MRCOOL vs Senville mini splits

It depends on the size. Comparing each brand's cheapest new, in-stock model at the same size, Senville's cheapest model costs less at 9,000 BTU ($729 against $829), 12,000 BTU ($817 against $979), 18,000 BTU ($999 against $1,399), 24,000 BTU ($1,259 against $1,649) and 36,000 BTU ($2,069 against $2,499). These are live retailer prices and change often.

Comparing the best SEER2 rating each brand publishes for its in-stock models at the same size, MRCOOL has the higher-rated model at 12,000 BTU (SEER2 23.5 against 21.2), 18,000 BTU (SEER2 22.5 against 21.4) and 24,000 BTU (SEER2 22.7 against 21), Senville at 9,000 BTU (SEER2 27.4 against 23.6) and their best ratings are within 0.5 at 1 size. 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 sells 9,000, 12,000, 18,000, 24,000 and 36,000 BTU and Senville sells 6,000, 9,000, 12,000, 18,000, 24,000 and 36,000 BTU. So only Senville sells 6,000 BTU. Size the unit to the room first: an oversized unit short-cycles and leaves the air cool but damp.

MRCOOL sells 21 do-it-yourself kits in stock with pre-charged quick-connect line sets, so there is no vacuum pump or refrigerant charging on site; Senville's systems here are installed the conventional way. 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 brands' coldest-rated in-stock mini splits keep heating down to -22°F outdoors (MRCOOL: 6 models; Senville: 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. 27 of 28 in-stock MRCOOL listings and 10 of 18 Senville listings state a limit.

As the retailer listings state it, in-stock MRCOOL models cover the compressor for 2 to 7 years depending on the model (27 of 28 listings state a term) and Senville models for 5 to 10 years depending on the model (17 of 18). 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 28 MRCOOL and 26 Senville mini splits we track is named in a CPSC recall notice we check. That covers the models listed here, not every model either brand has sold, and it is not a safety certification.