Which Mini Split Brand Is The Best?
In 2014 we wrote an article comparing similar models of Daikin, LG, Mitsubishi, and Fujitsu mini-splits. Due to the popularity of the article, and obvious changes in the models over the years, we decided to offer a new and updated version to examine the new models of mini splits. So at last, here is what we found:
DISCLAIMER: THERE ARE A TON OF MINIS SPLIT MODELS OUT THERE. THIS BRAND COMPARISON DOES NOT ENCOMPASS THE FULL BREADTH OF ALL THE AVAILABLE OPTIONS NOR DOES IT COVER WHAT MIGHT ULTIMATELY BE THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOU. IT DOES HOWEVER COVER SIMILAR UNITS IN THE MIDDLE TO UPPER RANGE OF WHAT EACH MAJOR BRAND OFFERS AND SHOULD THEREFORE BE BENEFICIAL FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR A WALL MOUNT 1 TON MINI.
Best Of 1 Ton Ductless Mini Splits By Category
Smallest outdoor condenser: Fujitsu (21.25” X 26” X 11.5”)
Smallest indoor wall mount handler: Fujitsu (10” X 33” X 8”)
Quietest indoor: LG (42/36/25/17 dBA)
Quietest outdoor:LG (45 dBA)
Widest operating weather conditions: Mitsubishi as low as -13 in heating mode
Lowest price: LG ($1,393) with Fujitsu ($1,437) and Daikin ($1,483) coming in at a close second and third, respectively.
Highest efficiency heating: Tie between Daikin (12.5 HSPF) and Mitsubishi (12.5 HSPF)
Best-in-class efficiency cooling mini split: Mitsubishi (26.1 SEER)
Best All-Around:
The newer mini-split models of Mitsubishi and Daikin are still the winners in this contest.
Mitsubishi offers the widest range of operating weather conditions, capable of cooling down to -13 F when in heating mode. Additionally, Mitsubishi offers the highest efficiency in heating at 12.5 HSPF, and also the highest efficiency in cooling at 26.1 SEER.
Daikin’s new mini-split model is the smallest indoor handler offered at 16” X 16” X 8” making the mini-split easy to install and store indoors. In addition, Daikin offers the third lowest price at $1,483, just $90 more than the lowest-price leading LG model. While the price difference may not seem worth it, I assure you it is, as Daikin offers a much broader range of features and is significantly more efficient than the LG model. Daikin also offers the highest efficiency in heating at 12.5 HSPF.
When making your decision, it comes down to a matter of price and where you plan on storing the mini-split. Daikin ($1,483) is significantly cheaper than the Mitsubishi mini-split($1,818) at a price difference of $335. However, the justification for this price difference is that Mitsubishi offers higher efficiency in cooling (26.1 seer), while also offering the same efficiency as Daikin in heating at 12.5 HSPF.
As for the storage of these mini-splits, the size of the indoor Daikin model is definitely more attractive, as it is the smallest indoor wall mount model offered. The sound level difference between the two is minimal as Mitsubishi operates at 41 dBA indoors and 49 dBA outdoors when set at full capacity, while Daiken operates at 45 dBA indoors and 61 dBA outdoors. This slight difference would be unnoticeable to the ear and therefore is not a big deciding factor when making your choice.
Lastly, Daikin offers a 12-year limited-parts warranty while all the other manufacturers only offer a 5-year warranty on parts and a 7-year warranty on the compressor. Therefore if something is to go wrong with your mini split, Daikin is the more attractive product with a much longer warranty than the other brands
Conclusion
In conclusion, LG and Fujitsu models both have their pluses, as LG offers the quietest and cheapest mini split while Fujitsu offers the smallest outdoor condenser available. Additionally, I will admit that all of the mini-splits have their pluses and minuses, making preference or logistics the deciding factor when making your decision.
All homes and applications are different, so find the one that best suits your needs. However, if you look at the cold hard data and facts, LG and Fujitsu simply do not measure up to Daikin and Mitsubishi. The top-of-the-line efficiency in cooling and heating coupled with the easy-to-store size makes Daikin and Mitsubishi models the more attractive choice. As mentioned in our previous article, this is why Mitsubishi is the best-selling mini-split in the United States and Daikin is the largest HVAC company in the world.
Have questions? Please contact us. We’d love to help in any way!
All of the information above can be accessed via the respective company sites (linked below).
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