Best Ductless Mini Split (2026): 8 Systems Compared With Real Costs

A ductless mini split is the single most flexible way to heat and cool a room, an addition, a garage, or a whole house without ducts — but the 2026 market is a minefield. Prices range from $700 for a budget wall unit to $14,500 for a whole-home multi-zone install, the federal tax credit that used to shave $2,000 off the bill expired on December 31, 2025, and the brands you see at the home center are not the brands the pros install.

This guide compares the 8 mini split systems worth buying in 2026 — with verified July 2026 pricing, SEER2 and HSPF2 efficiency ratings, cold-climate heating limits, real installed costs, and the rebate path that actually pays right now. Whether you need one quiet bedroom unit or a 5-zone whole-house retrofit, you'll know what to buy, what to pay, and what to avoid.

At a glance: 8 mini splits compared

Prices verified July 2026 via AC Direct, Home Depot, Budget Heating, Got Ductless, and HVAC Direct listings. Installed ranges assume a single 12,000 BTU zone, standard line set, no panel upgrade. Multi-zone systems add $1,500-$3,000 per zone for labor plus the indoor-head cost.

The big change for 2026: the federal tax credit is gone

For 2023-2025, Section 25C of the IRS code covered up to $2,000 of qualifying heat pump and mini split costs as a non-refundable federal tax credit. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, that credit expired on December 31, 2025. A mini split placed in service in 2026 receives $0 from the federal 25C credit.

If you installed and paid for an eligible system in 2025, you can still claim the credit when you file your 2026 taxes — the credit covers what was "placed in service" before the deadline, not when you file. But for any 2026 install, the federal credit is dead.

What's still alive:

• HEAR rebate (Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates) — up to $8,000 at the point of sale for income-qualified households under 80% (and in some implementations up to 150%) of area median income (AMI). This is a rebate, not a tax credit, so it's paid upfront or at the register rather than the following April. Status varies by state — some states are rolling this out through 2026-2027.
• HOMES rebate — up to $8,000 for households achieving 35%+ measured energy savings through a retrofit that can include a heat pump. Available to all income levels with higher caps for low/moderate income.
• State and utility rebates — Mass Save up to $8,500, Energize CT up to $15,000, NYS Clean Heat varying by zone, and dozens of utility programs from $500 to $1,800. Most state rebate programs require the mini split to be on the NEEP cold-climate ASHP list.
• Local property tax exemptions in some jurisdictions for installed renewable/efficient equipment.

How we picked these systems

Most "best mini split" lists online are affiliate farms that rank by commission, not performance. We ranked by:

1. Verified efficiency ratings — SEER2 (cooling) and HSPF2 (heating) pulled from the manufacturer's own spec sheets, not a marketing round-up. The 2023 transition from SEER/HSPF to SEER2/HSPF2 changed the numbers downward ~5% for the same hardware; any guide still quoting SEER is outdated.
2. Cold-climate heating performance — minimum operating temperature and % of rated capacity delivered at 5°F. A mini split that quits at 30°F is a cooling-only device in half the country.
3. Real installed cost — equipment price + realistic pro labor + permit, not a cherry-picked internet deal. We separate DIY kit pricing from pro-installed pricing because the warranty terms differ.
4. Warranty that survives real-world install — 12-year registered warranties only count if your installer is licensed and the unit is commissioned correctly. We flag which brands honor warranty for DIY install and which don't.
5. Contractor availability — the best heat pump on the planet is worthless if no local pro will service it. Mitsubishi and Daikin have the deepest contractor networks in the US; Fujitsu thins out inland.

The 8 best ductless mini splits for 2026

1. Daikin Aurora — Best overall value (12K BTU, $3,200-$4,800 installed)

The Daikin Aurora is the system most homeowners should buy in 2026, and here's the math. It delivers up to 21 SEER2 cooling and 10.5 HSPF2 heating — solid but not headline-grabbing — and it heats down to −13°F while keeping 100% of rated capacity at 5°F. That's the same cold-climate envelope as Mitsubishi's Hyper-Heat, in the same R-32 refrigerant class, for roughly $1,000-$1,500 less installed.

The Aurora replaced the older Daikin LV/RXS line as the brand's go-to cold-climate wall unit. It uses R-32 refrigerant (lower GWP than R-410A), Wi-Fi is built in, and the registered warranty is 12 years parts and compressor — matching Mitsubishi. The 9K-24K BTU single-zone wall-mount lineup covers most single-room applications.

Where the Aurora gives ground to the premium picks: indoor noise at low fan is 19-22 dB (excellent) but the system doesn't have Mitsubishi's quietest 19 dB floor across all fan speeds; the smart features are decent but not as polished as LG's ThinQ app; and at 21 SEER2 max it's nowhere near Fujitsu's 33.1 SEER2 efficiency ceiling. For most homeowners in mixed climates, none of that matters — the Aurora hits the price/performance sweet spot.

Best for: Mixed and cold climates, homeowners who want Mitsubishi-class cold performance without paying the Mitsubishi tax.

2. Mitsubishi MSZ-FS Deluxe / H2i Hyper-Heat — Best for cold climates ($4,200-$6,000 installed)

Mitsubishi's H2i Hyper-Heat line (SUZ-AK30NLHZ outdoor + MSZ-FS indoor) is the contractor-favorite cold-climate mini split in the US and has been for years. The MSZ-FS Deluxe hits 33.1 SEER2 cooling with 12.5 HSPF2 heating — exceptional — and delivers 100% of rated heating capacity at 5°F, operating down to −13°F. The Multi-Zone MXZ-D outdoor supports up to 8 indoor heads from one condenser for whole-home coverage.

What you're paying the premium for: the deepest contractor network in the country (Mitsubishi-certified Diamond Contractors are everywhere, including rural areas), the most thoroughly tested cold-climate hardware, and a 12-year parts + compressor warranty honored even when your installer moves on. The indoor unit's 19 dB low-fan floor is the quietest in the residential class.

The downside is price. A single-zone MSZ-FS install runs $4,200-$6,000 vs $3,200-$4,800 for the Daikin Aurora doing almost identical work. The efficiency difference (33.1 vs 21 SEER2) is real but only pays off in extreme cooling climates or where electricity is very expensive — at the US average $0.16/kWh, the difference between 21 and 33 SEER2 on a 12K BTU unit running 1,000 cooling hours per year is around $50-$80/year. A 25-year payback for the $1,000-$1,500 premium. The MSZ-FS is the right choice when you need the contractor network, the warranty network, or you're in a climate where the Hyper-Heat envelope (−13°F, 100% at 5°F) actually matters every winter.

Best for: Cold climates (zones 4-7), homes where reliability and service network matter more than upfront cost, owners who plan to keep the system 15+ years.

3. Fujitsu Airstage LZAS1 — Highest efficiency ($3,000-$4,800 installed)

Fujitsu rebranded the Halcyon line to Airstage, and the LZAS1 series (ASUG09LZAS1B, ASUG12LZAS1B) holds the residential efficiency crown: 33.1 SEER2 and 14.2 HSPF2 — the highest heating-efficiency rating in any mini split we found. Indoor noise sits around 19 dB at minimum output. The XLTH (Extra Low Temperature Heating) variants push the operating range down to −15°F, two degrees colder than Mitsubishi's Hyper-Heat.

Installed pricing typically runs $500-$1,000 less than a comparable Mitsubishi setup. So why isn't Fujitsu #1? Two reasons. First, contractor coverage: Fujitsu's installer network thins out outside major metro areas, especially inland — Wirecutter flagged this and it's still true in 2026. You can buy the equipment online, but you need a licensed pro to commission it for warranty. Second, the units look like traditional mini splits — big white plastic wall boxes — with no design options. If you're in Fujitsu territory (Northeast, West Coast, big metros) and you want max efficiency, it's the pick. If you're in a small inland market, check whether you can get service before you buy.

Best for: High-electricity-rate markets, efficiency-maximizers, homeowners in Fujitsu contractor territory.

4. LG Art Cool Premier — Best smart home & design ($3,000-$4,500 installed)

LG's Art Cool line splits the difference between premium efficiency and consumer-electronics polish. The Premier (KSSAL121A, KSSAL151A) hits 25.5 SEER2 with about 10.5 HSPF2 — strong but not class-leading — and the standout feature is the customizable front panel: you can insert a photo, art print, or fabric behind a transparent cover, so the indoor unit doesn't look like an appliance. Built-in Wi-Fi with LG's ThinQ app integrates with Google Home and Alexa.

Heating performance tops out at 5°F minimum — the Art Cool Premier is not a cold-climate system, it's a mild-climate smart system. In zones 1-3 (the Sun Belt, the Gulf Coast, parts of California) it's an excellent choice. In zones 4-7 (anything that freezes hard) you'll need electric strip backup or a different system.

Warranty is shorter than Mitsubishi/Daikin/Fujitsu: 5-7 years parts/compressor depending on registration. LG's broader HVAC lineup (Multi F, Mega) handles multi-zone and commercial work well, but for a single smart-room unit the Art Cool Premier is the most polished consumer product on the market.

Best for: Smart-home owners in mild climates, design-conscious homeowners, rooms where the unit will be visible.

5. Daikin Atmosphera — Premium efficiency + air quality ($3,500-$5,200 installed)

The Atmosphera sits above the Aurora in Daikin's lineup: 27.4 SEER2, 11.2 HSPF2, −13°F cold-climate heating, R-32 refrigerant, plus a 2-Area Intelligent Eye sensor that detects people in the room and redirects airflow away from them, switching to energy-saving mode when the room is empty. Hybrid Cooling dehumidifies without overcooling. Wi-Fi built in.

At $1,900-$3,200 equipment, the Atmosphera is $400-$700 above the Aurora for ~6 SEER2 points and the air-quality features. If you have allergy sufferers, run the system year-round, or live in a humid climate, the Intelligent Eye and Hybrid Cooling pay for themselves in comfort. If those features don't matter to you, the Aurora gives you 90% of the value at 70% of the price.

Best for: Allergy-sensitive households, humid climates, homeowners who want premium features without jumping to Mitsubishi prices.

6. Daikin Entra — Budget pro-installed pick ($2,500-$3,800 installed)

The Entra is Daikin's entry line: 17-18 SEER2, 8.5 HSPF2, 5°F minimum heating (so not cold-climate), R-32 refrigerant, equipment $1,100-$1,700. Registered warranty is 12 years parts/compressor — same as Aurora — because you're still getting Daikin hardware and Daikin's contractor network, just less of the efficiency and cold-climate envelope.

The Entra is the right answer when your installer quotes Daikin and you're trying to hit a budget, or you live in a mild climate (zones 1-3) where −13°F heating is irrelevant. The 17-18 SEER2 still beats any central AC and most older window units by 30-50%. The main risk is that 8.5 HSPF2 heating efficiency is mediocre — in a heating-dominant climate the Entra will cost more to run than an Aurora or Atmosphera, erasing the upfront savings within 5-7 years.

Best for: Mild climates, single-zone cooling applications, tight budgets that still want a name-brand warranty.

7. MrCool DIY 5th Gen — Best homeowner-installed ($1,200-$2,500 DIY)

The MrCool DIY 5th Gen is the only mini split on this list that you can install yourself and keep the warranty — the key innovation is the 25-ft pre-charged line set with quick-connect fittings. No vacuum pump, no micron gauge, no EPA Section 608 refrigerant license, no pro commissioning required. The 5th Gen uses R-454B refrigerant (lower GWP than R-410A, the current transition refrigerant of choice for 2025-2026 OEMs).

Specs: 22-23.5 SEER2, ~10 HSPF2, heating down to −13°F (some 5th Gen variants reach −22°F). Home Depot and Lowe's carry the full line — a 12K BTU single-zone kit runs $700-$1,200, an 18K runs $1,000-$1,500, multi-zone kits from $1,800. With online registration you get a 7-year compressor and 5-year parts warranty.

The tradeoffs: MrCool is broadly considered a C-tier brand by pro HVAC techs (Yarbrough & Sons' tier list put MrCool in C-tier alongside Pioneer and Senville). Build quality is decent but not Mitsubishi-class; expect 8-12 years of service life, not 15-20. Customer service is hit-or-miss. The DIY install saves $1,000-$2,000 in labor but you're on your own for the wall core, the condensate drain, the 240V electrical, and the permit — get those wrong and you'll pay a pro to fix them anyway.

The MrCool DIY is the right pick for a detached office, a garage, a workshop, a shed, or a bedroom addition — anywhere you need AC and heat, you're reasonably handy, and a $4,000+ pro install doesn't pencil. It is not the right pick for a primary whole-home HVAC retrofit in a cold climate.

Best for: Handy homeowners, garages and outbuildings, budget single-room applications, anyone who refuses to pay $3,000+ for pro labor.

8. Senville LETO — Cheapest functional ($1,800-$3,500 with pro commission)

The Senville LETO is the cheapest mini split worth buying. Equipment-only pricing starts at $700-$1,200 for a 12K BTU single-zone wall unit, 19-21.5 SEER2, ~9 HSPF2, 5°F minimum heating, with Alexa compatibility. It's an inverter-driven heat pump that genuinely works and genuinely cools a room.

The catch: Senville requires a licensed installer to commission the unit to keep the warranty. Install it yourself and you typically lose the warranty entirely — the 5-year compressor/2-year parts coverage only holds with pro sign-off. The "pro commission" line in the installed price ($1,800-$3,500) accounts for paying an HVAC tech to vacuum the lines, release the refrigerant, and sign off — about $300-$500 on top of the equipment.

The Senville Aura (one tier up) hits 22.5-27.4 SEER2 and −22°F heating — closer to MrCool DIY specs at similar pricing — but the same pro-commission warranty rule applies. If you're going DIY, MrCool is the safer warranty bet. If you're going pro, Senville LETO is the cheapest functional system from a brand with a US distributor and parts pipeline.

Best for: Tightest possible budget, secondary spaces, climates where 5°F minimum heating is sufficient, homeowners who already have a relationship with an HVAC tech.

Mini split sizing: how many BTUs do you actually need

Mini split sizing is the single most important decision you'll make — more important than brand. An oversized unit short-cycles (turns on and off constantly), never dehumidifies properly, and wears out early. An undersized unit runs non-stop and never reaches setpoint on the hottest or coldest day. The rule of thumb is 20-30 BTU per square foot in moderate climates, 30-40 BTU in hot zones, 40-60 in extreme heat — but the only accurate method is a Manual J load calculation, which accounts for insulation, ceiling height, window area, occupancy, sun exposure, and local climate data.

Inverter-driven mini splits modulate down to 25-40% of max capacity, which makes mild oversizing less harmful than it used to be with single-stage equipment — a 12K unit can run at 4K BTU on a mild day without short-cycling. But you still don't want to oversize by more than ~20-30%, because the minimum modulation floor limits how quiet and efficient the unit can run at part-load. When in doubt, size down slightly and let the inverter run longer at lower output.

For whole-home multi-zone systems, the outdoor condenser capacity is the sum of the indoor heads but capped at the condenser's max — a 36K BTU outdoor running 4 × 9K heads can deliver 36K total but any single head still maxes at 9K. A good installer will run a Manual J per zone and per the whole home, then size the outdoor to the simultaneous peak (typically 70-85% of the sum of individual peaks, since not every room hits peak at once).

What a mini split actually costs in 2026

Equipment is 50-70% of the total cost; labor is 30-50%. For a single-zone install by a pro, the national average is around $3,000. Multi-zone systems scale roughly linearly per zone once you're past the first.

Things that push your quote higher:

• Long line sets — standard is 25 ft; runs over 50 ft add $200-$500 in materials and labor and can require a larger condenser.
• Wall core / masonry — drilling through brick, concrete, or stone adds $200-$600.
• Condensate pump — if you can't gravity-drain to the outdoors, a pump is $150-$300 installed.
• Electrical — a 240V dedicated circuit and disconnect runs $300-$800; a panel upgrade (if your service is 100A or less and you're adding multiple zones) is $1,500-$3,500.
• Permit — $100-$500 depending on jurisdiction, non-optional in most places.
• Custom indoor unit styles — ceiling cassettes, concealed ducted units, and floor-mounted units cost $400-$1,200 more than wall-mount.

Single-zone vs multi-zone: which to choose

A single-zone system has one outdoor condenser and one indoor unit. It's the right choice when you need to condition one room — a bedroom, an addition, a garage, an office — and you don't care about the rest of the house or you already have central HVAC elsewhere. Single-zone is cheaper, simpler, more efficient per BTU (no refrigerant distribution losses), and easier to service.

A multi-zone system has one outdoor condenser driving 2-8 indoor units. It's the right choice when you're going whole-home ductless (a 2,000 sq ft house with no ducts is the classic case), or when you want different temperatures in different rooms. Multi-zone costs more per BTU because you're paying for indoor heads ($400-$1,200 each), longer line sets, and more labor — but it's almost always cheaper than running 4 separate single-zone systems, and the single outdoor unit is quieter and takes less yard space than 4 condensers.

The trap: multi-zone condensers max out at their rated capacity, not the sum of the indoor heads. A 36K outdoor running 4 × 12K heads can deliver 36K total simultaneously, not 48K. If all four rooms peak at the same time on the hottest day, you'll be undersized. Good installers size the outdoor to the simultaneous peak, not the sum — make sure yours does.

7 mistakes that turn a mini split into a regret

1. Oversizing "just to be safe." A 24K BTU unit in a 400 sq ft room will short-cycle, never dehumidify, and die young. Inverters help but don't cure this. Size to Manual J, not your anxiety.
2. Ignoring the condensate drain. The indoor unit pulls gallons of water out of the air per day. If your drain path is wrong, you'll get water damage on the wall below the unit. Plan the drain before you mount the unit.
3. DIY install on a non-DIY system. If you install a Senville, Pioneer, or name-brand Mitsubishi/Daikin/Fujitsu yourself without an EPA-licensed commissioning, you void the warranty. The MrCool DIY is the only common exception.
4. Skipping the permit. Most jurisdictions require an electrical/HVAC permit for a mini split. Skip it and you'll have problems when you sell the house — and your insurance may not cover an unpermitted electrical fire.
5. Mismatching indoor and outdoor units. Mini split indoor and outdoor units are not generally cross-compatible — you can't pair a Mitsubishi indoor with a Daikin outdoor. Buy matched sets from one brand's product line.
6. Underestimating the electrical. A 24K BTU heat pump pulls 20-30 amps. If your panel is full or your service is 100A, you may need an upgrade. Get the electrical quote before you commit to the equipment.
7. Buying for SEER2 only in a heating climate. SEER2 measures cooling efficiency. If you're in a heating-dominant climate (anywhere that runs the heat pump more than the AC), HSPF2 is the number that matters. A 33 SEER2 / 11 HSPF2 system will cost more to run in winter than a 21 SEER2 / 14 HSPF2 system.

The decision framework: which mini split should you buy

Use this flow:

1. Are you in a cold climate (zones 4-7, freezing winters)? → Mitsubishi H2i Hyper-Heat (premium, deepest contractor network) or Daikin Aurora (value, same −13°F envelope). Fujitsu XLTH if you're in Fujitsu contractor territory.
2. Are you in a mild climate (zones 1-3)? → LG Art Cool Premier (smart/design), Daikin Atmosphera (premium efficiency + air quality), or Daikin Entra (budget).
3. Is efficiency your top priority and you have high electric rates? → Fujitsu Airstage LZAS1 (33.1 SEER2, 14.2 HSPF2). The efficiency premium pays back fastest when your kWh rate is above $0.20.
4. Do you want to install it yourself? → MrCool DIY 5th Gen is the only common system where DIY keeps the warranty.
5. Is this a garage, shed, or outbuilding where you don't care about warranty? → Senville LETO is the cheapest functional system; MrCool DIY is the cheapest with warranty.
6. Are you going whole-home ductless (2+ zones)? → Mitsubishi MXZ-D (up to 8 indoor heads) or Daikin multi-zone. Size the outdoor to simultaneous peak, not the sum of indoor head ratings.
7. Are you income-qualified (under 80-150% AMI)? → Apply for the HEAR rebate before you buy. Up to $8,000 point-of-sale can zero out a single-zone install.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a federal tax credit for a mini split in 2026?

No. The federal Section 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, which covered up to $2,000 of qualifying heat pump and mini split costs, expired on December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. A mini split placed in service in 2026 receives $0 from the federal 25C credit. The HEAR rebate (up to $8,000 for income-qualified households) and HOMES rebate (up to $8,000 for 35%+ energy savings) are the federal programs that replace it. State and utility rebates remain available and range from $500 to $15,000 depending on location.

What is the most efficient ductless mini split in 2026?

The Fujitsu Airstage LZAS1 series holds the efficiency crown at up to 33.1 SEER2 and 14.2 HSPF2, the highest heating-efficiency rating in any residential mini split. The Daikin Atmosphera reaches 27.4 SEER2 with 11.2 HSPF2. The Mitsubishi MSZ-FS Deluxe hits 33.1 SEER2 with 12.5 HSPF2. For most buyers the practical efficiency band is 19-23 SEER2, where the bulk of installed systems land; paying above 27 SEER2 only pencils out in extreme climates or with very high electric rates.

How much does a mini split cost installed in 2026?

A single-zone mini split installed by a pro runs $1,500-$5,500, with the national average around $3,000 for a 12,000 BTU system. Multi-zone systems (2-5 indoor heads) run $4,000-$14,500. Equipment is 50-70% of the total and labor is 30-50%, typically $600-$2,000 for a single zone. A DIY pre-charged kit like the MrCool DIY 5th Gen can cut $1,000-$2,000 in labor. Budget a permit ($100-$500), a disconnect, and a possible electrical panel upgrade if your service is 100A or less.

Can I install a mini split myself and keep the warranty?

Only with a pre-charged DIY system. The MrCool DIY 5th Gen uses R-454B and a 25-ft pre-charged line set with quick-connect fittings, so no vacuum pump or EPA refrigerant license is needed, and the 7-year compressor/5-year parts warranty survives homeowner install with online registration. Senville LETO requires a licensed installer to commission the unit to keep full warranty; if you install it yourself you typically lose the warranty entirely. Pioneer, Cooper & Hunter, Della, and most name brands (Mitsubishi, Daikin, Fujitsu, LG) require professional install by a licensed contractor for warranty coverage.

What size mini split do I need?

The rule of thumb is 20-30 BTU per square foot in moderate climates, 30-40 in hotter zones. A 12,000 BTU (1-ton) unit covers roughly 350-550 sq ft; 18,000 BTU covers 550-700 sq ft; 24,000 BTU covers 700-1,000 sq ft. But the only accurate method is a Manual J load calculation accounting for insulation, ceiling height, windows, occupancy, and sun exposure. Oversizing causes short-cycling and poor dehumidification; undersizing leaves the room hot. Inverter-driven units can modulate down to 25-40% of max capacity, which makes mild oversizing less harmful than it used to be.

How cold can a mini split heat?

Standard mini splits lose meaningful heating capacity below 30-35°F and rely on electric strip heat. Cold-climate models with enhanced vapor injection keep delivering 70-100% of rated capacity at 5°F and operate down to −13°F to −22°F. The Mitsubishi H2i Hyper-Heat is rated to −13°F, the Daikin Aurora to −13°F, the Fujitsu XLTH to −15°F, and the Senville Aura and MrCool DIY 5th Gen to −22°F. The Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) maintains a voluntary cold-climate ASHP list; most state rebates require a system on it.

Mitsubishi vs Daikin vs Fujitsu vs LG mini split — which is best?

Mitsubishi (Hyper-Heat H2i) is the contractor-favorite for cold climates and reliability, at a premium price. Daikin Aurora is the value pick that matches most Mitsubishi performance for $1,000-$1,500 less installed. Fujitsu Airstage wins on raw efficiency (33.1 SEER2, 14.2 HSPF2) and runs $500-$1,000 less than a comparable Mitsubishi, but contractor coverage thins outside metro areas. LG Art Cool offers the best smart-home integration and design (a customizable art panel), strong efficiency (25.5 SEER2), but shorter 5-7 year warranties. For pure cold-climate performance Mitsubishi and Daikin Aurora lead; for efficiency Fujitsu leads; for DIY MrCool and Senville lead.

The bottom line

The 2026 mini split market is better than it's ever been — R-32 and R-454B refrigerants are now standard across the major brands, cold-climate performance that used to require a gas furnace is available in heat-only electric systems, and the efficiency ceiling keeps rising. The catch is the loss of the federal $2,000 tax credit, which makes the HEAR rebate and your state/utility programs more important than ever — check them before you sign a contract.

For most homeowners the answer is the Daikin Aurora: it's the price/performance sweet spot, it has the cold-climate envelope most of the country needs, and it's $1,000-$1,500 cheaper than the Mitsubishi equivalent for 90% of the value. If you have specific needs — extreme cold, extreme efficiency, smart-home integration, or a true DIY install — one of the other seven systems on this list is the better answer. Get three quotes from local licensed installers, check your rebates, and don't buy equipment online before you know who's going to commission it.

Once your mini split is in, the next lever on your energy bill is whole-home cold-climate heat pump coverage (if you're replacing central equipment), a smart thermostat to control runtime, or attic insulation to shrink the load the mini split has to handle. A mini split is only as efficient as the building envelope around it.