What is the best mini-split for a cold climate?
The short answer
The best mini split for a cold climate depends on the size you need, so we name one per size: the model that still delivers the most heat at 5°F, as ENERGY STAR certifies each pairing of indoor and outdoor unit.
At 9,000 BTU, the Senville Aura 9,000 BTU Mini Split Heat Pump, up to 11,500 BTU at 5°F (96% of its rated heat), $1,299 at Sylvane.
At 12,000 BTU, the Pioneer 12,000 BTU Quantum Hyperformance Mini Split Hyper Heat Pump 230V, up to 12,000 BTU at 5°F (100% of its rated heat), $1,409 at Sylvane.
At 18,000 BTU, the Senville Aura 18,000 BTU Mini Split Heat Pump, up to 18,000 BTU at 5°F (100% of its rated heat), $1,599.99 at Sylvane.
At 24,000 BTU, the Senville Aura 24,000 BTU Mini Split Heat Pump, up to 24,200 BTU at 5°F (83% of its rated heat), $1,769.99 at Sylvane.
Size yours against your room's heat loss on your coldest nights using that 5°F output, not the maker's lowest operating temperature.
In a cold region the question is not only whether a heat pump heats, but how much heat it still makes when it is freezing out, and that depends on the size you need. So this answer names the best model at each size by the heat ENERGY STAR certifies it still delivers at 5°F, then lists every mini-split you can buy right now that ENERGY STAR certifies for cold climates, or whose maker rates it to keep heating at 0°F or below.
The best at each size
- 1
Best at 9,000 BTU
SplitENERGY STAR In stockMost heat at 5°F of the 9 in-stock 9,000 BTU models ENERGY STAR rates there: up to 11,500 BTU (96% of its rated heat) · COP 1.8 at 5°F · heats down to -22°F outdoors
$1,299Package: 16 ft line set - 2
Best at 12,000 BTU
SplitENERGY STAR In stockMost heat at 5°F of the 5 in-stock 12,000 BTU models ENERGY STAR rates there: up to 12,000 BTU (100% of its rated heat) · COP 1.8 at 5°F
$1,409Package: 16 ft line set - 3
Best at 18,000 BTU
SplitENERGY STAR In stockMost heat at 5°F of the 4 in-stock 18,000 BTU models ENERGY STAR rates there: up to 18,000 BTU (100% of its rated heat) · COP 1.92 at 5°F · heats down to -22°F outdoors
$1,599.99Package: 16 ft line setLowest since Jul 26, 2026 $1,599.99 - 4
Best at 24,000 BTU
SplitENERGY STAR In stockMost heat at 5°F of the 5 in-stock 24,000 BTU models ENERGY STAR rates there: up to 24,200 BTU (83% of its rated heat) · COP 2.34 at 5°F · heats down to -22°F outdoors
$1,769.99Package: no line set
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Every cold-climate mini split in stock, by size
All 52 single-zone mini splits we list in stock that ENERGY STAR certifies for cold climates or whose maker rates them to keep heating at 0°F or below. 23 have ENERGY STAR's certified figures for their indoor and outdoor pairing: the most heat it delivers at 5°F and 17°F, and its COP (heat per unit of electricity) at 5°F. The lowest temperature is the maker's operating limit, not its output there.
| Model | Size | Heat at 5°F | COP at 5°F | Heat at 17°F | Heats down to | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SenvilleAura 9,000 BTU Mini Split Heat Pump | 9,000 BTU | 11,500 BTU96% of rated heat | 1.8 | 12,000 BTU | -22°F | $1,299 at Sylvane |
| PioneerQuantum Hyperformance 9,000 BTU Mini Split Heat Pump 230V | 9,000 BTU | 9,100 BTU101% of rated heat | 1.8 | 10,000 BTU | Not stated | $1,323 at Sylvane |
| DaikinOterra 9,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump 230V | 9,000 BTU | 7,700 BTU71% of rated heat | 2 | 8,000 BTU | 5°F | $1,615 at Sylvane |
| PioneerDiamante Pro 9,000 BTU High-Wall Ductless Mini Split 115V | 9,000 BTU | 7,300 BTU73% of rated heat | 1.9 | 8,000 BTU | -4°F | $858 at Sylvane |
| MRCOOLDIY 5th Gen 9,000 BTU Mini Split | 9,000 BTU | 7,300 BTU73% of rated heat | 2.17 | 7,500 BTU | -13°F | $2,329 at Sylvane |
| PioneerQuantum Ultra High-Wall 9,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump 230V | 9,000 BTU | 7,100 BTU71% of rated heat | 1.9 | 8,000 BTU | Not stated | $1,053 at Sylvane |
| PioneerQuantum Ultra High-Wall 9,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split 115V | 9,000 BTU | 7,100 BTU71% of rated heat | 1.9 | 8,000 BTU | Not stated | $1,083 at Sylvane |
| MRCOOLAdvantage 9,000 BTU 5th Gen Mini Split - 230V | 9,000 BTU | 7,000 BTU70% of rated heat | 2.07 | 8,000 BTU | -22°F | $829 at Sylvane |
| MRCOOLDIY Easy Pro 9,000 BTU Mini Split 115V | 9,000 BTU | 6,200 BTU62% of rated heat | 2.07 | 7,000 BTU | -13°F | $1,487 at Sylvane |
| PioneerEssenza 9,000 BTU Gen 2 Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump 230V | 9,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -4°F | $817 at Sylvane |
| PioneerEssenza 9,000 BTU Gen 2 Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump 115V | 9,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -4°F | $838 at Sylvane |
| MRCOOLDIY Select 9,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump 115V | 9,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -13°F | $1,249 at Sylvane |
| MRCOOLDIY Select 9,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump 115V - Black | 9,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -13°F | $1,249 at Sylvane |
| Pioneer12,000 BTU Quantum Hyperformance Mini Split Hyper Heat Pump 230V | 12,000 BTU | 12,000 BTU100% of rated heat | 1.8 | 14,000 BTU | Not stated | $1,409 at Sylvane |
| PioneerQuantum Fresh 12,000 BTU High-Wall Mini-Split | 12,000 BTU | 10,100 BTU77% of rated heat | 2 | 8,000 BTU | -4°F | $1,468 at Sylvane |
| PioneerQuantum Ultra High-Wall 12,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split 230V | 12,000 BTU | 9,100 BTU72% of rated heat | 2.1 | 10,000 BTU | -13°F | $1,133 at Sylvane |
| PioneerQuantum Ultra High-Wall 12,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split 115V | 12,000 BTU | 8,900 BTU72% of rated heat | 2.1 | 10,000 BTU | Not stated | $1,163 at Sylvane |
| MRCOOLDIY 5th Gen 12,000 BTU (DIY-12-HP-WM-115D25-O) | 12,000 BTU | 8,400 BTU70% of rated heat | 2.08 | 8,500 BTU | -13°F | $2,369 at Sylvane |
| PioneerDiamante Pro 12,000 BTU High-Wall Ductless Mini Split 230V | 12,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -4°F | $858 at Sylvane |
| PioneerEssenza 12,000 BTU Gen 2 Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump 115V | 12,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -4°F | $868 at Sylvane |
| PioneerEssenza 12,000 BTU Gen 2 Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump 230V | 12,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -4°F | $868 at Sylvane |
| PioneerDiamante Pro 12,000 BTU High-Wall Series Ductless Mini Split 115V | 12,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -4°F | $888 at Sylvane |
| MRCOOLAdvantage 12,000 BTU 5th Gen Mini Split - 230V | 12,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -22°F | $979 at Sylvane |
| MRCOOLAdvantage 12,000 BTU 5th Gen Mini Split - 115V | 12,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -22°F | $1,099 at Sylvane |
| MRCOOLDIY Select 12,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump 115V | 12,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -13°F | $1,399 at Sylvane |
| MRCOOLDIY Select 12,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump 115V - Black | 12,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -13°F | $1,399 at Sylvane |
| MRCOOLDIY Easy Pro 12,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump 115V | 12,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -13°F | $1,599 at Sylvane |
| MitsubishiHX Series 12,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump | 12,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -5°F | $1,979 at Sylvane |
| SenvilleAura 18,000 BTU Mini Split Heat Pump | 18,000 BTU | 18,000 BTU100% of rated heat | 1.92 | 18,000 BTU | -22°F | $1,599.99 at Sylvane |
| PioneerQuantum Hyperformance 18,000 BTU Mini Split Hyper Heat Pump 230V | 18,000 BTU | 17,800 BTU99% of rated heat | 1.8 | 15,500 BTU | Not stated | $1,863 at Sylvane |
| SenvilleAura Floor Mounted 18,000 BTU Mini Split Heat Pump | 18,000 BTU | 17,000 BTU89% of rated heat | 1.86 | 14,400 BTU | -22°F | $1,569.99 at Sylvane |
| MRCOOLDIY 5th Gen 18,000 BTU Mini Split | 18,000 BTU | 12,800 BTU71% of rated heat | 2.44 | 13,400 BTU | -13°F | $2,909 at Sylvane |
| PioneerEssenza 18,000 BTU Gen 2 Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump 230V | 18,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -4°F | $1,134 at Sylvane |
| PioneerDiamante Pro 18,000 BTU High-Wall Series Ductless Mini Split | 18,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -4°F | $1,138 at Sylvane |
| MRCOOLAdvantage 18,000 BTU 5th Gen Mini Split | 18,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -22°F | $1,399 at Sylvane |
| MRCOOLDIY Select 18,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump 230V - Black | 18,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -13°F | $1,690 at Sylvane |
| MRCOOLDIY Select 18,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump 230V | 18,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -13°F | $1,690 at Sylvane |
| MRCOOLDIY Easy Pro 18,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump | 18,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -13°F | $1,806 at Sylvane |
| SenvilleAura Floor Mounted 24,000 BTU Mini Split Heat Pump | 24,000 BTU | 24,200 BTU93% of rated heat | 2.16 | 20,200 BTU | -22°F | $1,749.99 at Sylvane |
| SenvilleAura 24,000 BTU Mini Split Heat Pump | 24,000 BTU | 24,200 BTU83% of rated heat | 2.34 | 22,200 BTU | -22°F | $1,769.99 at Sylvane |
| SenvilleLeto 24,000 BTU Mini Split Heat Pump | 24,000 BTU | 17,000 BTU71% of rated heat | 2.14 | 20,800 BTU | 5°F | $1,259 at Sylvane |
| MRCOOLAdvantage 24,000 BTU 5th Gen Mini Split | 24,000 BTU | 17,000 BTU71% of rated heat | 2.14 | 20,800 BTU | -22°F | $1,649 at Sylvane |
| MRCOOLDIY 5th Gen 24,000 BTU (DIY-24-HP-WM-230D25-O) | 24,000 BTU | 16,100 BTU67% of rated heat | 2 | 17,900 BTU | -13°F | $3,329 at Sylvane |
| PioneerEssenza 24,000 BTU Gen 2 Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump 230V | 24,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -4°F | $1,418 at Sylvane |
| PioneerDiamante Pro 24,000 BTU High-Wall Series Ductless Mini Split | 24,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -4°F | $1,438 at Sylvane |
| MRCOOLDIY Select 24,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump 230V - Black | 24,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -13°F | $1,899 at Sylvane |
| MRCOOLDIY Select 24,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump 230V | 24,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -13°F | $1,899 at Sylvane |
| MRCOOLDIY Easy Pro PRO 24,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump | 24,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -13°F | $2,109 at Sylvane |
| PioneerDiamante Pro High-Wall Series 31,500 BTU Ductless Mini Split | 31,500 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -4°F | $1,988 at Sylvane |
| PioneerDiamante Essenza 35,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split | 35,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -4°F | $2,088 at Sylvane |
| MRCOOLAdvantage 36,000 BTU 5th Gen Mini Split | 36,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -22°F | $2,499 at Sylvane |
| MRCOOLDIY 5th Gen 36,000 BTU (DIY-36-HP-WM-230D25-O) | 36,000 BTU | Not certified | Not certified | Not certified | -13°F | $3,969 at Sylvane |
How we chose
We include single-zone mini-splits for one room with a current in-stock offer that carry ENERGY STAR's cold-climate designation for their certified pairing of outdoor and indoor units, or whose retailer specification for that exact model states a minimum heating temperature of 0°F or colder. At each size (9,000, 12,000, 18,000 BTU and so on) with at least 2 models that have a certified 5°F rating, we name the one that delivers the most heat at 5°F (its maximum output there, the point ENERGY STAR's cold-climate criteria test), then the higher COP at 5°F, then the lower price. We pick by the heat delivered rather than the share of rated heat kept, because a share favors whichever model has the smallest rating. Models whose maker states only a lowest operating temperature are in the table but never named, since they lack the figure the choice is made on. Multi-zone and central ducted systems are excluded. A maker's heating limit is the coldest temperature the unit keeps running at, not its output there: output falls as it gets colder, which is why the certified 5°F figure comes first. Nobody can pay for placement.
Read our full methodology