The Best Mini Split Heat Pumps for 2023

Mini splits are an excellent choice for cooling. They are flexible, being able to cool one or multiple rooms connected to a single outdoor unit, and they do not require ducts, which makes them more cost-effective and energy efficient than traditional forced air duct systems. 

But mini splits can do more than just cool: they can act as supplemental heat sources too! When the weather cools and summer gives way to fall, a mini split heat pump can provide heating. There are even cold-climate models specifically designed to excel in low temperature conditions.

In this guide, we explore mini split heat pumps and provide recommendations for mini splits that offer both cooling and heating.

What is a Mini Split Heat Pump?

A mini split works by circulating refrigerant to cool the air that is pumped into the home, providing indoor cooling. 

A mini split heat pump is a model that also provides heating in addition to cooling. It does this by reversing the flow of refrigerant: instead of transferring heat from the inside to the outside, it transfers heat from the outdoor air to the inside of the home.

For more information, check out our Mini Split Heating 101 article.

Pros of Mini Split Heat Pumps

Two-in-one function

Instead of using a separate heating source like space heaters, mini split heat pumps provide both heating and cooling functions in one package. That’s one less appliance to buy and take up space.

Convenient installation

Mini splits need only a small hole to connect the indoor units with the outdoor unit. This makes them cheaper and easier to install.

Efficiency

Ductwork can account for up to 25% of energy loss in traditional forced air systems. By eliminating the need for ducts, mini splits are much more efficient when it comes to cooling and heating.

In fact, EnergyStar-rated mini split heat pumps use up to 60% less energy than conventional electric radiators. Not only is it good for your wallet, it’s good for the environment too!

Individual zone control

Because mini splits have separate indoor units, the temperature of each space can be customized compared to central air systems. For example, you can opt not to raise the temperature in rarely used or unoccupied rooms, allowing you to save even more. 

Safer

Unlike ventless gas heating sources, mini splits do not generate combustion byproducts like carbon monoxide or NOx. This makes them much safer, especially for households with young children, elderly family members, or those with respiratory problems. They also provide a safe alternative for areas where ventless heating is not allowed.

How to Choose the Best Mini Split Heat Pump

1. Heating capacity

The heating capacity of a mini split heat pump is measured in BTUs, or British Thermal Units. The higher the BTU, the more heat it can generate.

2. Sizing

Proper sizing for heating is complicated and needs to take many factors into account. While some online tools can be used to give you a general idea, the only way to really know what size unit is needed is to have a trained professional do a sizing calculation for you. This is generally done on site so that the professional can analyze all relevant factors like the level of insulation, air tightness, and many other areas. 

3. Efficiency rating

When it comes to heating, the efficiency of a mini split heat pump is measured in COP, or Coefficient of Performance. 

COP is the ratio of how much heat a heat pump can generate given a certain energy input. In other words, it measures how much heat it can produce for every watt of energy. So if the heat pump has a COP of 2, it gives out 2 watts of heat for every watt of electricity used.

The higher the COP, the more efficient the mini split heat pump is. A good mini split heat pump typically has a COP ratio of 3 or more.

4. EnergyStar rating

Energy Star is a program by the EPA and Department of Energy that provides information on the energy consumption of consumer products. Appliances with the EnergyStar label are certified to be more efficient than their non-certified counterparts.

According to the DOE, an EnergyStar-certified mini split heat pump can be up to 60% more energy efficient than an electric radiator. They also save up to 4,500 lbs of greenhouse gas emissions during their operational lifespan.

5. Cold climate considerations

Some mini splits are not rated to be primary heating sources. For those living in colder regions, there are specific mini split heat pumps designed to provide higher heating capacity and efficiency at low outdoor temperatures. 

Look for models rated for cold climate performance. EnergyStar certification requires third-party verified performance for low temperatures down to 5°F. 

The Best Mini Split Heat Pumps for 2023

Best single-zone mini split heat pump:

Friedrich FRHW123A 12000 BTU Floating Air Premier Series Single Zone Mini Split with Built-In WiFi – Heat and Cool – Energy Star

The Floating Air Premier Series is Friedrich’s top of the line ductless mini split systems, boasting Energy Star certification and high SEER ratings. This model boasts 24.5 SEER2 and 15.4 EER, with a COP of 4.45.

This single-zone mini split heat pump has a cooling capacity of 9,000 BTUs, heating capacity of 13,000 BTUs, and can service a room that is about 600 sq. ft. This system will give you 8,000 BTUs at 17°F but with its low ambient heating capacity, will provide heat even with temperatures down to -13°F.

It includes built-in WiFi and access to FriedrichGo App for wireless control as well as Google Assistant and Alexa voice commands.

Best multi zone mini split heat pump:

Bosch BMS500-AAM036-1CSXHC MAX Performance 36000 BTU Configurable Quad-Zone Heat and Cool Split System

Bosch’s MAX Performance line uses Inverter Drive Technology to provide extremely efficient operation. This is achieved by constantly adjusting the compressor rotation speed.to achieve the desired temperature, instead of operating full-blast all the time.

This quad-zone outdoor condenser unit is capable of 36,000 BTUs, with a total connected capacity of up to 48,000 BTUs. It offers heating and cooling operation range down to -22°F, with 100% capacity at -5°F. It has a 21.8 SEER, 13.6 EER, and COP of 3.85.

Other features include Bosch’s Blue Fin Condenser for improved corrosion resistance, built-in Failure Automatic Restart, and built-in Self Diagnosis.

Best mini split heat pump for cold climate operation:

Bosch 9000 BTU Climate 5000 MAX Performance Single Zone 25.0 SEER Mini Split System – Heating Capabilities to -22°F

The Bosch Climate 5000 Series are rated for cold climate operation. Models in the series can deliver 100% heating capacity at temperatures as low as -5°F, with no additional hardware or accessories required. They also include a factory installed base pan heater that keeps the condensate from freezing in extreme conditions, and are rated for national usability.

This single-zone mini split heat pump has a cooling capacity of 9,000 BTUs and heating capacity of 10,000 BTUs. It boasts high efficiency ratings of 25 SEER, 14.5 EER and COP of 3.83. This is accomplished by Inverter Drive technology, which constantly adjusts the compressor to meet the programmed temperature.

Other features include Intelligent Eye Mode, where an infrared sensor detects the activity or lack of activity of people in a room and automatically adjusts the fan speed to accommodate what is happening in the room; and Humidity Control, which allows the system to increase the comfort level by lowering the humidity rather than the temperature.

Smart mini split heat pump

Friedrich FRHW093A 9000 BTU Floating Air Premier Series Single Zone Mini Split with Built-In WiFi – Heat and Cool – Energy Star

Part of Friedrich’s Floating Air Premier Series of premium mini split systems, this unit contains all the latest technology that Friedrich has to offer.

First off, it includes a built-in WiFi module that allows it to be controlled remotely via smartphone or tablet anywhere with an Internet connection. Using the FriedrichGo app, it can also interface with your smart home routines, and supports voice command and integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Home Assistant.

The design uses Friedrich’s FastPro Technology, which makes installation and maintenance a much easier, less time consuming task. FastPro gives your HVAC technician easy access to the entire indoor unit, including piping, wire terminal, the fan and fan components. The front panel of your wall unit can be propped open with sliding bolts to keep the cover up and out of the way. If more room is needed to work, there is a slide bar than can be pushed out for a wider space. This makes installation of the refrigerant lines and wiring a much more manageable, less time consuming task for your HVAC technician.

Finally it uses inverter technology that runs the compressor at a lower speed instead of shutting off completely. This helps the system to maintain the set temperature much more efficiently, while generating less noise than the on/off clicks of a non-inverter mini split.

This particular model has a 9,000 BTU cooling capacity, 10,500 BTUs of heat, and can service about 450 sq. ft of space. It boasts an impressive SEER of 28, EER of 16.1, and COP of 3.4.

Your Trusted Source for Mini Split Systems

At Total Home Supply, mini splits are our expertise. Whether it’s single-zone, multi-zone, or mini split heat pumps, we carry a wide range of models from trusted brands with industry leading warranties.

Check out our mini splits today to provide your home with a convenient heating and cooling system that’s light on your wallet and good for the environment!