- Which DIY Mini Split Units Heat and Cool?
- How Hard is a DIY Mini Split to Install?
- What is the Best DIY Mini Split Heat Pump?
- Our Picks for Best DIY Mini Split Heat Pumps 2024
- DIY Mini Split Heat Pump Comparison Chart
- How Big a DIY Mini Split (BTU) Should You Get?
Mini split heat pumps are one of the best ways to heat and cool a space, and when combined in a kit, they make for the perfect do-it-yourself option.
Mini split systems are smaller than traditional home HVAC units and work well in many scenarios, from heating a home addition to keeping a garage cool.
They have become very popular with the DIY crowd as a kit can be installed by a homeowner, saving on cost.
There are many mini split units available that can be ordered and installed by a handy type of person.
Which DIY Mini Split Units Heat and Cool?
Mini split Heat Pump units can heat during the winter and cool in the summer.
Notice the words Heat Pump.
Any unit that is a heat pump has a reversing valve that can change from heating to cooling.
The process of how the unit works is the same, only pumping away heat or cold air depending on the mode the unit is set on.
When looking for a mini split that can heat or cool, be sure it is listed as a Heat Pump unit.
A frequently asked question is “Can I install a mini split heat pump myself?”
The answer is yes; many home DIY-type people have installed a mini split. Of course, if you have any doubt, call a professional HVAC company.
How Hard is a DIY Mini Split to Install?
Installing a unit is not hard if you have some basic prior experience with electrical wiring and basic construction skills.
Installing a Do-It-Yourself mini split requires drilling holes in walls, running copper lines, electrical, and using HVAC tools.
Previous experience with basic construction skills using saws and drills will be needed, along with electrical knowledge.
There are many YouTube videos showing the steps for an install (see bottom of this post) along with online written articles.
A unit will have to be wired into its own breaker and disconnect along with the refrigeration lines run.
Refrigeration lines called a line-set carries refrigerant from the inside evaporator unit outside to the condenser. The condenser and evaporator work together but separately in a mini split system.
Also, before installing a DIY mini split, be sure to watch some of the install videos and other online resources to see if doing an install yourself is right for you.
What is the Best DIY Mini Split Heat Pump for 2024?
Opinions will vary as to what is the best Mini Split with many DIY kits available.
I have installed many of these units and have written post along with YouTube videos of installing them.
Below are my picks of the best units, along with links for how they were installed.
As always, be sure to read the reviews on Amazon, forums, here, or elsewhere to be sure a unit is a good fit for you.
*This site contains affiliate paid links for which a commission earned.
Our Picks for Best DIY Mini Split Heat Pumps that Heat and Cool
- MRCOOL DIY Kit
- Designed specifically for DIY Installs
- Uses Quick Connect line set fittings (No need to vacuum down)
- 115-Volt and 230-Volt units
- Easiest Mini Split System To Install
- Cost more compared to most other units
- Line Set Can Be Bulky and Difficult to Hide
- Pioneer DIY Mini Split Kit
- Designed specifically for DIY
- Usually cost less compared to other units
- 115-Volt and 230-Volt units
- Need to vacuum down the system with an HVAC pump and gauges
- Need to connect Line Set between inside and outside units
- Senville
- Usually cost less compared to other units
- 115-Volt and 230-Volt units
- Need to vacuum down the system with an HVAC pump and gauges
- Need to connect Line Set between inside and outside units
- Daikin
- Good units that have been around many years
- 115-Volt and 230-Volt units
- Need to vacuum down the system with an HVAC pump and gauges
- Need to connect Line Set between inside and outside units
- TURBRO
- Good low cost units
- 115-Volt and 230-Volt units
- New manufacture with unknown long term results
- Need to vacuum down the system with an HVAC pump and gauges
- Mitsubishi Hyper Heat
- Very good units with high SEER rating
- Not as DIY friendly as other mini split systems
- Line set and communication lines often not included
- Need to vacuum down the system with an HVAC pump and gauges
- Innovair
- High SEER rating
- Need to vacuum down the system with HVAC pump and gauges
Pros
Cons
The MRCOOL DIY Series of heat pump mini split units are marketed for the DIY individuals.
Everything comes with the kit (except the electrical wiring) including the line-set and pre-charged unit.
The MRCOOL mini split units do cost more compared to other popular DIY brands, such as Pioneer or Senville, but they are very popular and used by many.
One of the things that makes MRCOOL units different from other mini split kits is there is no need to vacuum down the lines.
MRCOOL line-sets are already in a vacuum, called quick-connects, and have a seal that is broken when bolted onto the outside condenser.
This makes them the easiest to install with no need to worry about vacuum pumps and gauges.
I installed a MRCOOL Mini Split on a garage which turned out very well and was much simpler compared to other kits.
The unit I installed used 120 volts and a 20 AMP breaker the same as most home outlets.
MRCOOL also has 230 volts units as well as different sizes from small to large to get the best size for the room they will be installed in.
Read Here For How How I Installed a MRCOOL Mini Split Unit
Pros
Cons
Pioneer makes several good units from 9000 BTU to 36000 BTU along with both 120 volt and 220 volt systems.
They have become very popular since they send a whole kit which is perfect for Home DIYers.
A pad to set the unit on and electrical to the pole is not included and will need to be bought separately.
Installing a unit is not hard but does require some skill so be sure to call a professional if needed.
I have installed several of these units, and they all are still working very well. I made a video on how to install a Pioneer mini split, along with a post of how I install a Pioneer mini split here.
Like any DIY Mini Split kit, the refrigerant comes locked in the outside condensing unit that is released after installation.
The setup requires the inside unit be placed on a wall and the outside evaporator placed on a solid surface.
Laying a small concrete pad is an option or buying a pad is also an option for placing the outdoor unit.
Electrical will need to be run from a breaker. Adding a quick disconnect is also a good idea.
Pioneer mini splits are a popular option with DIY’ers since the units are low-cost and the kits come with everything needed (except wiring) to do an install.
So far Pioneer units have worked very well with each install I have done along with the ability to install it without the need for an HVAC company.
Read Here For How How I Installed the Unit
Pros
Cons
Senville is another popular brand that has an entire mini split kit that comes with everything needed to install the system, except for electrical wiring.
It comes in different sizes ranging from 9000 BTU – 24,000 BTU.
I installed a 9000 BTU unit and made a video along with a post showing how I install a Senville unit which is here.
Mini splits come pre-charged with refrigerant that is released after the line set is vacuumed out.
Even though an HVAC company can be hired to install it this is also perfect for the home Do-it-Yourselfer.
Tools will be needed if you do it yourself such as a vacuum pump and HVAC gauges but these can be picked up cheap compared to the cost of hiring an HVAC tech.
A handy person combined with all the YouTube videos out there most likely can install a mini split in a day or two.
Read Here for the Tools Needed to do a DIY Mini Split Install.
Of course, someone can be hired to install the system and this may be the best option for anyone not handy.
If you do decide to install a mini split yourself the most difficult thing will possibly be the wiring.
The electrical is not difficult if you have done it before, such as wiring a dryer or ceiling fan.
Of course, the electrical can simply be outsourced to an electrician who will wire it in quickly if needed.
Read Here For How How I Installed a Senville Unit
Pros
Cons
Daikin is a top HVAC manufacturer that builds heat pump units that will cool in the summer and heat in the winter.
They have differently sized units from 9,000 BTU – 24,000 BTU and bigger along with good SEER Ratings.
I have installed many Daikin units over the years and once worked for an HVAC owner who only would install Daikin units.
They are very reliable with reasonably priced making them good heating and cooling packages.
Like most DIY mini split installs there some skills needed such as running the copper line-set and using a vacuum pump to pump down the system.
Daikin is a good manufacturer with a good warranty and works very well with good kits for the DIY individual.
Read Here for Daikin Mini Split Unit Review and Installation
Pros
Cons
TURBRO is a new mini split manufacture that has good units with a very good 23 SEER rating.
They have 12,000, and 18,000 BTU units both at 115 volts and 230 volts.
I recently installed a TURBRO unit an it is working well with no issues.
The installation will need a vacuum pump to set the unit in a vacuum.
Pros
Cons
Mitsubishi is one of the top brands available with very good units which unfortunately also cost the most.
They also are not as DIY friendly as many other companies many of which have dedicated DIY kits.
With that said they are very good units with very good SEER ratings and warranties.
The Hyper Heat model is one such good unit that is specially designed for colder climates.
All mini split heat pumps work very well when cooling in the summer but can struggle in the winter with very cold temperatures.
If you live in a climate with mild winters such as the American Southwest most any heat pump will work very well in the winter.
If you live in a colder climate a Mitsubishi Hyper Heat can heat much better compared to other units.
It also has a 26 SEER rating which makes it one of the most efficient units available.
While great units they do cost more and are not very DIY friendly with it best for an HVAC tech to do an install.
They can be installed by a more advanced homeowner with previous HVAC skills but not so much for a first install.
For example, most units will not include a copper line-set while most all dedicated DIY kits will.
Read Here for Mitsubishi Hyper Heat Unit Review and Installation
Pros
Cons
This unit from Innovair is a highly efficient energy star unit with a high SEER rating.
While most all mini split units have good SEER rating most are 19-23 SEER.
This makes the Innovair one of the better units with very low power usage.
Innovair also makes many other mini split units with a lower SEER rating so be sure to check the SEER on a listing.
The package comes in a kit with the indoor wall unit, outside condenser, and copper line set.
Since the system is a heat pump it can cool in the summer and heat in the winter making it good to have all-year-around.
The one downside is it cost more compared to other units.
Best DIY Mini Split Heat Pump Comparison Chart
| Name | Line-Set Included | Voltages | Sizes | DIY Kit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MRCOOL | Yes | 120V-220V | 9000– 24,000 BTU | Yes |
| Pioneer | Yes | 120V-220V | 9000-36000 BTU | Yes |
| Senville | Yes | 120V-220V | 9000– 24,000 BTU | Yes |
| Daikin | Yes | 120V-220V | 9000– 24,000 BTU | Yes |
| Mitsubishi | No | 220V | 9000– 36,000 BTU | No |
| Innovair | Yes | 220V | 9000 BTU | Yes |
How Big a DIY Mini Split (BTU) Should You Get?
The general Sizing of a mini split can be done by the square feet of the space to be heated and cooled.
There are mini split BTU sizing charts that will give the rough size of a unit to get, based on square feet of the space to be cooled and heated.
For example, a 450-550 sq ft is rated for a 12000 BTU unit.
While the square feet of a room to be cooled can give a general idea of how big a unit is to get, other factors should also be considered.
Other factors mainly include extreme weather conditions and how well insulated the space is.
For example, if the summers in your area are not extreme and rarely go above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the sizing chart will likely work for you.
If you have extreme summers that go above 100 Fahrenheit and more, you may want to get a slightly bigger unit.
How well insulated a home is also is a big factor as a well-insulated home will, even with extreme summers, will likely be fine using a sizing chart.
Sizing a unit with a sizing chart is a rough guide since other factors can affect the outcome.
If in doubt, use a mini split sizing chart to get as close to the correct size unit for the space you want to cool and heat.
Summary
Installing a ductless mini split with a DIY kit is a good way to save on cost and have a working heat pump in your house.
Of course, care will have to be taken as there are potential dangers when installing a unit.
The main danger is electrical, which most know can be dangerous if handled or installed incorrectly.
This will depend on your prior experience or possible friends or family that work in a trade.
If you have experience with electrical along with drilling holes and other construction skills, installing a DIY unit may be for you.
If you have limited construction experience calling an HVAC company for an installation is likely the better option.
There are many YouTube videos and online posts showing the steps involved in an installation to see if a DIY kit is right for you.
If in doubt, installing a window heat pump unit is more straight to the point and easier to install.
Heat pump units are both air conditioners and can reverse into heaters when needed.
Ductless mini split AC units that only cool are also available if the heat will never be used.
An installation kit will come with everything needed, including the indoor and outdoor condenser units.
For those who do not want to vacuum down a unit buying a quick connect unit already comes with the line set in a vacuum.
They use quick connections with a seal that is broken after it is bolted together.
The installation costs for a DIY person will be much less compared to a professional installer.
Of course, the cost to install will vary from location to location.
There are also single-zone, dual-zone, and tri-zone ductless mini split air conditioner heat pump split systems that can be installed.
Single zone packages come with only one inside unit while dual-zone has two and tri-zone has three.
They use one outside condenser and can run multiple inside units if needed.
The split air units will have variable speed and have very low noise levels.
Window AC units are less desirable than mini splits since they are nosier and can block a window from use, but they are also popular since they don’t require any skill to install.
The only real downside to mini split air units is they don’t use ducts to transfer air around a home and only blow air from one location.
This means that they don’t transfer heat or cold air well past walls or other obstructions. Setup strategically along with ceiling fans, they do work well, sometimes cooling more than one room and surrounding areas.
It comes down to how well it is placed and how well the air can travel. Often a home will have more than one mini split to cool an entire home.
Several DIY mini split units come with installation kits.
This includes the indoor unit, communication wires, outdoor pre-charged unit, and refrigerant lines.
Installing a DIY mini split system is a great way to save money. Once installed, ductless mini split AC units are highly energy efficient with an energy star rating that will save on monthly bills.
I installed myself a Pioneer split in my shop just this weekend. Works great very nice.
I’m building a small camper that is about 90 sq ft. I have 3 of the 115v Pioneer 9000 btu 23.5 seer units cooling my house. I love them, due to the current savings. The intention is to install one in my camper. I need something that draws the lease amount of amperage. I will be running it from shore power or from a champion 3500w digital hybrid generator and every once and awhile when on short hunting trips i would like to use my 3500v pure swine wave inverter powered by 510 amps of battery power (255 amps usable power). Would only use the inverter for 3 hours hopefully. Just to keep my wige cool while i do long range ground hog hunting from the top of the camper. Do you know if the mini split will work properally in a 90 sq foot camper? If it short cycles, would leaving a window open stop the cycling? Do you know of any units that would be better, drawing the lease amps? Thanks!
There are campers and trailers that individuals have installed mini-split units. The best option is to get the unit with the highest Seer possible since it will be the least amount of energy and possibly install a hard start kit which reduces the amount of amps on startup.
If I installed a pioneer system could I cut the lines shorter and re-flair it to eliminate the excess copper tubing behind the unit?
Yes, the line set can be cut and reflared. The refrigerant inside the unit is usually set for a 16 foot line set so may need to be adjusted. Since they refrigerant may need adjusted most roll the line set up behind the unit but they can be cut
I am getting ready to install heat pump in a house I have been building. I want to use a mini-split unit(s), and would like to get your recommendations. The house is near San Antonio, Tx, is 1200 ft sq. It is a 3 bedroom, basically a 25×50 ft rectangle single floor. Half of the house is open kitchen/family room, the other 1/2 is bedrooms. It is very well insulated (5 inches of styrofoam, stucco on outside, 1/2 inch osb and 1/2 inch sheetrock inside. Will have blown insulation in attic.
I am interested in your recommendations for mini-splits–whether to use one unit, or more, and sizing of the unit or units.
An HVAC company would likely install three units strategically to cool the entire house. Commonly they would be installed in the living room, master bedroom and a second room but it can vary.
very nice overview. answered questions. Mr Cool is still up there for simple installs.
If you buy a Mr Cool ac unit you don’t need the recharge or vacuum it it’s plug and play. I hate pioneer units
Our Mrcool DIY was precharged just connect the lines no charging was required, we also have used for heating no issues.
Thank you!!
The Mrcool DIY mini split has precharged linesets and they only need to be connect with open wrenches. I know this because i installed mine.
Hope this helps it sure helped me get a lot cooler.
Jay
What is the efficiency of the Pioneer and MR cool compared to a Mitsubishi or Daiken?
Will they all use the same amount of power if they are all similar BTU versions.
The SEER number is what give the efficiency of a unit. The higher the SEER the more efficient the unit.
Advice on a 450 sq ft space – 2 rooms that are poorly insulated. Summers can reach 100 degrees. Winter lows are around 30 degrees. What DIY unit should I purchase?
Thanks for the information, I used simple heater and window air conditioner in my home.
This list would be improved if you listed the units’ SEER value. It’d be an expensive mistake to install a low efficiency unit when a slightly more expensive unit would pay for itself in a short amount of time.
The SEER values change depending on the model bought, but any unit purchased in the last ten years would be much more efficient than a standard HVAC unit. For example, both Pioneer, Senville, and Mr. Cool have units ranging from 19 Seer to 22 Seer and possibly higher.
Is there a reason why Mr Cool line sets couldn’t be used with other units to facilitate installation without vacuum ? Besides the obvious drawback of purchasing line sets separately…
No, the Mr cool line set will only work with the package it comes with, there are other quick connect systems.
Thanks for this article on choosing a good DIY mini split. Would you please answer a few questions for me, as I am looking for a mini split for winter heating (not concerned with summer cooling as we use low-cost evaporative cooling) and want a system which I can install entirely myself. Am I correct that there are these three basic types available: (1) Those like Mr. Cool that claim to be completely DIY and not require evacuation, (2) Those like Pioneer(?) that are DIY and are precharged with refrigerant, but do require evacuation, and (3) others that are DIY for installation only and require both evacuation and the installation of refrigerant? Does this sound right? Can you recommend a Mr. Cool product that claims to not require evacuation, or is this wishful thinking? Thanks so much for your help and advice.
Some Mr Cool Mini Split units with the line-set in a vacuum (Quick Connect) is broken when bolted to the outside condensing unit. The other kits will need to be vacuumed down with a pump and gauges.
The copper lines that carry the refrigerant into and out of the home is what needs evacuated after being setup. This also is a good way to be sure it is all sealed up properly since it will lose it vacuum if there is a leak.
Just installed 2 Pioneer 12k btu 115v systems, install was a breeze, and they both work amazing! Kits were complete with everything needed. Great units, work very well and super quiet
Everything needed? Vacuum and gauges?
I recently installed two 24k leto senville units. One upstairs one downstairs. But the one downstairs has bad temp control. If I set the app or remote at. 77 degrees f. The room temp lowers to 68 degrees so I manually have to manually turn unit off of raise stat up to 81 or so . I have worked on ac’s for 30 years. The leto upstairs controls a little better but it’s still off by 5 degrees. Senville said they are sending out a new board and indoor temp sensor. My question is do all these have trouble with accurate temp control? Any ideas? Thank You. Ray
The unit we installed works great.
Did you ever find the answer to your question about accurate temperature control? (Do all mini doors brands have inaccurate temperature control?)
Did the replacement parts sent by senville fix it?
Thanks