The Best Split-System Air Conditioners
Split-system air conditioners are an adequate way to chill your place during hot days.
These systems work like whole-house HVAC systems but are designed to cool one room.
The split-system air conditioner has one unit outside for extracting the warm air from inside the house, and the other unit indoors, for blowing cool air into the room.
The technology behind the split-system performance is refrigeration.
Installment of the split-system air conditioner is a complicated process and you will need to hire a professional to do it properly.
Every split-system air conditioner has different specifications, so before you buy yourself one, make sure that you understand its effects, maintenance, and power usage.
Here are the top 10 split-system air conditioners with all their pros and cons.
Highest Rated Split-System Air Conditioners (by Customer Reviews)
- 1Senville SENA-18MO-209 18000 BTU Dual Zone Split Air Conditioner
- 29000 Btu 21.5 SEER Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner
- 3DELLA 18,000 BTU 230V- 15 SEER Home Wall Mount Mini Split Heat Pump Air Conditioner
- 4Klimaire KSIA 17 SEER 9,000 BTU Ductless Mini-Split Inverter Air Conditioner
- 5PIONEER Air Conditioner WYS020GMHI22M2 Multi Split Heat Pump Dual
- 6Senville 9000 BTU SENA-09HF/Z Energy Star Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump
- 712k BTU 17.5 SEER MrCool DIY Ductless Heat Pump Split System
- 8Innova 12,000 BTU Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner
- 9Senville 9000 BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner and Heat Pump SENL-09CD
- 10PIONEER Air Conditioner Pioneer Mini Split Minisplit Heatpump
1
Senville SENA-18MO-209 18000 BTU Dual Zone Split Air Conditioner
This Senville split air conditioner is suitable for use in smaller rooms.
The Senville air conditioner is a dual split-system unit capable of heating or cooling two separate rooms because it has two indoor units.
The system is easy to install thanks to a straightforward manual guide if you have everything required for proper settings.
It also comes with two remotes for easy adjustments.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Easy installment
- Dual system – heating and cooling
- Two remotes
Cons
- Extra costs for buying necessary wires and tools needed for installment
- Only works in smaller rooms
Jake's TakeIf your rooms are smaller, and you have difficulties heating and cooling them, this Senville is a useful device.
Two remotes allow you to set the desired temperature easy and from across the room.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
2
9000 Btu 21.5 SEER Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner
The manufacturer of this split system is Air-con, and it is easy to install because you get installment instructions and all necessary wires and tools.
The system features ductless design, remote control, LED display, and various operating modes.
It is also Energy-star certified, so you don’t have to worry about electricity bills.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Doesn’t take a lot of space
- Remote control
- Can be used for heating
Cons
- In the case of larger rooms, can be used for cooling only
Jake's TakeThis one is easy to install and manage, thanks to features such as remote, instructions and a LED display.
The design is also very convenient because it isn’t a heavy unit, so you will find the place for it easily.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
3
DELLA 18,000 BTU 230V- 15 SEER Home Wall Mount Mini Split Heat Pump Air Conditioner
This Della split system air conditioner is a mini system, excellent for small bedrooms, garages or any other space in which you will need both heating and cooling options.
The system comes with a remote, and several operating modes, including timer and sleep mode.
With this Della system, you’ll get the installment kit and two units – one for indoor and other for outdoor placement.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Extra features – timer and sleep mode
- Remote control
- Excellent performance in small to medium rooms
Cons
- May require a professional for instalment
Jake's TakeIf you are looking for something to help you adjust the temperature in your bedroom, this one might be the proper option.
It comes with a timer, so you can easily adjust it for night usage.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
4
Klimaire KSIA 17 SEER 9,000 BTU Ductless Mini-Split Inverter Air Conditioner
This Klimaire air conditioner comes with a 15-foot installment kit for straightforward installation.
The air conditioner features two units, indoor and outdoor, and the outdoor unit is pre-charged.
The machine features self-regulation and anti-fungus mode, which simplifies the maintenance.
The filter is multi-functional and anti-bacterial.
The auto mode is also enabled.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- The connection cable is pre-charged
- Auto mode, self-cleaning and anti-fungus mode
- Installation kit
Cons
- Suitable for only one room
- An HVAC professional is required for installment
Jake's TakeThis Klimaire air conditioner is easy to use, and the maintenance is simplified with different modes.
This one is a proper choice for only one room, so you can use it for effortless temperature control in your living room.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
5
PIONEER Air Conditioner WYS020GMHI22M2 Multi Split Heat Pump Dual
This Pioneer air conditioner consists of one outdoor unit and two indoor units, which you can place in two separate rooms.
The air conditioner uses DC inverter technology for adjusting the room temperature quickly.
You also get two remotes for each indoor unit.
The filters are reusable and the cleaning is simple.
On top of everything, this device can be used for seasonal or year-round temperature adjustment, both heating, and cooling.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Permanent air filters
- Suitable for two rooms
- Dual system – cooling and heating
Cons
- Heavy machine
- A professional is required for installation
Jake's TakeThis Pioneer air conditioner is a useful machine for residential usage, and it can operate around the year.
If your space isn’t very large, it can be used for your whole house.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
6
Senville 9000 BTU SENA-09HF/Z Energy Star Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump
This Senville mini split air conditioner uses DC inverter technology for cooling and heating.
Even though it is a small and compact unit, it features powerful motor and additional features.
The system is Energy-star certified and has a very quiet operation.
The installation kit is included.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Compact design
- Energy-efficient machine
- The 16-foot copper line for simple installation
Cons
- Works in rooms up to 500 sq ft
- Pricier than other similar units
Jake's TakeIf you are looking to invest in a split air conditioner for heating and cooling, check this Senville mini air-conditioner out.
It produces less noise than others, so it is an excellent choice for bedrooms.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
7
12k BTU 17.5 SEER MrCool DIY Ductless Heat Pump Split System
This MrCool split air conditioner you can install by yourself, without HVAC professional, because it features simple and ductless design.
This machine features a leaking detection option, which allows simple maintenance.
The MrCool air conditioner can operate on automatic sleep mode, as an energy-saving option.
The warranty for the parts is 5 years, and the compressor is 7 years.
The quick-connect lineset is precharged.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Both units are compact
- Simple installation
- Energy-saving mode
Cons
- High price
Jake's TakeIf you are worried about costs when your air conditioner is running, this one can save you the trouble.
The energy-saving mode is always a nice touch.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
8
Innova 12,000 BTU Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner
This Innova split air conditioning system has cooling, heating and dehumidifying mode.
The machine is quiet, and when working on low modes, it produces the noise at 19 dB, which makes it one of the quietest split-systems on the market.
The technology it uses is eco-friendly refrigeration.
It also comes with a 16-foot power cord.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Compact, yet powerful machine
- 1-year parts warranty, and 5-year compressor warranty
Cons
- Not suitable for large rooms
- Complex installment
Jake's TakeThis Innova split air conditioner is a multifunctional machine suitable for smaller rooms.
The warranty period is fine and the performance for each of the three functions will satisfy you.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
9
Senville 9000 BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner and Heat Pump SENL-09CD
This Senville system is capable of working at very low temperatures.
The heating and cooling options are enabled for the mid-size rooms.
The performance is quiet and it won’t disturb you during your daily activities.
The compressor warranty is 5 years.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- High performance during extreme temperatures
- Easy to install
- Remote control
Cons
- Additional costs for buying needed parts for installment
- For warranty to be valid, a system must install an HVAC professional
Jake's TakeIf your climate is known for temperature oscillation, this split air-conditioner system is safe and reliable for use on extremely low temperatures and very high temperatures.
It also comes with the remote, for easy settings.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
10
PIONEER Air Conditioner Pioneer Mini Split Minisplit Heatpump
With this Pioneer split system, you get an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, a remote control, all cables for installation and a manual guide.
It is suitable for use in bedrooms, living rooms, garages and every other smaller spaces.
The design is ductless and the installment is not very difficult.
This Pioneer machine is a powerful air conditioning unit with a SEER rating of 17.0 and it is an energy-efficient device.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Pre-charged cords
- Reusable air filter, easy to clean
- Remote control
Cons
- Suitable for use in size up to 350 sq ft
Jake's TakeThis Pioneer split-system has the best performance in smaller rooms.
With a remote, you can easily adjust it.
It doesn’t cost much to operate for a long time.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
Split-System Air Conditioners Buying Guide
Split-system air conditioners are the most popular type of air conditioners.
People choose it because of its versatility, capacity, and durability.
However, if you want to get yourself a split-system air conditioner, there are a few things to discuss.
Choosing a suitable air-conditioner for your home will ensure the best performance, smaller costs, and high efficiency.
Before we move on to every significant aspect of it, let’s sort out a few different types of air conditioners to make sure you know what you are getting.
Air Conditioners Types
The most proper type for a house is reverse-cycle air conditioners.
The reverse-cycle means that an air conditioner can cool and heat.
However, if you live somewhere where you don’t need heating because of the warm climate, choose only the cooling device.
Those are cheaper than reverse-cycle devices.
The split-system consists of two or more elements, outdoor and indoor.
Split-system Type
You connect one outdoor unit with the one indoor unit with pipes.
The refrigerant gas is inside those pipes. For the proper installment, it is best to hire a professional.
The split-system type is suitable for adjusting the temperature in only one room.
The prices vary, but the price range is usually from $500 to $700.
The maintenance is also different for all systems, but you will get all the necessary instructions in the manual.
Multi-split
What differentiates the multi-split system is the number of indoor units.
There is one outdoor unit that you can connect with two or more indoor assemblies. Therefore, you get cooling or heating in more than one room.
The package usually includes remote controls for each indoor unit. The price range is similar to the split-system type.
Ducted
The ducted air conditioner type is getting popular because of the straightforward installment.
It consists of a central unit which is connected to the air outlets and sensors in every room with air ducts.
If you choose the ducted type, you can cool or heat your entire house.
The price range is on the higher end.
Size
To determine the right volume of your air conditioner, you will have to know your room size.
The discrepancy between the capacity and the room size may result in undesired temperature and higher costs.
For example, if your air conditioner is too powerful, it will affect the humidity and the device’s durability.
On the other hand, if you have a large room, and your air conditioner isn’t powerful enough, it will have to operate for long hours.
The result is dry air, higher costs and not very much of a difference.
Here is the guide for choosing the right capacity air conditioner:
Room size up to 20 sq m – 2-2.5 kW capacity
Room size20-40 sq m – 2.5-5 kW capacity
Room size 40-60 sq m – 4-6 kW capacity
Room size 60–80 sq m – 5-7 kW capacity
Room size 80+ sq m – 6-9 Kw capacity
Noise Level
Most of the split air conditioners produce noise while running.
Determining whether the noise will bother you depends on where you want to put the air conditioner.
For comparison, the vacuum cleaner produces noise around 70-80 dBA.
Therefore, a suitable noise level for the living room could be around 50 dBA.
For the bedroom, you might want something quieter.
Other Features
The fan speed and operating modes are significant factors to consider.
Always check for air conditioners with more speeds, from high to low fan speed.
For example, the high-speed mode is proper for a quick cooling effect, but air conditioners are louder when running on high speed.
Low speed is the quiet operating mode, for smooth and gradual temperature regulation.
Modes
There are a few useful modes to check for when buying an air conditioner.
Automatic mode detects the mode that can work to preserve the present room conditions.
Heating and cooling modes pump heat from outside and opposite.
Dry mode dehumidifies the air and the fan provides the breeze without cooling or heating effect.
Economy mode is very useful if you want to keep track of your power consumption.
It controls the temperature using different technologies and reduces power consumption at the same time.
Energy-efficiency
When it comes to power consumption and costs of air conditioner, you should look for units that are Energy-star certified.
Energy star certification is the label that the government gives to the electrical products that show high performance, save money and energy.
So, you wouldn’t have to calculate power consumption by yourself.
Maintenance
Because you will spend a lot of time in the rooms with air-conditioner it is important to learn more about maintenance.
The self-cleaning mode is useful because the air-conditioner can remove allergens and health-hazardous from the air.
However, if the filters aren’t clean, there is a risk for dust and mold growing inside of it.
Before you buy a split system check how often you should replace the filters and what are the prices, etc.
The Position of the Air Conditioner
Check for the indoor and outdoor space left for the air conditioner.
If you don’t have enough wall space for an air conditioner unit, you will have to change the room layout.
Always measure the wall space you have and compare it with device size.
The proper position ensures high performance.
There are few positions for how you can install your air conditioner.
Check the device specifications to find out supported mounting positions.
Here are the basic mounting positions:
The high-wall position is the most natural.
Simply install the indoor unit high on the fall, and it will provide open and multi-directional airflow.
Floor-mounted is suitable for some rooms, which depends on the furniture in the room.
Cassette placement refers to the air conditioner unit set up in the ceiling.
Floor/Ceiling label means that you can either install the unit on the floor or the ceiling.
Operating on Extreme Temperatures
If you choose the reverse-cycle air conditioner and you plan to use it for heating, check whether the device has an automatic defrosting feature.
Also, the best air conditioners use powerful inverter DC motors to heat rooms during extremely cold weather conditions.
Pro-Tip
If you already know which device is suitable for you, buy it during spring or autumn.
During peak season, the prices can be higher, and most of the HVAC professionals are busy.
Do your research, find out the suitable capacity, desired additional features, and wait for spring to save some money.
Conclusion
If you don’t want to install an HVAC system, split system air conditioning units are the best choice.
When looking for a split air conditioner, look for those with ductless design, since those units are easier to install.
Sometimes, you can even do it by yourself.
The size of your room determines the cooling or heating power your air conditioner should have for the best performance.
Nowadays, you can buy smaller indoor units that are capable of cooling large spaces.
Most of the split system air conditioners have both cooling and heating option, but not all of them are suitable for usage on extreme temperatures.
Therefore, if your climate is known for extreme weather conditions, make sure to check if your air conditioner can support it.
What's your take on Split-System Air Conditioners? You think they're just a luxury or a must-have item? Don't hesitate to share your comment below with your opinion!
