Full rated heat in deep cold at a fair price, for a self-installer comfortable with a vacuum pump. Della’s Optima Pro has near-identical certified ratings for a little less.
Amazon $2,298 Pioneer Mini Split store $2,323The Pioneer Quantum Hyperformance 24,000 BTU 230V is the better DIY mini-split overall, rated 4.0 to 3.8. The Pioneer Quantum Hyperformance 24,000 BTU 230V leads on cold weather and noise. The Della Optima CloudAir 23,000 BTU 230V (24k class) costs $448.04 less ($1,849.96 vs $2,298).
The 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 $1,849.96 Della $1,849.96Prices 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.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Pioneer Quantum Hyperformance 24,000 BTU 230V for cold weather (keeps 93% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -22 °F vs keeps 74% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -13 °F) and noise (indoor unit from 32 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 24,000 BTU DIY mini-split; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Pioneer Quantum Hyperformance 24,000 BTU 230V | Della Optima CloudAir 23,000 BTU 230V (24k class) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.0/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Value 35% | 82 $103 per 1,000 Btu/h of heat at 5 °F | 84 $99 per 1,000 Btu/h of heat at 5 °F |
| Cold weather 25% | 92 keeps 93% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -22 °F | 55 keeps 74% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -13 °F |
| Efficiency 20% | 54 10 HSPF2, 22.5 SEER2, COP 1.80 at 5 °F | 47 9.5 HSPF2, 23 SEER2, COP 1.80 at 5 °F |
| Warranty 15% | 49 5-year compressor, 5-year parts, for a DIY install | 70 lifetime parts once registered, no compressor term stated |
| Noise 5% | 38 indoor unit from 32 dB(A) | 29 indoor unit from 34 dB(A) |
Specifications
| Pioneer Quantum Hyperformance 24,000 BTU 230V | Della Optima CloudAir 23,000 BTU 230V (24k class) | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity (certified) | ||
| Size (nominal) | 24,000 BTU | 23,000 BTU |
| Cooling at 95 °F | 24,000 Btu/h | 23,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 47 °F | 24,000 Btu/h | 25,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 17 °F (max) | 24,000 Btu/h | 21,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 5 °F (max) | 22,400 Btu/h | 18,600 Btu/h |
| Heat kept at 5 °F | 93% | 74% |
| Price per 1,000 Btu/h at 5 °F | $103 | $99 |
| Efficiency (certified) | ||
| HSPF2 (Region IV) | 10 | 9.5 |
| SEER2 | 22.5 | 23 |
| EER2 | 11.7 | 11.7 |
| COP at 5 °F | 1.80 | 1.80 |
| ENERGY STAR | ENERGY STAR Cold Climate | ENERGY STAR Cold Climate |
| AHRI certificate | 217048757 | 218471000 |
| 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 ft included, up to 65 ft | 16.4 ft included, up to 65 ft |
| Voltage | 230 V | 230 V |
| Refrigerant | R-454B | R-454B |
| Indoor unit | WT024GLSI25HLH | 048-TP-23K2V-C-IN |
| Outdoor unit | YN024GLSI25RPH | 048-TP-23K2V-23S-OUT |
| Build | ||
| Indoor noise | 32–49 dB(A) | 34–50 dB(A) |
| Outdoor noise | 61 dB(A) | 54 dB(A) |
| Wi-Fi | Built in | Built in |
| Room size (maker) | up to 1,000 sq ft | up to 1,500 sq ft |
| Weight | indoor 30.9 lb / outdoor 108 lb | indoor 30.9 lb / outdoor 112.4 lb |
| Warranty | 10 yr compressor, 7 yr parts | lifetime parts (registered) |
| Warranty with DIY install | Yes | Yes |
| DIY install warranty | 5 yr compressor, 5 yr parts | - |
| Released | 2025-06 | 2026-06 |
