Mini split units are very good heating and cooling units that are known for their efficiency and DIY installs.
While most units are more efficient compared to big traditional home HVAC systems some units are more efficient than others.
This post is updated for the new units are now rated in SEER2, not the old SEER number.
What Makes a Mini Split Energy Efficient?
Several factors make a mini split energy efficient, including being ductless and, more importantly, the inverter-driven compressor.
Mini split units are ductless with standard home HVAC duct systems losing on average 25 percent or more of the conditioned air.
Removing ductwork that has been traditionally used to blow air into a home makes a more efficient system.
Mini split units also have inverter-driven compressors that speed up and slow down depending on the demand.
This means they don’t shut off completely as traditional HVAC compressors do.
The biggest demand for energy with an HVAC unit is during startup. Traditional compressors will draw a large amount of power during the start and then level off after running a few minutes.
Most big home units turn off and back on constantly in a cycle that uses a lot of energy.
Mini split units with inverter-driven compressors can save a lot of energy without heavy up and down spikes.
For these reasons, along with better technologies mini split units are very efficient to run.
New units also use R-32 or R-454B refrigerant instead of the older R-410A. That change is for newer refrigerant rules, not because it automatically makes a unit more efficient.
How To Read the Energy Efficiency of a Mini Split
All HVAC systems have a SEER rating (Seasonal energy efficiency ratio) that shows how efficient they are.
Starting in 2023, new equipment is tested and labeled as SEER2. The test is tougher, so the SEER2 number looks a little lower even when the unit is the same or better.
The higher the SEER2 rating, the more energy efficient a unit is.
A SEER2 rating is based on the output a system has, over a cooling season, divided by the total electric energy input.
If you see an old listing still saying SEER, that is the older test. A 22 SEER2 unit is not worse than an old 22 SEER unit. It is a different test.
For heating, look at HSPF2. Higher is better, same idea as SEER2, but for heat.
EER2 is another cooling number, tested at a hot outdoor temperature. It is useful, but most people still shop by SEER2.
Find the SEER2 rating number when looking for the most efficient mini split system. The higher the number, the more efficient the system is.
The highest SEER2 numbers are usually on the 6,000 and 9,000 BTU single zone units. A bigger unit in the same series will often have a lower rating. Buy the size you need, not the highest number on the chart.
New traditional central heat pumps have to meet 14.3 SEER2. Many new homes still land around that range.
Mini split systems commonly range from about 17-30 SEER2 depending on the unit, with a few 6,000 and 9,000 BTU units up around 33-35 SEER2.
ENERGY STAR for a ductless mini split heat pump starts at 15.2 SEER2.
There are many good units with those below the most energy-efficient we have found.
As always, be sure to read the reviews on Amazon, here, or elsewhere to be sure a unit is a good fit for you.
Be sure to read the listings below for any changes in SEER2 rating and what is included in any kit.
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Our Picks for Best Energy Efficient Highest Seer Mini Split
- Mitsubishi FX Hyper Heat 9,000 BTU 33.1 SEER2
- Gree Sapphire R32 9,000 BTU 30 SEER2
- Fujitsu 9,000 BTU 33.5 SEER2
- Pioneer Quantum Hyperformance 25 SEER2
- Cooper Hunter Hyper Heat
- Daikin Atmosphera 9,000 BTU 27.4 SEER2
Mitsubishi is a well-known manufacturer of quality mini split systems with good warranties.
They are built to last many years and make some of the most energy efficient units available.
The current FX Hyper Heat 9,000 BTU pairing (MSZ-FX09NL with MUZ-FX09NLHZ) is rated at 33.1 SEER2, 18.35 EER2, and 13.3 HSPF2.
The 6,000 BTU Hyper Heat in this series is rated at 35 SEER2, which is one of the highest numbers you can buy, but that size is only for a small room.
The 12,000 BTU pairing drops to about 29.9 SEER2. Same series, lower rating, because it is a bigger unit.
It is built to work in very cold climates. Hyper Heat is rated to hold 100 percent heating capacity down to -10 degrees Fahrenheit, with operation down to -22 degrees Fahrenheit.
The downside is they cost more, but the price can be worth it for those who want a very reliable mini split that also uses less energy.
There are many different Mitsubishi model sizes and SEER2 ratings, so be sure to check the listing for the SEER2 rating.
Gree is a Chinese company that sells mini split units all around the world.
The current Sapphire R32 9,000 BTU system is rated at 30 SEER2, 16.8 EER2, and 11.2 HSPF2.
The old 38 SEER Gree listing used the older SEER test, so that number is no longer what you will see on new units. Gree’s own sheets now list this 9,000 BTU R32 unit at 30 SEER2.
It also heats down to -22 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a lot better than a standard mini split.
While the SEER2 rating is very high, be sure to read reviews as there are mixed results for how well they operate.
Fujitsu makes several types of units from mid-range to some of the highest SEER2 ratings available.
The current 9,000 BTU high-efficiency wall unit (ASUH09KTAS with AOUH09KTAP1) is rated at 33.5 SEER2, 19.1 EER2, and 14.0 HSPF2.
A 33.5 SEER2 rating is very good and one of the current best ratings available.
It also heats down to -22 degrees Fahrenheit, which is colder than the older Fujitsu 33 SEER units that stopped around -15.
These are usually pro-install units, not a DIY kit. Be sure to check the listing for the SEER2 rating on the exact indoor and outdoor matchup.
Pioneer has many DIY mini split options. The older WYS Series 22 Seer kits have been discontinued.
The Quantum Hyperformance is the high-efficiency Pioneer kit now, rated at 25 SEER2 and 10.5 HSPF2 on the 9,000 and 12,000 BTU sizes.
It is also a hyper heat unit, rated to heat down to -22 degrees Fahrenheit, and it holds 100 percent heating capacity at 5 degrees on the smaller sizes.
I installed a Pioneer WYS Series a few years ago and was surprised how much higher the Seer rating was compared to another unit I installed two years before that.
The older units had a 17-19 Seer rating, which, while good, the 22 Seer WYS units were much better.
Pioneer has gone higher again with these 25 SEER2 kits.
Pioneer is known for their DIY kits and, for the money, good units to install.
I have installed several of these units over the years, and all are still working very well.
The WYS Series unit I installed was on a home that has a 16 Seer heat pump on the roof and was installed to help lower the monthly operating cost.
This unit was installed on this home to help lower the monthly cooling bills.
The Cooper & Hunter Hyper Heat 9,000 BTU outdoor (CH-RHP09-230VO) is currently rated up to 27.4 SEER2, depending on the indoor head it is matched with.
That is a different number than the old 25 SEER listing, which used the older test.
It also is built to work in very cold climates with a rated low operating temperature of -22 degrees Fahrenheit (-30 Celsius).
The kits sold that come with everything needed for an installation except electrical, be sure to check the listing for what is included.
Daikin makes many good HVAC systems, including well-built mini split units.
The older LV Series 24.5 SEER package is no longer the current high-efficiency Daikin wall unit.
The Atmosphera 9,000 BTU system is rated at 27.4 SEER2, 16.3 EER2, and 11.2 HSPF2.
It is also a cold climate unit, with 100 percent heating capacity at 5 degrees Fahrenheit and operation down to -13 degrees Fahrenheit.
12,000 BTU is rated to heat or cool a space roughly 450 to 550 Sq Ft. The 9,000 BTU size is the one that hits the 27.4 SEER2 number.
Daikin mini split units work very well heating and cooling while saving energy.
These are usually installed by an HVAC company, not a DIY kit.
Summary
Installing a mini split is a good way to heat or cool a space, along with saving energy.
Besides being better for the environment, this can also bring down electrical bills.
The federal 25C heat pump tax credit ended for systems installed after December 31, 2025. Check for state and utility rebates, which are still out there in a lot of areas.
Another factor to consider when buying a unit is the build quality and warranty a package comes with.
Preferences can vary from person to person how good a brand is.
Installation can also be a big factor since many of the high SEER2 units do not come in a DIY kit.
While they can be installed by a knowledgeable homeowner an HVAC company will likely be needed.
Hiring an HVAC company for installation can run up costs making DIY kits very popular.
Most DIY kits now have SEER2 ratings around 17-25, which is still a very good rating compared to a traditional home HVAC system.
Traditional systems have to meet 14.3 SEER2, with many new homes still around that range.
Have you found a very good mini split brand with a high SEER2 rating? Let us know in the comments below.
I am amazed how many new players have arrived onto the mini-split market. Bosch and GE are new players. Bosch boosts of ultra quiet and high efficient for a DIY mini-split. I enjoyed your article. Thanks!