How loud is the MRCOOL Advantage 12,000 BTU 5th Gen Mini Split - 230V?

44 dB(A) indoors, about as loud as a quiet library.

How energy-efficient is the MRCOOL Advantage 12,000 BTU 5th Gen Mini Split - 230V?

Its efficiency rating is SEER2 21.3.

What size room does the MRCOOL Advantage 12,000 BTU 5th Gen Mini Split - 230V cool?

It is rated to cool a room up to 500 sq ft (12,000 BTU · 3.5 kW).

Do I need a professional to install the MRCOOL Advantage 12,000 BTU 5th Gen Mini Split - 230V?

Yes. As a single split it needs a certified installer. Usually needs permission.

Single splitSEER2 21.3 Heats too

MRCOOL · Model A-12-HP-230D-O

Advantage 12,000 BTU 5th Gen Mini Split - 230V

Name: MRCOOL Advantage 12,000 BTU 5th Gen Mini Split - 230V
Brand: MRCOOL
Price: 979 USD
Availability: InStock

A wall-mounted split air conditioner rated at 12,000 BTU for rooms up to 500 sq ft. It heats in winter too.

Live price at Sylvane

Price checked Sep 26, 2026

Buy at Sylvane In stock

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Will it cool your room?

Room size 700 sq ft ≈ 65 m²

Undersized for 65 m²

This is undersized for your 700 sq ft room. It would run flat out and struggle to keep up.

Running cost

Mini-splits are rated on SEER2, a seasonal scale, not the ENERGY STAR annual-kWh figure this dollar estimate is built from, so there is no comparable figure to show here. A blank is missing data, not a worse result: a mini-split is often the more efficient choice.

Installation cost

$2,500-6,000 fully installed for a typical room (the equipment is roughly $700-1,800, professional installation roughly $1,500-4,000+ depending on line-set run, electrical and access). The unit price you see here is hardware only; installation is the larger, separate cost.

A typical range for this system type, for comparison only, not a quote for this unit. The actual price depends on the line-set run, electrical work and access.

At a glance

Best for larger open-plan rooms.

Cooling

3.5 kW

Size

Slim

Noise

44 dB

Audible

Install: Certified installerPermission: Usually needs permission

Performance

Cooling capacity: 12,000 BTU · 3.5 kW
Heating capacity: Yes
Room coverage: up to 500 sq ft
Energy Star: Not published
SEER2: 21.3
Annual energy (cooling): Not published

Noise, size & features

Model number: A-12-HP-230D-O
Indoor noise: 44 dB(A)about as loud as a quiet library
Outdoor noise: Not published
Indoor unit: 31.57 x 11.69 x 7.44 in
Outdoor unit: 30.12 x 21.85 x 11.93 in (W x H x D)
Refrigerant: R-454B
Wi-Fi / app: Not published
Outdoor unit needed: Yes

What is good

Its SEER2 21.3 is more efficient than 63 of the 79 other mini-splits we list with a published SEER2.
At $979 it undercuts 13 of the 16 other 12,000-14,000 BTU mini-splits we list with a live price.
Uses R-454B (GWP 466), the low-GWP class new US residential equipment moved to.

Installation & the rules that apply

This is a single split. This is where regulation bites. Under EPA Section 608 the refrigerant circuit may only be opened by a certified technician, and the EPA is explicit that this includes connecting or disconnecting the pre-charged line sets sold with "DIY" mini-split kits. No federal law stops you doing the mounting, bracketing and line routing yourself, but handling the refrigerant without certification voids the warranty and is a violation. Most US jurisdictions also require permits for a new outdoor unit: typically mechanical or building for the wall penetration and mount, plus electrical for the dedicated 240 V circuit and disconnect. An HOA nearly always has to approve exterior equipment in advance, and local noise ordinances can cap how loud the condenser may be at the property line. This varies by city and county, so confirm with your building department before buying hardware.

Installation

Certified installer

Refrigerant

R-454B

GeneralRenters: get written landlord consent firstReviewed June 2026Often blocks install

United StatesUS: EPA Section 608 certified technician for refrigerantReviewed June 2026Often blocks install

ArizonaArizona: municipal mechanical permit for AC replacementReviewed June 2026Permit required

CaliforniaCalifornia: Title 24 permit and HERS verificationReviewed June 2026Permit required

FloridaFlorida: hurricane wind-load anchoring of outdoor unitsReviewed June 2026Permit required

See full rules by region

Common questions about the MRCOOL Advantage 12,000 BTU 5th Gen Mini Split - 230V

How loud is the MRCOOL Advantage 12,000 BTU 5th Gen Mini Split - 230V?: 44 dB(A) indoors, about as loud as a quiet library.
How energy-efficient is the MRCOOL Advantage 12,000 BTU 5th Gen Mini Split - 230V?: Its efficiency rating is SEER2 21.3.
What size room does the MRCOOL Advantage 12,000 BTU 5th Gen Mini Split - 230V cool?: It is rated to cool a room up to 500 sq ft (12,000 BTU · 3.5 kW).
Do I need a professional to install the MRCOOL Advantage 12,000 BTU 5th Gen Mini Split - 230V?: Yes. As a single split it needs a certified installer. Usually needs permission.
Does the MRCOOL Advantage 12,000 BTU 5th Gen Mini Split - 230V heat as well as cool?: Yes. It also heats.

Is a split even the right type?

Compare splits against the other types on price, noise, efficiency and install.

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