What Are the Best Mini Split Air Conditioners Brands?
Mini split air conditioners and heat pumps continue to grow in popularity. More American homeowners recognize the need for efficient and cost-effective home air conditioning and see the benefits of adopting or switching to a mini split.
If you are among the homeowners looking to install a mini split system, you may wonder which brands offer the highest level of quality. Learning about today’s top mini split air conditioning brands and finding out what each offers to stand out from the competition is essential to making an informed purchasing decision.
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation is a Japanese electronics and home appliances manufacturer founded in 1921. One of Mitsubishi Electric’s core business domains deals in home HVAC systems, starting in 1954 with the Windair, the company’s first room air conditioner. However, the company achieved worldwide HVAC success by launching one of its longest-running and most successful product families, the Mr Slim line of air conditioners, in 1978.
Initially conceived as a line of commercial air conditioners, Mr Slim products have seen multiple iterative improvements and product variants, continuously integrating new technologies and features to enhance capacity, cooling efficiency, heating capabilities, and ease of use.
Today, Mr Slim products are available to homeowners as a line of Mitsubishi mini splits, available in two variations: cooling-only air conditioners and heat pumps capable of both cooling and heating. These mini splits also feature technologically advanced Blue Enzyme washable air filtration systems, odor-eliminating pre-filters, and 3D sensors for precise temperature control.
Besides the technological advantages, Mitsubishi Electric mini splits are also world-renowned for being environmentally friendly. Each Mr Slim unit uses the R-410A refrigerant, a high-efficiency hydrofluorocarbon that does not contribute to ozone layer depletion. Additionally, up to 83% of all components in a mini split system are recyclable.
Although Mitsubishi products are not the least expensive mini split systems available, the technological and quality-of-life (QoL) features make Mitsubishi mini splits a worthwhile investment for the discerning homeowner.
Gree Electric
Gree Electric Appliances Incorporated is a Chinese manufacturer of large domestic appliances. It is the largest HVAC manufacturer in its home country and the world’s largest residential AC manufacturer. The company was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Zhuhai, in the Guangdong province. With a user base of approximately 400 million people, Gree estimates that it produces one in three air conditioners worldwide, all types combined.
Although Gree Electric builds all types of air conditioners for residential and commercial applications, the firm’s families of home mini split products are among the most popular on the market. The most popular Gree split AC product lines include the Sapphire, Livo, Multi21, and the third-generation Vireo systems.
Gree mini split systems are world-renowned for their excellent efficiency ratings, contributing to their unparalleled cost-efficiency. For instance, many Gree products feature a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 20 or more, with select products reaching as high as 38.
These high ratings also extend to the heat pumps and heating modes, with Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) ratings regularly exceeding 10, up to 15 on the most efficient models.
Many Gree products are Energy Star-rated, meaning they have been tested and evaluated by the government to ensure their energy efficiency. If you’re looking to purchase a mini split system to save as much as possible on your energy bills, Gree has the products you need.
Boreal International
Boreal International is an air conditioner company based in Doral, Florida. It is a subsidiary of Watsco Incorporated, the largest United States manufacturer and distributor of HVAC equipment and parts.
Although Boreal International offers many types of air conditioning equipment for residential and commercial use, the Boreal mini splits are among their most popular products. All Boreal-branded mini split systems are manufactured by Gree Electric, featuring many of the same technologies, features, and QoL options as Gree-branded systems.
The primary difference between Gree and Boreal products is the price point and manufacturer warranty programs. Systems such as the Boreal Brisa offer the same high-quality air conditioning and cooling efficiency as more prominent brand names for a fraction of the price.
Additionally, Boreal products are covered by a 2/5-year parts and compressor manufacturer warranty (two years for parts and five years for compressors) instead of Gree’s 5/7.
Boreal mini splits are ideal for homeowners looking to install their first home mini split system, offering a high build quality and reasonable prices.
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