The Senville Elite 18,000 BTU is the better mini-split overall, rated 4.8 to 4.7. The Senville Elite 18,000 BTU leads on efficiency. The ACiQ Extreme Heat 18,000 BTU wins on noise.
Senville’s top line makes more than its rated heat at 5 °F, heats to −22 °F and carries a 10-year parts and compressor warranty. Sold online, but the warranty needs a licensed installer.
Amazon $1,799.99 Senville $1,799.99ACiQ’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.
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.
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 | Senville Elite 18,000 BTU | ACiQ Extreme Heat 18,000 BTU |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Cold weather 40% | 100 keeps 113% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -22 °F | 100 keeps 100% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -22 °F |
| Efficiency 30% | 98 16.2 HSPF2, 25.6 SEER2, COP 2.34 at 5 °F | 72 11 HSPF2, 21.4 SEER2, COP 1.92 at 5 °F |
| Warranty 20% | 100 10-year compressor, 10-year parts | 100 12-year compressor, 7-year parts |
| Noise 10% | 62 indoor unit from 27 dB(A) | 98 indoor unit from 19.5 dB(A) |
| Senville Elite 18,000 BTU | ACiQ Extreme Heat 18,000 BTU | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 20,000 Btu/h | 18,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 17 °F (max) | 23,200 Btu/h | 19,200 Btu/h |
| Heating at 5 °F (max) | 22,600 Btu/h | 18,000 Btu/h |
| Heat kept at 5 °F | 113% | 100% |
| Price per 1,000 Btu/h at 5 °F | $80 | - |
| Efficiency (certified) | ||
| HSPF2 (Region IV) | 16.2 | 11 |
| SEER2 | 25.6 | 21.4 |
| EER2 | 15 | 12.5 |
| COP at 5 °F | 2.34 | 1.92 |
| ENERGY STAR | ENERGY STAR Cold Climate | ENERGY STAR Cold Climate |
| AHRI certificate | 217608151 | 216032336 |
| Operating range | ||
| Heats down to | -22 °F | -22 °F |
| Cooling range | - | -22 to 122 °F |
| Installation | ||
| Installed by | Professional (sold through installers) | Professional (sold through installers) |
| Line set connection | Flare fittings (vacuum pump needed) | Flare fittings (vacuum pump needed) |
| Line set | up to 98.4 ft | up to 98.4 ft |
| Voltage | 230 V | 230 V |
| Refrigerant | R-454B | R-454B |
| Indoor unit | SENE-18EL-IHH | ACIQ-18W-HH-MD |
| Outdoor unit | SENE-18EL-OH | ACIQ-18ZPL-HP230C |
| Build | ||
| Indoor noise | 27–54.5 dB(A) | 19.5–49.5 dB(A) |
| Outdoor noise | 57 dB(A) | 59 dB(A) |
| Wi-Fi | Built in | Optional module |
| Room size (maker) | up to 1,000 sq ft | - |
| Weight | indoor 43.6 lb / outdoor 130.3 lb | indoor 27.3 lb / outdoor 99.9 lb |
| Warranty | 10 yr compressor, 10 yr parts | 12 yr compressor, 7 yr parts |
| Warranty with DIY install | No, a licensed installer is required | No, a licensed installer is required |
