10 Best Split-System Air Conditioner Reviews By Consumer Guide for 2020

As warm weather approaches you may be thinking of ways to cool your home. Or if you live in an area where you never really experience cold temperatures you may be seeking an update to your current cooling system or the addition of a better system.

One effective way to cool your space is to use a split-system air conditioner. These systems can be used to cool small or large spaces depending on the specific system you choose. When choosing the right system for your space it’s important to compare the specifications for the different options to find one that will meet your specific needs.

Split-system air conditioners are designed to cool one specific place in your home. They work in a similar way as whole-house HVAC units. Split-system air conditioning units have an outside unit that dissipates heat from the area the system is cooling. The indoor part of the system blows cool are into the room.

These systems use refrigerants. They may be difficult to install for those with no experience in HVAC work and may require you to hire a professional for installation. The following is a list of the 10 best split-system air conditioners based on reviews by consumer report.

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10. 9000 Btu 21.5 SEER Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner

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The 9000 BTU 21.5 SEER mini split air conditioner has a ductless design. This unit comes with everything you need for installation and usage including installation instructions and an operating manual. It’s super quiet when operating so as not to disturb you.

This split system air conditioner from Air-Con has a compact design that makes it easier to install than larger units. It has several different modes and settings so you can customize for your personal comfort. The unit also includes a remote for easy operation.

Product Features

• package includes both the indoor and outdoor unit
• system is energy star certified
• unit has an LED display

Pros

• compact system doesn’t take up much space
• included remote control allows you to adjust the temperature easily
• can be used to heat or cool your space

Cons

• not ideal for heating large spaces
• may require professional installation

This split system air conditioner from Air-Con is designed to efficiently heat and cool smaller spaces. This system includes everything needed for installation, including both the indoor and outdoor units and the installation brackets and hardware.

9. Senville SENA-18MO-209 18000 BTU Dual Zone Split Air Conditioner

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The Senville SENA-18MO-209 Dual Zone split air conditioner uses DC inverter technology to efficiently and effectively cool your home. This unit is small and ideal for use in small spaces where a full size unit would not be needed.

This split system air conditioner and heater unit from Senville includes an easy installation kit which will allow most people to install the system without the need of professionals. It comes with two indoor cooling/heating units.

Product Features

• has 2 remote controls for easy adjustments
• comes with 2 indoor units to use in 2 separate rooms
• works well for bedrooms, home additions, and other spaces

Pros

• includes a remote for each unit to conveniently change the settings
• dual system can heat or cool two rooms
• installation is fairly easy compared to other units

Cons

• system is small and designed to heat or cool one room per unit
• electrical wiring harness and cables must be purchased separately

This dual unit system can be installed in two separate rooms with the two indoor units and remote controls. The system is relatively easy to install and it comes with an installation kit and instructions. It works well for bedrooms, home additions, garages, and other small spaces.

8. PIONEER Air Conditioner WYS020GMHI22M2 Multi Split Heat Pump Dual

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The PIONEER Air Conditioner Multi Split Heat Pump comes with 2 indoor units and the outdoor unit to power both. This system can be used to cool and heat two separate spaces which makes it ideal for small homes and apartments.

This dual system from Pioneer includes 2 remote controls so you have one to power each indoor cooling unit. The system has an ultra high efficiency inverter and a ductless multi split dual design to cool your space quickly.

Product Features

• can be used year round for heating and cooling
• High SEER ratings range between 21.3 to 22.5
• contains permanent air filters that can be removed for cleaning

Pros

• dual system can be used in two different rooms
• remotes allow you to adjust the settings from your bed, chair, or sofa
• is compatible with a programming module for remote access to your system

Cons

• only designed for light commercial usage or residential usage
• unit is heavy and may require professional installation

This dual air conditioning system from Pioneer can be used to heat or cool two different spaces in your home. It can be used for residential use or for light commercial usage. It comes with remote controls for each indoor unit for convenience.

7. Klimaire KSIA 17 SEER 9,000 BTU Ductless Mini-Split Inverter Air Conditioner

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The Klimaire KSIA 17SEER 9,000 BTU Ductless Mini-Split Inverter air conditioning system includes a 15 foot installation kit to simplify the installation process. This system includes the indoor unit and the outdoor unit to be used for cooling and heating a small space.

This heating and cooling system from Klimaire has a function that helps the system choose the right operation mode to reach the desired temperature. It comes with a remote control so you can easily adjust the settings on the indoor unit.

Product Features

• outdoor unit comes pre-charged
• self-cleaning and anti-fungus functions keep the air clean and fresh
• includes a multi-function filter to remove dust and other particles from the air

Pros

• comes with 15 foot instillation kit
• includes a factory supplied pre-connected power cable to make installation easy
• self-cleaning functions help improve the air quality inside your home

Cons

• only includes 1 indoor heating/cooling unit
• system must be installed by HVAC professional for warranty to be valid

This cooling and heating system from Klimaire includes the installation kit needed to install both the indoor and outdoor units. The system has functions that help remove dust particles from the air and also promote healthy air quality.

6. DELLA 18,000 BTU 230V- 15 SEER Home Wall Mount Mini Split Heat Pump Air Conditioner

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The DELLA 18,000 BTU SEER Home split heat pump and air conditioning system is designed to be mounted on your wall. This system includes the compact indoor unit along with the unit to be installed outside. It also has an installation kit.

This system from DELLA is lightweight and small compared to many similar split system air conditioning units. It would work well in a small bedroom, an office, a garage, or a home addition where you need a heating and cooling system that’s easy to install.

Product Features

• includes remote control for ease of use
• system comes with an installation kit
• can be used for cooling or heating

Pros

• small system works well in small rooms
• remote control makes it easy to change the temperature settings
• has timer and sleep functions

Cons

• may need professional installation
• only designed for use in small to medium sized spaces

This compact split system heating and cooling unit from DELLA has 18,000 BTU. The system is lightweight compared to other similar systems. It includes much of what’s needed for installation but still may require a professional HVAC installer for proper installation.

5. Innova 12,000 BTU Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner

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The Innova 12,000 BTU Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner can be used for cooling and heating spaces in your home. This system includes a dehumidifier to help prevent the buildup of humidity in your home from frequent usage.

This system from Innova is affordable and powerful for its size. It’s designed to operate extremely quietly so as not to disturb anyone in your home. It has a silent mode that operates as low as 19 decibels which is similar to whispering.

Product Features

• outdoor unit comes pre-charged
• system uses eco-friendly refrigerant
• includes a 16 foot copper line set for installation

Pros

• small but powerful
• includes 1 year limited warranty on parts and 5 year limited warranty on compressor
• indoor unit is only 31.5 inches long and 11 inches tall

Cons

• not ideal for large rooms
• system may require professional installation for those not familiar with this type of work

This system from Innova is ideal for use in spaces where you don’t need a whole house system. It can cool bedrooms, garages, home additions, and other areas. The system comes with the indoor unit and the outdoor unit plus a remote control for convenience.

4. 12k BTU 17.5 SEER MrCool DIY Ductless Heat Pump Split System

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This Ductless Heat Pump Split System from MrCool has a compact design that can be mounted on the wall. The system comes with both the indoor and outdoor units. The ductless design means that many people with electrical knowledge can install it without needing a professional.

This system from MrCool has a leakage detection feature that helps you find any leaks easily if they do occur. This unit utilizes technology that allows it to automatically go into energy saving mode when it’s put on standby to help save on your power bill.

Product Features

• includes sleep mode to save energy
• comes with a 7 year compressor warranty and 5 year parts warranty
• uses a quick-connect pre-charged lineset

Pros

• indoor and outdoor units are compact and require little space
• remote app allows you to control the unit easily
• energy saving mode reduces your electric costs

Cons

• pricier compared to units with a similar size and style
• installation may require professional if you don’t have experience with electrical work

This split system heating and cooling unit from MrCool comes with the indoor and outdoor units along with installation instructions. The system can be used with a remote app for convenience. It has an energy saving feature that puts the unit in standby to help save on heating and cooling costs.

3. Senville 9000 BTU SENA-09HF/Z Energy Star Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump

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The Senville 9000 BTU SENA-09HF/Z mini split air conditioner can be used to heat or cool your space. This compact unit is powerful for its size. It uses DV inverter technology for high efficiency and performance when heating and cooling.

This small cooling and heating system from Senville is energy star certified so you can feel confident it won’t negatively affect you electric bill. This system comes with the indoor and outdoor units along with an installation kit.

Product Features

• system is AHRI certified
• whisper technology allows the system to operate quietly
• includes remote control for easy access to settings

Pros

• compact design
• can be used in bedrooms, home additions, or other spaces
• comes with 16 foot copper line for installation

Cons

• price may be higher than others with a similar BTU
• only designed for use in spaces up to 500 square feet

This mini split system heating and cooling unit can be used in spaces from 100 to 500 square feet. The unit comes with an installation kit and instructions for installation. This system is designed to operate quietly in your home since most of the working parts are found in the outside unit.

2. Senville 9000 BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner and Heat Pump SENL-09CD

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The Senville 9000 BTU Mini Split System air conditioning and heating unit has a ductless design that makes the installation process quicker and easier. This small unit works well in smaller rooms where you don’t need or want to use a full size HVAC unit.

This system from Senville features an inverter compressor made by Toshiba to be long-lasting and durable. The low ambient kit means that you can heat and cool your space even in extremely cold and hot temperatures.

Product Features

• compressor comes with a 5 year warranty
• includes an easy installation kit
• system has whisper technology to operate without causing sound disruptions

Pros

• system works even in extreme temperatures
• installation kit makes the unit easy to install for those with electrical knowledge
• includes remote control

Cons

• system must be installed by a professional for warranty to be valid
• some additional parts need to be purchased for complete installation

1. PIONEER Air Conditioner Pioneer Mini Split Minisplit Heatpump

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The PIONEER Air Conditioner Mini Split Heatpump has a BTU rating of 9000. This system includes the inside unit, outside unit, and a remote control so you can adjust the temperature easily. It also includes an installation kit.

This system from PIONEER has an ultra high efficiency inverter and a ductless design that makes it easier to install. It’s powerful but also compact and ideal for use in a bedroom, garage, home addition, or other smaller space.

Product Features

• has a 17.0 SEER rating
• includes cables and wires needed for installation
• unit is AHRI certified

Pros

• comes pre-charged with refrigerant
• includes permanent air filters that can be removed for cleaning
• has the option for wireless remote access

Cons

• only designed to be used in a space up to 350 square feet
• requires the purchase of additional parts for installation

This split-system air conditioner and heater from PIONEER is ideal in spaces up to 350 square feet in size. It include the indoor unit and outdoor unit along with much of what’s needed for installation. It can be used in a variety of spaces where you don’t need a full size HVAC system.

A split-system air conditioner works well in spaces where you don’t want to install an entire HVAC system. Many of these systems have a ductless design which helps to simplify the installation process. Some systems include nearly everything you need for installation while others require you to purchase hardware and wiring separately.

When choosing the best split-system air conditioner for your space it’s important to consider the size of the space you’re trying to keep cool.

Some systems are smaller while others can cool a larger space. It can be helpful to read online reviews for the different systems you’re considering purchasing. These reviews can provide you with objective information on how well the systems work and how long they last.