Top Mini Split Inverters for 2022

Ductless mini splits are a great way to heat and cool indoor spaces without the mess and complications of traditional HVAC systems. For most mini splits, installation only requires a small hole to pass the power, refrigerant, and condensation line between the indoor and outdoor unit.

However, mini splits can also cost a pretty penny in utilities, particularly multi-zone units that heat and cool multiple rooms. Thankfully, homeowners can cut down those dreaded monthly bills with mini split inverters.

What is a mini split?

A mini split AC unit has the same function as other air conditioners: cooling your home. The main difference is that mini split air conditioners do not rely on ducts, which is why they are also referred to as “ductless air conditioners.”

The cooling (or heating) process happens via two components: an indoor and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit blows the warm air over cold evaporator coils containing refrigerant, which absorbs that heat from the air, and runs it to the outside unit. Through the compressor, the refrigerant dumps the heat pulled from your home’s air.

What is a mini split inverter?

Within the mini split systems, there are two types of compressors: rotary and inverter. 

A rotary compressor runs on a fixed capacity, while a mini split inverter uses only enough power to reach and maintain your set temperature, and then idles at that setting until more power is needed. This results in more efficient operation.

For a more detailed explanation, see our entry What is a Mini Split Inverter?

Advantages of Mini Split Inverters

Reduced power consumption

• Inverters have a variable electrical consumption based on their workload.

Longer operational lifespan

• Since the compressors are more efficient and don’t have to work as hard, mini split inverters tend to have a longer lifespan than conventional rotary units.

Faster cooling

• Mini split inverters start off strong, then gradually decrease the power level as the room temperature goes down. This means faster and more consistent cooling.

Long-term savings

• Depending on the appliance, inverter-equipped units can be up to 27% more efficient than traditional appliances, which translates to lower utility bills in the long run.

Our Recommended Mini Split Inverters for 2022

Single-zone mini-split inverter:  

Panasonic XE9WKUA 9000 BTU ClimaPure XE Series Single Zone 28.1 SEER Heat Pump System with Built-In WiFi

One of the main features of Panasonic’s ClimaPure XE series is the company’s Nanoe X Technology, a patented system designed specifically in the age of Covid. It uses nano-sized electrostatic atomized water particles rich in hydroxyl (OH) radicals to reduce pollutants and odors, including airborne viruses. It was found 8 hours of operation resulted in 91.4% effectiveness at eliminating the Novel Coronavirus, while 24 hours of operation recorded a 99.7% effectiveness rate.

The NanoEx technology boasts no less than seven purifying effects, which include deodorizing, the ability to inhibit 5 pollutants for a more comfortable environment, and the ability to help keep your hair and skin moisturized. The five pollutants filtered by NanoEx include bacteria and viruses, mold, allergens, pollen and hazardous substances. Not only are you and your family protected from these pollutants and odors, but your clothing and other stored items may also be protected. 

The ClimaPure series also offers a host of other features, including low ambient operation down to -0°F, heating capabilities down to -15°F, and built-in WiFi that allows users to control the unit from from anywhere with an internet connection.

Dual-zone mini-split inverter system:

GE ASH220NCDWA 20,000 BTU Configurable 2 Zone Mini-Split Air Conditioner with Heat Pump – Energy Star

This dual-zone mini split is an 18,000 BTU AC with heat pump that supports two zones, meaning it can support two indoor units in separate areas of your home. The unit offers a combined connectivity capacity of up to 24,000 BTUs – with a cooling capacity that ranges from 7,000 – 20,000 BTUs. Its cooling mode can handle outside temperatures as low as 0°F and as high as 115°F.

Standard features include a quiet, energy efficient variable speed inverter compressor; blue fin technology to ensure the condensate does not sit in the condenser for improved rust prevention and longer operating life; and a warm start function that delays the fan until the air is warm enough, to stop cool drafts. 

This outdoor unit can be paired with three choices of GE Standard Wall Units (ASYW07URDWA, ASYW09URDWA, ASYW12URDWA), or two choices of Ceiling Cassette Units (AB09SC2VHA, AB12SC2VHA).

Multi-zone mini-split inverter:

LG LMU36CHV 36,000 BTU 22 SEER Configurable Quad-Zone Mini-Split Air Conditioner with Heat Pump – Energy Star

This 34,000 BTU multi-zone cooling and heating system has enough grunt to power most residential homes and even retail businesses. LG’s Flex Quad Zone Multi-Split air conditioner lets you install up to four indoor units with a combined BTU rating of up to 48,000 BTUs of wall mounted or ceiling cassette indoor units.

The LMU36CHV outdoor unit offers a super energy efficient variable speed inverter compressor, defrost/deicing capabilities, three minute restart delay, and a self diagnosis system. It also includes soft start which reduces power surges on the electrical system. It operates when the outside temperature is as low as 14°F in the cooling mode and from -4°F to 64°F in the heating mode. To top it all off, it uses environmentally friendly R-410A refrigerant and is precharged for up to 98’ of line.

Concealed duct mini split inverter:

Daikin FDXS09LVJU / RXS09LVJU 9000 BTU Class Slim Duct Ceiling LV Series Heat Pump Mini Split

This streamlined and slim unit offers 8,500 BTUs of  cooling capacity and 10,000 BTUs heating. It will efficiently cool a room that is about 350 – 400 sq. ft. and boasts an EER of 11.2 and a SEER rating of 15.1, thanks to Daikin’s variable speed compressor technology.

Features include Econo and Stand-by modes, auto fan speed, night set mode, dry function, fan only and on/off timer. The heat pump also boasts auto changeover and hot start function, while the condenser has Anti-Corrosion Treatment to protect it from the elements.

Ceiling cassette mini split inverter:

Panasonic E12RB4U 11900 BTU Single Zone Ceiling Cassette System – Heat Pump

Ceiling cassette mini split systems are a great alternative when floor space is at a premium. This single zone mini split system consists of the indoor 4-Way Ceiling Cassette Unit (CS-E12RB4UW) and the CU-E12RB4U outdoor condenser, and CZ-BT20 decorative grille cover for the ceiling cassette.

The system  boasts 11,900 BTUs of cooling power and 13,600 BTUs heat pump capacity, with a 18.0 SEER, and 10.30 EER ratings.

Features include Panasonic’s ECONAVI – Human Detection Technology, which adjusts the unit’s operation when it detects human activity or lack thereof in the space, as well as the airflow direction; Automatic Heat and Cool Changeover that kicks in when set temperatures are reached; built-in System Self Diagnosis, and automatic restart after power failure.

For more recommended AC units, see our Top Air Conditioners for 2022 list.