MRCOOL DIY Select vs Easy Pro mini splits

It depends on the size. Comparing each line's cheapest new, in-stock model at the same size, MRCOOL DIY Select's cheapest model costs less at 9,000 BTU ($1,249 against $1,388), 12,000 BTU ($1,399 against $1,489), 18,000 BTU ($1,690 against $1,806) and 24,000 BTU ($1,899 against $2,109). These are live retailer prices and change often.

Comparing the best SEER2 rating each line publishes for its in-stock models at the same size, MRCOOL DIY Easy Pro has the higher-rated model at 9,000 BTU (SEER2 20.2 against 17.5), 12,000 BTU (SEER2 19.5 against 17.5), 18,000 BTU (SEER2 20 against 17.3) and 24,000 BTU (SEER2 18.9 against 16.5). A higher SEER2 means less electricity for the same cooling. Not every listing publishes a rating, so a size with a rating on one side only is not compared.

In stock right now, MRCOOL DIY Select sells 9,000, 12,000, 18,000 and 24,000 BTU and MRCOOL DIY Easy Pro sells 9,000, 12,000, 18,000 and 24,000 BTU. Size the unit to the room first: an oversized unit short-cycles and leaves the air cool but damp.

MRCOOL DIY Select sells 8 do-it-yourself kits in stock with pre-charged quick-connect line sets, so there is no vacuum pump or refrigerant charging on site, and MRCOOL DIY Easy Pro sells 8. Under EPA Section 608, connecting refrigerant lines is still certified-technician work for any of them, and most areas want a permit for the outdoor unit, so budget for a technician either way; a kit needs far less of their time.

As the retailer lists them, both lines' coldest-rated in-stock mini splits keep heating down to -13°F outdoors (MRCOOL DIY Select: 8 models; MRCOOL DIY Easy Pro: 4 models). That is the lowest temperature each is rated to run at, not its output there: a heat pump delivers less heat as it gets colder. 8 of 8 in-stock MRCOOL DIY Select listings and 8 of 8 MRCOOL DIY Easy Pro listings state a limit.

As the retailer listings state it, in-stock MRCOOL DIY Select models cover the compressor for 2 years (8 of 8 listings state a term) and MRCOOL DIY Easy Pro models for 2 to 5 years depending on the model (8 of 8). Where a listing names no separate compressor term, its general or parts term is what covers the compressor. Some terms require registering the unit, and a maker can require professional installation to honor its warranty, so read the warranty document before you buy.

None of the 8 MRCOOL DIY Select and 8 MRCOOL DIY Easy Pro mini splits we track is named in a CPSC recall notice we check. That covers the models listed here, not every model either line has sold, and it is not a safety certification.