ACiQ Extreme Heat 18,000 BTU
#3 in 18,000 BTUFull review
ACiQ’s cold-climate line, sold online, keeps most of its rated heat at 5 °F, heats to −22 °F and gets a 12-year compressor warranty once registered. A certified technician has to install it.
The ACiQ Extreme Heat 18,000 BTU is the better mini-split overall, rated 4.7 to 3.3. The ACiQ Extreme Heat 18,000 BTU leads on cold weather, warranty and noise.
Pioneer Quantum Ultra 18,000 BTU 230V
#18 in 18,000 BTUFull review
A low price for a self-installer who owns or will rent a vacuum pump. The Klimaire DIY is the same certified system with quick-connect lines, and Della’s Optima has near-identical ratings for less.
Pioneer Mini Split store $1,538$1,538
Prices were last checked October 21, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the ACiQ Extreme Heat 18,000 BTU for cold weather (keeps 100% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -22 °F vs keeps 72% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -13 °F), warranty (12-year compressor, 7-year parts vs 5-year compressor, 5-year parts, for a DIY install) and noise (indoor unit from 19.5 dB(A) vs indoor unit from 34 dB(A)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 18,000 BTU mini-split; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | ACiQ Extreme Heat 18,000 BTU | Pioneer Quantum Ultra 18,000 BTU 230V |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.7/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Cold weather 40% | 100 keeps 100% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -22 °F | 53 keeps 72% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -13 °F |
| Efficiency 30% | 72 11 HSPF2, 21.4 SEER2, COP 1.92 at 5 °F | 56 10 HSPF2, 23 SEER2, COP 1.80 at 5 °F |
| Warranty 20% | 100 12-year compressor, 7-year parts | 49 5-year compressor, 5-year parts, for a DIY install |
| Noise 10% | 98 indoor unit from 19.5 dB(A) | 29 indoor unit from 34 dB(A) |
Specifications
| ACiQ Extreme Heat 18,000 BTU | Pioneer Quantum Ultra 18,000 BTU 230V | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity (certified) | ||
| Size (nominal) | 18,000 BTU | 18,000 BTU |
| Cooling at 95 °F | 18,000 Btu/h | 18,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 47 °F | 18,000 Btu/h | 19,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 17 °F (max) | 19,200 Btu/h | 17,500 Btu/h |
| Heating at 5 °F (max) | 18,000 Btu/h | 13,600 Btu/h |
| Heat kept at 5 °F | 100% | 72% |
| Price per 1,000 Btu/h at 5 °F | - | $113 |
| Efficiency (certified) | ||
| HSPF2 (Region IV) | 11 | 10 |
| SEER2 | 21.4 | 23 |
| EER2 | 12.5 | 12.5 |
| COP at 5 °F | 1.92 | 1.80 |
| ENERGY STAR | ENERGY STAR Cold Climate | ENERGY STAR Cold Climate |
| AHRI certificate | 216032336 | 217048752 |
| Operating range | ||
| Heats down to | -22 °F | -13 °F |
| Cooling range | -22 to 122 °F | 5 to 131 °F |
| Installation | ||
| Installed by | Professional (sold through installers) | Sold for self-install (DIY) |
| Line set connection | Flare fittings (vacuum pump needed) | Flare fittings (vacuum pump needed) |
| Line set | up to 98.4 ft | 16 ft included, up to 65 ft |
| Voltage | 230 V | 230 V |
| Refrigerant | R-454B | R-454B |
| Indoor unit | ACIQ-18W-HH-MD | WT018GLSI24HLG |
| Outdoor unit | ACIQ-18ZPL-HP230C | YN018GLSI24RPG |
| Build | ||
| Indoor noise | 19.5–49.5 dB(A) | 34–50 dB(A) |
| Outdoor noise | 59 dB(A) | 53 dB(A) |
| Wi-Fi | Optional module | Built in |
| Room size (maker) | - | up to 750 sq ft |
| Weight | indoor 27.3 lb / outdoor 99.9 lb | indoor 30.9 lb / outdoor 90.4 lb |
| Warranty | 12 yr compressor, 7 yr parts | 10 yr compressor, 7 yr parts |
| Warranty with DIY install | No, a licensed installer is required | Yes |
| DIY install warranty | - | 5 yr compressor, 5 yr parts |
| Released | - | 2025-06 |