The Della Optima Pro CloudAir 24,000 BTU 230V is the better DIY mini-split overall, rated 4.1 to 3.6. The Della Optima Pro CloudAir 24,000 BTU 230V leads on cold weather and noise. The Pioneer Quantum Ultra 23,000 BTU 230V (sold as 24k) costs $246.96 less ($2,003 vs $2,249.96).
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 $2,249.96 Della $2,249.96A 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.
Amazon $2,003 Pioneer Mini Split store $2,003Prices 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 24,000 BTU DIY mini-split; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Della Optima Pro CloudAir 24,000 BTU 230V | Pioneer Quantum Ultra 23,000 BTU 230V (sold as 24k) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.1/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Value 35% | 83 $100 per 1,000 Btu/h of heat at 5 °F | 79 $106 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 | 58 keeps 76% 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% | 70 lifetime parts once registered, no compressor term stated | 49 5-year compressor, 5-year parts, for a DIY install |
| Noise 5% | 38 indoor unit from 32 dB(A) | 29 indoor unit from 34 dB(A) |
| Della Optima Pro CloudAir 24,000 BTU 230V | Pioneer Quantum Ultra 23,000 BTU 230V (sold as 24k) | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 22,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 5 °F (max) | 22,400 Btu/h | 18,900 Btu/h |
| Heat kept at 5 °F | 93% | 76% |
| Price per 1,000 Btu/h at 5 °F | $100 | $106 |
| 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 | 218471005 | 217048753 |
| 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 65 ft | 16 ft included, up to 65 ft |
| Voltage | 230 V | 230 V |
| Refrigerant | R-454B | R-454B |
| Indoor unit | 048-TPH-24K2V-C-IN | WT024GLSI24HLG |
| Outdoor unit | 048-TPH-24K2V-23S-OUT | YN024GLSI24RPG |
| 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 1,500 sq ft | up to 1,000 sq ft |
| Weight | indoor 30.9 lb / outdoor 108 lb | indoor 30.9 lb / outdoor 104.7 lb |
| Warranty | lifetime parts (registered) | 10 yr compressor, 7 yr parts |
| Warranty with DIY install | Yes | Yes |
| DIY install warranty | - | 5 yr compressor, 5 yr parts |
| Released | 2026-05 | 2025-06 |
