High efficient Mini split heat pumps work very well with heating and cooling but can have issues in very cold weather.
All mini split units are rated differently for how cold the weather can get and still work pumping out heat.
Why Do Mini Split Heat Pumps Struggle to Heat During Cold Weather?
Heat pumps work by pulling heat from the outside and transferring the heat into a building.
When the outside temperature drops too low, they can start to struggle to pull heat from the cold air.
If the air becomes too cold, the outside unit can freeze up and stop working.
A heat pump will go into defrost mode when the outside condenser freezes to melt the ice.
Defrost mode is basically air conditioner mode which will temporarily blow cold air until the ice melts on the outside condenser.
Do Mini Split Units Heat Well in Cold Climates?
In general most mini split units work well down to 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit.
A unit temperature range specification will need to be looked up to get its exact working low temperature.
Some mini split manufacturers have designed mini split units to work well in code climates.
Each unit will have a rated temperature range it can function at.
Is a Mini Split Heat Pump Dependable in Cold Climates?
While mini split heat pumps work well, they can have limitations during very cold weather.
As a general rule, anytime the temperature drops below freezing 32 degrees Fahrenheit, it is best to have an alternative heat source.
Most modern heat pumps can work well down to 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit without an issue but be sure to check its rated temperature range.
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Our Picks for Best Mini Split Heat Pump for Cold Climates Freezing Weather
- Cooper & Hunter Hyper Heat
- Designed specifically for cold climates
- Low temp rating -22 degrees Fahrenheit
- Cost more compared to other units
- Line-set needs to be set into a vacuum during install
- Senville AURA Series
- Designed specifically for cold climates
- Low temp rating -22 degrees Fahrenheit
- Line-set needs to be set into a vacuum during install
- MrCool DIY 3rd Generation
- Low temp rating -13 degrees Fahrenheit
- Cost more compared to other units
- Easy install Quick Connect Line-set
- Pioneer WYS012GMFI22RL
- Low temp rating -13 degrees Fahrenheit
- Popular DIY Kit
- Line-set needs to be set into a vacuum during install
- Air Con Blizzard Series Model: ABZCI4H4S09 / ABZEM4H4Z09
- Low temp rating -13 degrees Fahrenheit
- Line-set needs to be set into a vacuum during install
Rated Low Temperature -22 degrees Fahrenheit -30 Celsius
Pros
Cons
Cooper & Hunter is a well-known mini split manufacturer that has many units available.
The Hyper Heat Series is on a unit that is made to work in very cold temperatures.
The unit is rated to work down to -22 degrees Fahrenheit -30 Celsius.
It also has a 25 Seer efficiency rating which is very good.
This makes it the best mini split we could find to work in cold climates.
Rated Low Temperature -22 degrees Fahrenheit -30 Celsius
Pros
Cons
The Senville AURA Series is another one of the best mini split units for cold climates we could find.
It has a rated low working temperature of -22 degrees Fahrenheit -30 Celsius.
It also has a 25.5 Seer rating which is a very good efficiency rating.
The package comes in a kit with everything needed to install the unit except for the electrical.
An HVAC vacuum pump will be needed to pump the unit down into a vacuum before releasing the refrigerant.
Rated Low Temperature -13 degrees Fahrenheit -25 Celsius
Pros
Cons
The MrCool 3rd Generation units are rated as 22 Seer that can work down to -13 degrees Fahrenheit -25 Celsius.
MrCool DIY mini split units have become very popular since they are easier to install compared to many other units.
The kits come with everything needed for a homeowner to install a unit
They also have quick connect line set connections that don’t reacquire an HVAC vacuum pump to hook up.
The lines are in a vacuum with a seal that is broken after the connections are bolted together.
MrCool units cost more compared to some other DIY kits but are easier to install and well-built.
Rated Low Temperature -13 degrees Fahrenheit -25 Celsius
Pros
Cons
The Pioneer WYS012GMFI22RL mini split heat pump is rated to work at temperatures down to -13 degrees Fahrenheit -25 Celsius.
The unit has an electric heater that helps to melt the ice on the outside condenser during cold weather.
Pioneer mini split units have become very popular with DIY individuals since homeowners can install one themselves.
Rated Low Temperature -13 degrees Fahrenheit -25 Celsius
Pros
Cons
Air Con has a 27.5 Seer called Hyper Heat Pump Blizzard Series, which has a very low-temperature range.
It has a rated low temperature of -13 degrees Fahrenheit -25 Celsius.
The unit will work at a lower temperature but will go into defrost mode when the outdoor unit becomes iced.
The Air Con 27.5 Seer Blizzard Series Hyper Heat Pump is a good unit with a very good seer rating that is able to work in cold climates.
What Mini Split Heat Pump Works Best in Cold Climates?
The best mini split we could find for cold climates was the Cooper & Hunter Hyper Heat.
It has a rated low temperature of -22 degrees Fahrenheit -30 Celsius.
This makes it a very good unit to use when the weather is very cold.
How Cold is Too Cold for a Mini Split?
When the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, many mini split heat pumps can start to struggle.
There are some units that are designed to work when it is cold, with the best units we have found listed above.
At What Low Temperature Does a Mini Split Not Work?
All mini split units are rated to work at different low temperatures.
Many will start to have problems heating when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do Mini Split Units Work Well Below 32 Degrees?
Some mini split units can work well below freezing temperatures of 32 degrees.
While they will become less able to pump heat, many units are designed for cold climates.
It is necessary to read the rated operating temperatures, which unit has to see what temperatures it can operate in.
Summary
If you live in a cold climate and are looking for the best mini split to install, there are several available.
The best units we have found are listed above, along with the rated low temperatures they can work at.
Almost all mini split heat pump units can work at a temperature of roughly 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit, with some able to function much lower.
Always check the specifications for any unit before buying it as to what the low operating temperature is.
Very cold climates should always have a backup heat source and not rely solely on mini split for heat.
In the past, we have also listed the Mitsubishi Hyper heat series, but they have become difficult to buy and install for homeowners.
If you are using a professional HVAC install company, it would be best to talk with them about a Mitsubishi Hyper heat system.
Do you have a good mini split unit that works well in cold weather? Let us know your thoughts below.
I am moving to Pocono Pennsylvania. Knowing the temperatures and seasons are know to be very fringed I am searching for a good running ductless system for my home. My biggest concern is cold weather. I need a system that is very reliable in cold weather. Although this article is so helpful, i am still not certain which unit would be best for my cold environment. I am looking for two units for my house. 9000btu and 12000btu. Any good info will help Ty Also, is it important to get an exterior electric heater ?
I need a mini split system to cool and heat a 500 square ft area that is split into 2 x 250 square foot rooms so I need a dual zone system. I have researched some units and like Senville AURA systems. Is there a smaller system than the 28000 BTU I have found because I don’t need to cover 1400 square ft? My location is in central CA zone 16 where we get some snow and winter temperatures are around 29-34 degrees at the coldest time of day. Also my application requires cassette type air handlers so is it ok to install the cassettes in an attic that has blown in insulation? I intend to purchase the compressor, 2 cassette air handlers, 16ft and 25ft line sets, and a wall mount bracket. Is there anything else I might need? I intend to install this system myself so I would appreciate any advise you have. Can I purchase this system from Amazon? Thanks for your website and help.