The Della Optima Pro CloudAir 12,000 BTU 230V rates 4.5 among 12,000 BTU DIY mini-splits; the Della Optima CloudAir 18,000 BTU 230V rates 3.9 among 18,000 BTU ones. The Della Optima Pro CloudAir 12,000 BTU 230V costs $70 less ($1,249.96 vs $1,319.96).
The best value for heating through a cold winter, if you can pull a vacuum yourself or pay someone to. It holds its full rated heat at 5 °F for far less than a quick-connect unit that does the same.
Amazon $1,249.96 Della $1,249.96The cheapest way into a certified, cold-capable heat pump, for a self-installer with a vacuum pump. Pioneer’s Quantum Ultra and the quick-connect Klimaire DIY have near-identical certified ratings.
Amazon $1,319.96 Della $1,499.96Prices 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.
These two sit in different size classes (12,000 BTU and 18,000 BTU), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own size peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Della Optima Pro CloudAir 12,000 BTU 230V | Della Optima CloudAir 18,000 BTU 230V |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.5/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Value 35% | 98 $104 per 1,000 Btu/h of heat at 5 °F | 94 $97 per 1,000 Btu/h of heat at 5 °F |
| Cold weather 25% | 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 20% | 70 10.5 HSPF2, 25 SEER2, COP 1.80 at 5 °F | 56 10 HSPF2, 23 SEER2, COP 1.80 at 5 °F |
| Warranty 15% | 70 lifetime parts once registered, no compressor term stated | 70 lifetime parts once registered, no compressor term stated |
| Noise 5% | 48 indoor unit from 30 dB(A) | 29 indoor unit from 34 dB(A) |
| Della Optima Pro CloudAir 12,000 BTU 230V | Della Optima CloudAir 18,000 BTU 230V | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity (certified) | ||
| Size (nominal) | 12,000 BTU | 18,000 BTU |
| Cooling at 95 °F | 12,000 Btu/h | 18,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 47 °F | 12,000 Btu/h | 19,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 17 °F (max) | 14,000 Btu/h | 15,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 5 °F (max) | 12,000 Btu/h | 13,600 Btu/h |
| Heat kept at 5 °F | 100% | 72% |
| Price per 1,000 Btu/h at 5 °F | $104 | $97 |
| Efficiency (certified) | ||
| HSPF2 (Region IV) | 10.5 | 10 |
| SEER2 | 25 | 23 |
| EER2 | 14 | 12.5 |
| COP at 5 °F | 1.80 | 1.80 |
| ENERGY STAR | ENERGY STAR Cold Climate | ENERGY STAR Cold Climate |
| AHRI certificate | 218471003 | 218470999 |
| Operating range | ||
| Heats down to | -22 °F | -13 °F |
| Cooling range | 5 to 131 °F | 5 to 131 °F |
| Installation | ||
| Line set connection | Flare fittings (vacuum pump needed) | Flare fittings (vacuum pump needed) |
| Line set | 16.4 ft included, up to 49 ft | 16.4 ft included, up to 65 ft |
| Voltage | 230 V | 230 V |
| Refrigerant | R-454B | R-454B |
| Indoor unit | 048-TPH-12K2V-C-IN | 048-TP-18K2V-C-IN |
| Outdoor unit | 048-TPH-12K2V-25S-OUT | 048-TP-18K2V-23S-OUT |
| Build | ||
| Indoor noise | 30–46 dB(A) | 34–50 dB(A) |
| Outdoor noise | 57 dB(A) | 53 dB(A) |
| Wi-Fi | Built in | Built in |
| Room size (maker) | up to 550 sq ft | up to 1,000 sq ft |
| Weight | indoor 23.1 lb / outdoor 69.4 lb | indoor 30.9 lb / outdoor 90.4 lb |
| Warranty | lifetime parts (registered) | lifetime parts (registered) |
| Warranty with DIY install | Yes | Yes |
| Released | 2026-05 | 2026-06 |
