Finding an affordable yet reliable mini split system can transform your home comfort without breaking the bank. Mini split air conditioners combine cooling and heating features in a ductless, energy-efficient design suitable for various room sizes. Below is a summary table of top-rated cheap mini split systems, followed by detailed reviews to help you choose the best option for your space and budget.
| Product | Brand | BTU | Coverage Area | Energy Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manastin 12000BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner & Heater | Manastin | 12,000 BTU | Up to 750 sq.ft. | 17 SEER2 |
| COSTWAY 12000BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner & Heater | COSTWAY | 12,000 BTU | Up to 750 sq.ft. | 20 SEER2 |
| MRCOOL Easy Pro 18,000 BTU Ductless Mini-Split AC Heat Pump | MRCOOL COMFORT MADE SIMPLE | 18,000 BTU | Up to 800 sq.ft. | Efficient Performance |
| ROVSUN 9000 BTU WiFi Enabled Mini Split AC & Heater | ROVSUN | 9,000 BTU | Up to 400 sq.ft. | 19 SEER2 |
| Manastin 12000BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner & Heater, 19 SEER2 | Manastin | 12,000 BTU | Up to 750 sq.ft. | 19 SEER2 |
Manastin 12000BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner & Heater
This Manastin 12000BTU mini split is designed for fast cooling and heating performance, capable of cooling rooms up to 750 sq.ft. It cools quickly within 30 seconds and heats within 60 seconds, perfect for medium spaces. Featuring advanced inverter technology, it achieves a 17 SEER2 rating, optimizing energy efficiency. The use of R32 refrigerant makes it more environmentally friendly than traditional refrigerants.
This system supports five operation modes—including Turbo, ECO, Sleep, and Silent modes—allowing customization of airflow and noise level. It offers four fan speeds and a 24-hour timer for convenient scheduling.
COSTWAY 12000BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner & Heater
The COSTWAY 12000BTU mini split offers efficient cooling and heating through a high-power compressor and 1-ton heat pump. It incorporates innovative inverter technology to minimize power consumption and extend the equipment’s life. Its AHRI certification confirms reliable performance.
This unit includes 5 modes: auto, cool, dry, heat, and fan, with four fan speeds and additional features like sleep mode, ECO mode, turbo function, and iFEEL technology for responsive comfort. The remote allows easy control, and the system operates quietly, making it suitable for bedrooms or living rooms.
MRCOOL Easy Pro 18,000 BTU Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump
This MRCOOL Easy Pro 18,000 BTU system is ideal for heating and cooling spaces up to 800 sq.ft., offering a higher capacity compared to 12,000 BTU units. It features an easy DIY installation, reducing labor costs and installation mess.
The unit operates quietly with efficient inverter technology designed to maintain comfort and reduce energy use. Its 230V power supply supports consistent performance, catering well to residential or light commercial applications.
ROVSUN 9000 BTU WiFi Enabled Mini Split Air Conditioner & Heater
The ROVSUN 9000 BTU mini split is suited for smaller spaces up to 400 sq.ft., offering powerful cooling and heating with an efficient heat pump and dehumidification mode. It boasts a 19 SEER2 energy rating with advanced inverter technology that adjusts compressor speed automatically to save up to 35% energy.
This system is whisper-quiet with operation noise as low as 28dB, making it perfect for bedrooms or offices. WiFi functionality enhances control convenience, and the unit includes installation components for easy setup.
Manastin 12000BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner & Heater, 19 SEER2
This Manastin 12,000 BTU unit incorporates an innovative inverter and a 1 Ton heat pump to deliver efficient cooling in summer and heating in winter for rooms up to 750 sq.ft. It uses eco-friendly R32 refrigerant and offers five operating modes including Cooling, Heating, Auto, Fan, and Dry.
Additional features include a 24-hour timer, sleep and eco modes for energy savings, and turbo boost for rapid temperature changes. It supports four fan speeds to customize airflow and maximize comfort year-round.
Buying Guide for Cheap Mini Split Systems
When selecting a budget-friendly mini split system, consider these important factors to ensure you choose the best fit for your needs:
1. Cooling and Heating Capacity (BTU)
Match the BTU rating to your room size for efficient temperature control. Smaller rooms (up to 400 sq.ft.) often need 9,000 BTU units, medium rooms up to 750 sq.ft. require 12,000 BTU, and larger rooms or combined spaces might need 18,000 BTU or higher.
2. Energy Efficiency (SEER Rating)
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) indicates how efficiently the system uses energy. Higher SEER ratings (17 to 20+) mean lower electricity consumption and reduced operational costs. Inverter technology enhances efficiency by modulating compressor speed instead of cycling on/off.
3. Installation Requirements
Ductless mini splits require proper installation of indoor and outdoor units. Some models offer DIY-friendly kits reducing labor costs. Verify if the system includes a complete installation kit and check voltage requirements (115V vs. 230V) for compatibility with your home wiring.
4. Additional Features and Modes
Look for multiple operating modes like cool, heat, dry, fan, and auto for versatile year-round comfort. Features such as turbo mode, sleep mode, ECO mode, timers, and silent operation add convenience and help customize your environment.
5. Noise Levels
Quiet operation is vital for bedrooms, offices, or living spaces. Mini splits with noise levels under 30 dB are considered whisper-quiet. Check product specifications and user reviews for noise performance information.
6. Environmental Impact
Prefer units using eco-friendly refrigerants like R32, which have lower global warming potential compared to older refrigerants. Efficient mini splits not only save energy but reduce your ecological footprint.
7. Smart Controls and Connectivity
Many newer mini splits provide WiFi-enabled controls compatible with smartphone apps and voice assistants like Alexa. These features offer added convenience for remote operation and scheduling.
By evaluating capacity, efficiency, installation ease, modes, noise, environmental considerations, and smart features, you can select the best cheap mini split system tailored to your home and budget requirements.