can use 82 feet of refrigerant pipe. When it comes to the maximum height difference, this mini splits and can have the compressor off set from the indoor unit by a maximum of 33 feet in elevation.
The indoor unit has a very high cubic feet per minute for air flow at 418 with the fan on high. This is great because you will get a ton of air circulation with the fan on high. The downside to the powerful fan is that it does produce 43 decibels, which puts it at about the same noise level as a household refrigerator. With the fan all the way on low it only produces 24 decibels of noise making it about the same as a whisper. Even with the fan on the low setting it still circulates air at a rate of 247 cubic feet per minute.
We recommend looking to Senville for a mini split if you do need a mini split that operates in very low temperatures. One of the disadvantages this mini split system has when compared to other mini splits designed to operate in super low temperature conditions is a very low HSPF. Other manufacturers like Fujitsu and Mitsubishi make mini splits that have much better HSPFs. The downside there is a much higher price than Senville.
Fujitsu 12RLS3 12,000 BTU wall mount
This Fujitsu heating and air conditioning mini split system is rated at 12,000 BTUs and it is one of the most efficient systems we review on this page. It has a SEER of 29.3 and an HSPF of 14.
When you are using this mini-split to cool your home the range of BTUs it can produce starts at 3,100 and goes up to 13,600 per hour. When it comes to heating this mini-split is rated at 16,000 BTUs with a minimum of 3,100 all the way up to a maximum of 22,000 per hour. The ranges in the BTUs comes from the efficiencies lost or gained based on the outdoor air temperature.
The 12RLS3 needs a range of 208 to 230 volts to operate. The compressor uses the R-410A refrigerant and requires a charge of 2 lbs 14 oz of refrigerant. The minimum operating temperature for the outdoor ambient temperature is -5 degrees Fahrenheit. The outdoor unit can be as loud as 47 decibels, similar to all the other mini split systems we review on this page.
One of the more interesting things about this mini split is that the maximum length of the refrigerant line is 65 feet. This by itself is not remarkable. Thing that is remarkable is that the maximum height difference between the compressor and the indoor unit is 49 feet. This means is possible to use this mini split system in a multi-story building with the compressor on the ground floor.
This can be a huge advantage in winter. If you need to keep the condenser on the roof of the building there can be a problem with the water that it produces freezing and turning to ice. If you experience long winters the ice can build up over time. This can lead much more ice accumulation than you would expect from just snowfall.
We recommend looking to Fujitsu for a mini split if you are in climate zone 5 or lower and want a very efficient system. Additionally, the Fujitsu 12RLS3 is the best mini split if you have a unique setup with a big height difference between the indoor unit and the compressor.
Gree LIVS12HP115V1B
Here we have a 12,000 BTU mini-split system made by the company Gree. Like all the other mini split systems on this page that uses the R-410A refrigerant. It has a SEER of 16 and HSPF of 9. These are pretty close to the numbers that the Pioneer WYS012-17 and Senville SENZ/12HF put up. Another similarity it shares with the Pioneer model is that this unit can also run off 115 volts.
One area where the Gree LIVS12HP115V1B really shines is when the indoor unit is on high. It is capable of circulating air at a rate of 400 cubic feet per minute. While it is not the best it is very close to the 418 that the Senville circulates. The strong fan on indoor unit also produces decibel levels that are a little bit higher than other mini splits. With the fan on low it generates 29 decibels. This is still within whisper range but other units like the Senville 12HF produce about 24 decibels with their fans on low.
When this mini-split is in heating mode the btu range starts at 3,412 BTUs per hour and tops out at 15,013. The cooling capacity is similar, starting at 3,753 and going all the way up to 12,500 BTUs per hour.
Gree provided a little bit more detail when it comes to the heating capacity at a given outdoor temperature. At 47 degrees Fahrenheit the unit is capable of producing 13,000 BTUs per hour. At 17 degrees Fahrenheit mini split puts out 7,600 BTUs per hour. It can operate all the way down to negative 4 degrees Fahrenheit.
This drop in output is normal and experienced by all mini split compressors. If you remember the other mini splits also had ranges for heating and cooling capacities. The difference is just that Gree provided the specific temperatures and outputs.
The refrigerant pipe lengths can go up to 66 feet long and can tolerate an elevation change of 33 feet. If you remember the Fujitsu mini splits it had a maximum length of 65 feet but was able to function with a maximum height difference of 49 feet.
This Gree Mini split system is capable of removing 2.96 pints of moisture from the air per hour. This is similar to the LG mini split system we review further down the page which can remove 2.8 pints of moisture from the air per hour.
We recommend looking to Gree for a mini split if you do not have any extreme requirements like operating in very low temperatures or a great vertical distance between the placement of the compressor and the indoor unit. The Gree LIVS12HP115V1B is the best mini split for single room applications under normal conditions in climate zone 4.
Daikin 12,000 BTU 1 ton Mini Split
Daikin uses somewhat lengthy model number to refer to their mini split components. The system we review is the FRXN12NMVJU for the indoor unit and the TRXN12NMVJU for the outdoor unit. Like the others on this page this is a 12,000 BTU unit. The compressor uses R-410A refrigerant and requires 2.1 lbs of refrigerant to operate efficiently. This system requires 208 to 230 volts of electricity to operate.
The heating output begins at 4,400 BTUs per hour and go all the way up to 14,000. The HSPF is 8.2 which is one of the lowest that we have reviewed on this page. The SEER is also low at 15. Cooling output starts at 4,400 BTUs per hour just like the heating capacity. However the coolant capacity tops out at 13,000 BTUs per hour, just short of the heating BTU’s.
One place where the Daikin mini splits does shine is its dehumidification capacity. It is capable of removing 0.5 gallons of moisture from the air per hour. This is 4 pints. The other mini splits on this page that listed their dehumidification capacities or less than 3 pints per hour.
Another very nice feature of the Daikin mini-split is the fan speeds available on the indoor unit. When it is on super low it circulates 141 cubic feet of air per minute and only produces 19 decibels of sound. This is by far the lowest of any mini split we have encountered. Also when the fan is on high it can circulate 424 cubic feet of air per minute. This just beats out the senville model which came in at a maximum of 418 cubic feet per minute. So if indoor air quality in addition to heating and cooling needs is important to you the Daikin mini split is your best choice.
The maximum length of the refrigerant piping is 49 feet. This mini split system can also tolerate a difference of 39 feet in elevation between the compressor and the indoor unit. This is just short of the Fujitsu model but it is still pretty high.
The outdoor unit operates at 52 decibels of noise. This is about the same volume as moderate rainfall or a household refrigerator. Like most of the mini split systems on this page, using it will not add significant amounts of ambient noise to the environment.
We recommend looking to Daikin for a mini split if you are concerned with indoor air quality in addition to heating and cooling. The FRXN12NMVJU and the TRXN12NMVJU pair up to make the best mini split for your garage or basement. The high dehumidification capacity can help deal with the excess moisture commonly found in these places.
LG LS120HXV
This mini split system by LG is rated for 12,000 BTUs per hour. It has a SEER of 17.0 and an HSPF of 9.0. Like the Pioneer and Gree mini splits we reviewed on this page it also uses 115 volts of electricity. The biggest drawback to the LS120HXV is the minimum outdoor temperature. This mini split system will only provide heat when the outdoor temperature is 14 degrees Fahrenheit.
The heating capacity of this mini split begins at 1,023 BTUs per hour and goes all the way up to 13,785. On the other side the coolant capacity also begins at 1,023 BTUs per hour and goes all the way up to 22,178. This is one of the bigger differences we have seen between heating and cooling capacities. there is no apparent reason for this based on the available specifications. We are not questioning the manufacturer’s statement, just making an observation.
Like all modern mini split heating and cooling system the refrigerant type. This compressor and its lines require 1.98 lb of refrigerant to function. It has a dehumidification capacity of 2.8 pints per hour. This is within normal ranges while the Daikin model at four pints per hour was exceptional.
At the lowest speed the indoor units can circulate 124 cubic feet of air per minute. At the highest speed it circulates 272 cubic feet of air per minute. These numbers are very middle-of-the-road. Unfortunately, we were unable to find the decibels of sound produced by the indoor unit. There is not a reason to expect the noise generated by this indoor unit would be much different that the others we have reviewed so far.
The recommended maximum length of refrigerant line is 49.2 ft and the maximum recommended elevation change of refrigerant line is 23 feet. Again, these numbers are very middle-of-the-road there is nothing exceptionally high or low about them.
We recommend looking to LG for a mini split if you do not have any extreme requirements like operating in very low temperatures or a great vertical distance between the placement of the compressor and the indoor unit. The LS120HXV is the best mini split for single room applications under normal conditions in climate zone 4 or 3. The very high cooling BTUs per hour are similar to the pricier Fujitsu 12RLS3. This is the best mini split for cooling if you are looking for one with a lower price tag.
Additional Mini Split Resources
Here is a comprehensive list of mini split articles published on unhumid.com
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