Best Split-System Air Conditioners in 2022

Last update: December 24, 2022

Are split systems expensive to run?

Split systems are generally more expensive to run than other types of air conditioners. They require more energy to operate and produce more greenhouse gases. However, split systems are more efficient than other types of air conditioners and can save you money in the long run.

Are split systems worth it?

Split systems are a type of air conditioner that doesn't require a central duct system. Instead, they have an outdoor unit that contains the condenser and compressor, and an indoor unit that contains the evaporator. They're usually more expensive than central air conditioners, but they're also more energy-efficient and easier to install.

Can a split system be too big?

A split system can be too big if it is not properly sized for the space it is cooling or heating. If a split system is too big for the space, it will cycle on and off too frequently and will not be able to maintain a comfortable temperature. This can lead to higher energy bills and decreased comfort.

Can Split AC be used in two rooms?

Yes, a split AC can be used in two rooms. By using two indoor units, each room can have its own temperature setpoint. This is especially useful if the rooms are used at different times of the day or night.


Senville 9000 BTU SENA-09HF/Z Energy Star Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump, White Review:


The Senville 09HF/Z 9000 BTU mini-split unit has my utmost satisfaction. Senville's product offers in this class are difficult to match in terms of price, performance, features, warranty, and efficiency based on the stats and features of the leading Mini-Split brands (Mitsubishi, LG). You will be astounded by how quiet this unit can be, both the inside unit and the outside unit, once you turn it on for the first time. Because of the Aura Series' extraordinarily high efficiency rating, I chose it above the Leto Series (25 SEER). Both models come with a comprehensive installation kit that includes everything needed for installation, including drainage tubing, rubber mounting pads, control cables, copper line sets, remotes, mounting hardware (for wall mounting), and more. Of course, you must provide a power feed. The instructions are detailed and cover a variety of models using the traditional (your model may not have this feature). The installation instructions are provided in a similar style to other devices and appliances. Therefore, it is undesirable. However, the majority of do-it-yourself homes can complete the installation quickly with a little bit of patience and the occasional google search.To install it yourself, a few specialized tools are needed, but unlike some reviewers who lament how pricey the tools are, the majority can be purchased on Amazon for a fair price. Even the most expensive instrument needed (a vacuum pump and manifold) can often be acquired for significantly less than $100. Yes, that is a pricey tool, but here in Las Vegas, the cost of installation is typically between $1500 and $2000 or more. According to some, you can find an HVAC specialist to conduct the vacuum and leak test for as little as $150. Any DIY homeowner would already have the following additional tools, or they may be purchased for not much money: Tools needed include a hole saw ($10.00), a level ($5.00), a flaring tool ($20.00), a box cutter ($5.00), a new matching circuit breaker ($10.00), a disconnect box ($15.00), a wire whip ($15.00), some wrenches, a drill, and a screwdriver, as well as some perseverance. I have everything mentioned above, with the exception of the vacuum pump and the manifold gauge; budget at least one additional $100. Considering that professional installation costs $2000, the additional cost may be as high as $200.Since then, I've ordered a second 09HF/Z and a three-zone 28HF/T Senville device. For the first installation, I never had to contact Senville assistance, but as I awaited my orders for the second and third, I discovered I ought to have bought a 25' line set rather of a conventional 16' one for one of the units. When I contacted Senville, I spoke with Jamal (maybe the most up to date technical sales rep I have ever talked to). I actually spoke to a live person instead of waiting on hold or going through a series of intermediary phone calls; this allowed me to get an immediate resolution to my issue. I decided to take my problem to the sales division. Other divisions handled warranties and technical assistance.Senville is at the top of my list of high-value enterprises even though I haven't possessed the unit for very long.



LG 18,000 BTU Dual Inverter Remote Control Window Air Conditioner, White Review:


For replacement in my shop, I was considering a basic air conditioner at a lesser cost. Compared to its regular type predecessor, this air conditioner works better, consumes less electricity, and is quieter. I can leave the store a little hotter and reduce it on the way back after a service call thanks to the phone app's remote control capability.



PIONEER Air Conditioner Pioneer Mini Split Heat Pump Minisplit Inverter, 9000 BTU-110/120 V Review:


I recently bought a Pioneer 30,000 btu Inverter/AC/Heat Pump Kit from Parker Davis and installed it myself. I opted not to use Amazon because I wanted to speak with the company directly in order to gather as much information as possible before making the purchase.After researching forums and YouTube videos on how to do the installation, I assumed that, as an experienced DIYer, I would be able to complete the task myself. In light of the fact that I had to complete this task alone without assistance from local experts, I wanted to share some information with anyone considering purchasing one of these units and considering doing it themselves. So, let's look at the GOOD, BAD, and UGLY.The GOOD Parker Davis's customer service:It is timely, polite, and professional. All inquiries were answered promptly, and if additional information was required, it was given as soon as the correct responses were found (thanks Karla). Tech Support responded to a technical query with a direct phone call from the specialist. Knowing that service is available when needed is a positive thing. They are willing to assist if you have queries or need assistance.–Pricing:All the parts I needed to install and connect the air handler and the condenser were included in my 30,000 unit. When compared to quotations I received from licensed HVAC installers, which ranged from $4000 for a 12,000 btu unit to $5600 for a 15,000 btu unit, the price was fairly reasonable. Even though I recognize that the HVAC contractors must pay their bills and should make a profit, I found that their profit margin was excessive given the time required when I looked into the cost of the units and the one-day turnaround they anticipated for installation. Therefore, I was able to get a bigger unit for a lot less money and ended up saving thousands of dollars.-Packing: The unit is somewhat large. But it arrived safely and intact because it was packaged correctly.-Installation and Use Guides:Overall, not bad, however there are several things lacking (see the BAD section). Before I began, I carefully studied the installation instructions. Quite thorough step-by-step instructions are provided. Only once did I need to ask a query of technical help (more on that later)-Construction: All of the major parts appeared to be solidly built and well-made. The air handler door needs to be propped open with a stick when working inside because it won't remain open on its own, but otherwise the quality appears to be on par with high-end machines that cost hundreds more. The device has only been operational for a few days, so time will tell if it will hold up.-Cooling: Up to this point, this single unit has cooled my downstairs's 1100 square feet. It's a tremendous blessing because California has been experiencing some incredibly hot days. I don't know yet how this will influence my electric cost. Overall, I'm really happy with the cooling impact this system offers.–Quiet:This device operates quietly for its size! There is very little noise coming from the air handler inside and the condenser outside, so you can have a normal conversation without shouting.The BAD -Installation: Bending the line set without kinking the lines is one of the hardest challenges. To make packing easier, the 5/8" line on my unit that emerges from the handler's back is tucked within the handler. I had all kinds of worries about bending these two lines without kinking. I wasn't sure how to spin and support the lines without harming them because there isn't enough area to fit a tube bender in there. I was unaware of this, and the installation instructions omit to specify that the two lines are pre-bent. The top of the small 1/4 line contains a spring that makes it possible to bend it without kinking the line. The upper portion of the bigger 5/8" line is corrugated, making it simple to bend it into the required shape. I only became aware of this when I took the insulation covering both lines off and saw these peculiarities.If this information had been included in the instructions, it would have been really helpful. Additionally, having that 5/8-inch line fully corrugated would make bending the line set to the house's façade much simpler. Peel back the insulation on your item when it arrives to check for this function before you start bending.-Mounting for air handlers:I don't understand why Pioneer doesn't offer a full-size template to trace on your wall to make installing the air handler easier. This would save a ton of time if it existed. The install manual's measurements are the only thing you have to work with. I cut a piece of cardboard out of the side of the box the air handler originally came in.



PIONEER Air Conditioner Pioneer Mini Split Minisplit Heatpump 9000 BTU-110/120 V Review:


It has been operating for a few days. The 12K and 24K units are mine.It is feasible to do it yourself, but it wasn't as simple as some reviewers claim. Perhaps I'll say something different the next time I do it. Since I had to install a sub-panel over the entire house, the electrical work was what took the longest for me. I've done that previously, however keep in mind that it takes time to fish wires, install, and cut conduit.Even though the vacuum aspect was the easiest, I was absolutely paranoid about it. The most difficult element of the process is bending and lengthening the lines to create a nice-looking installation. Sure, I would have simply hung the coils from the wall and called it a day, but in order to make it seem decent, at least in my case, you need to perform some bending and cutting. My brother-in-law, a technician, came to help with the bending, cutting, and vacuuming, and I'm very glad he did. It helped me feel calm. I could have done it without him, but if you have a guide you may call them if it's your first time.The product appears to be fantastic; it came complete with all necessary components, and the instructions are excellent. For your lineset size, you will need a pipe cutter, flaring tool, torque wrench (if you want to follow the book), crows fittings, crescent wrenches, nylog (though it does come with lineset sealant I wanted the good stuff), some sort of mounting pad, cement blocks (to raise it off the mounting pad), pipe bender for sharp bends (we did ours slowly all by hand because I bought the wrong size), vacuum pump (go 5cfm or higher for As you can see, it's a lengthy list, so this should serve as a warning about how complicated the project is.The outside drain section touches the ground (when used in heat mode) because it is too low, thus you need to raise it off the pad, which is why you used cement bricks. I would definitely just buy a snow stand if I had to do it over again. I'm glad I finished it, but take your time. It's not a simple assignment, but if you're motivated, you can complete it. With the resources I had, I was able to save the two rooms' installers over $8,000. (family room and basement exercise studio)



Senville 25 Ft. Copper Pipes for Mini Split Air Conditioner 1/2" & 1/4" White Review:


These were bought so that micro splits may be extended beyond the standard 16 feet. These are fantastic!



Senville SENL-09CD Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump, 9000 BTU Review:


When remodeling my master bath, I installed this in the master bedroom. I mounted on an interior wall and ran a lineset through the interior of the wall to the exterior, where my other condensors are located. With the fan running slowly, the device is incredibly quiet and helps keep our master bedroom at a pleasant temperature for sleeping. For attaching a standard gauge set, an adaptor was advised, and I did get it. Before evacuating once again (with valve core installed) and charging the lineset with 410a as a final check before opening the service valves, I pumped down the lineset and evaporator for about 30 minutes with valve core removed and performed a pressure test with compressed air. I also purchased a tiny bottle of Nylog, which I read can assist stop slow leaks on the lineset's 4 flare type fittings. I applied a dab to each of the four fittings' sealing surfaces.I believe it's conceivable for a novice DIY installer to succeed without using a vacuum pump if they simply crack the service valves and purge the lines with a small amount of the supplied 410a, but this is not permitted and could result in the unit running low on freon (besides leaving it subject to issues from moisture in the lines and evaporator.)I ordered some vibration isolation feet as well as brackets from Amazon to install the condensor on. In order to hold the condensor to the brackets for the initial test because I didn't have the feet when I made the installation, I just used a couple of loose bolts and cable ties. Really, I didn't need those vibration-isolating feet because the machine is so smooth and quiet. There were some sort of rubber pads included with both the Senville unit and the aftermarket brackets that I purchased, but I couldn't see how they would fit or be of any use. The condensor and brackets' mating surfaces are not flat, and although the bolt holes did line up, they are fairly huge, making for an unattractive fit. It needs washers to be bolted down. The pictures depict the situation as it stands right now, and I intend to further insulate the lineset before taping it shut. To give myself some freedom to move it a little in the future, I coil some extra length outside near the unit. In order to avoid breathing preheated air or giving preheated air to the other units, I tried to avoid placing it too close to the outlet or intake of my neighboring larger condensors.In case it needs to be cleansed or bleach-flushed, I routed the condensate line in PVC within the wall and left the connection to it in a bathroom closet behind the evaporator.



Innovair Air Conditioner Inverter Ductless Wall Mount Mini Split System Heat Pump Full Set with Kit (12000 BTU 115V Heat Pump) Review:


I've just finished setting up my 12,000 btu, 110 volt Innovair heat pump. Overall, I'm quite pleased with it. It came in terrific shape and with all the components I had anticipated. Since I'm 62, I was a little worried that I might find it physically difficult to install the unit, but both the interior unit and the outdoor unit were actually quite light. When the device arrived, I only had to install it because the electrical hookup was already completed. My one error was attempting to use a tubing bender without one to bend the copper line sets. My advice is to get a $20 tubing bender to solve your problem. I had to cut and rebuild a flare after accidentally breaking a line (mea culpa). The good news is that it occurred before the refrigerant was discharged, so other than the time and the cost of the flaring tool, there was no harm done. With a $5 Harbor Freight tube cutter and a $20 Home Depot flaring tool, making flares is simple. I sucked it out once the line sets were linked using a $20 Harbor Freight vacuum pump that was powered by my air compressor (of the venturi variety) and got me to a 25" vacuum. (Remember, you also need a gauge set and the $15 Pioneer service port fitting.) Harbor Freight came to the gauge set's rescue once more after 45 minutes. No vacuum loss was detected (I did use Nylog on the flares). I completed the last electrical connectors while sweeping the flat (easy with 110v). The thrilling moment to release the refrigerant is now! Open the two-way valve, "whoosh," and then shut it after 10 seconds. Use soapy water to check for leaks in the fittings. Everything appears to be in order! 2 valves should be fully opened (instructions indicate "CLOSE") Time to get going. The machine starts up, runs, and begins to emit the most lovely cool air. a genuine Do It Yourself project. Now, I consider myself to be fairly handy (fracturing the copper tube aside), I have a basic understanding of electrical and fluid, and I would argue that anyone with the ability to think critically and enjoy tinkering can install them. I am thrilled that my garage now has climate control. The Pioneer covering kit, which I also purchased, barely took me an hour to install.An update: I got a second one for my basement because I liked the first one so much. The same thing happened as the first time, except this time I didn't kink a set of lines! Once installed, it functions perfectly. How can you go wrong with such wonderful little items at this price?Update after two months: Now that it's heating season, I'm delighted to report that these heat pumps perform admirably both in cooling and heating modes. It's wonderful to have climate control in my man cave places!



OLMO 9,000 BTU 115V Mini Split Heating and Cooling Air Conditioner System with 16' Installation kit Review:


Just finished installing the OLMO, 12,000 BTU, 115 voltage, which was done by experts. The installation went smoothly and took around 3 hours. The device is incredibly silent; at low speed, you cannot hear it at all. I had the AC unit installed outside on cement bricks in my bedroom suite. We wanted a second air conditioner so that we wouldn't have to cool the entire house for one room, and it would also be more cost-effective than turning on a 5 ton unit. Very pleased with the effectiveness and quality. I made the choice to use this unit because it included copper piping and a Toshiba condenser with a five-year warranty. To help the appliance better match the house, I pulled off the OLMO decal. Since it is a "heat pump" energy source, we are utilizing it to heat the house currently. We are extremely pleased with the product.


How many kW do I need for split system?

The size of the split system will determine how many kW you will need. A smaller system will require less power, while a larger system will require more. The average split system is between 1.5 and 3.5 kW.

How much does a split air conditioner cost?

A split air conditioner typically costs between $300 and $1,500, depending on the specific model and its features. The cost also depends on the size of the unit, as well as the installation costs.

Is Split AC better than Central AC?

There are pros and cons to both central and split AC systems. Central AC is generally more expensive to install, but it is also more energy-efficient. Split AC systems are easier to install, but they can be less energy-efficient.

Is split type aircon worth it?

Split type air conditioners are becoming increasingly popular in Philippine homes. They are more energy-efficient than window-type units, and can be installed without taking up too much space. So, is a split type air conditioner worth it? Here are some things to consider: 1. Installation cost. Split type air conditioners can be more expensive to install than window-type units. 2. Operating costs. Split type air conditioners are more energy-efficient than window-type units, so they will save you money on your electricity bills in the

What are the 2 main components of a split system?

The two main components of a split system are the evaporator and the condenser. The evaporator is located inside the building, and the condenser is located outside the building.

What are the main advantages of split type air conditioning system?