LG Art Cool Deluxe 12,000 BTU
#3 in 12,000 BTUFull review
Heats down to −31 °F, the lowest limit here, and makes more than its rated heat at 5 °F. A strong pick for a very cold climate.
The LG Art Cool Deluxe 12,000 BTU is the better mini-split overall, rated 4.8 to 3.6. The LG Art Cool Deluxe 12,000 BTU leads on cold weather. The Fujitsu Altair 500 12,000 BTU wins on noise.
Fujitsu Altair 500 12,000 BTU
#18 in 12,000 BTUFull review
Fujitsu’s mainstream line for cooling and mild-winter heating, with a 10-year registered warranty. It stops heating below 5 °F.
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 LG Art Cool Deluxe 12,000 BTU for cold weather (keeps 113% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -31 °F vs keeps 61% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to 5 °F).
- Choose the Fujitsu Altair 500 12,000 BTU for noise (indoor unit from 19 dB(A) vs indoor unit from 21 dB(A)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 12,000 BTU mini-split; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | LG Art Cool Deluxe 12,000 BTU | Fujitsu Altair 500 12,000 BTU |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.8/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Cold weather 40% | 100 keeps 113% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -31 °F | 13 keeps 61% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to 5 °F |
| Efficiency 30% | 88 11.2 HSPF2, 25.5 SEER2, COP 2.05 at 5 °F | 85 10.5 HSPF2, 24 SEER2, COP 2.29 at 5 °F |
| Warranty 20% | 100 10-year compressor, 10-year parts | 100 10-year compressor, 10-year parts |
| Noise 10% | 90 indoor unit from 21 dB(A) | 100 indoor unit from 19 dB(A) |
Specifications
| LG Art Cool Deluxe 12,000 BTU | Fujitsu Altair 500 12,000 BTU | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity (certified) | ||
| Size (nominal) | 12,000 BTU | 12,000 BTU |
| Cooling at 95 °F | 12,000 Btu/h | 12,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 47 °F | 13,000 Btu/h | 14,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 17 °F (max) | 16,820 Btu/h | 11,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 5 °F (max) | 14,700 Btu/h | 8,500 Btu/h |
| Heat kept at 5 °F | 113% | 61% |
| Efficiency (certified) | ||
| HSPF2 (Region IV) | 11.2 | 10.5 |
| SEER2 | 25.5 | 24 |
| EER2 | 13.8 | 11.7 |
| COP at 5 °F | 2.05 | 2.29 |
| ENERGY STAR | ENERGY STAR Cold Climate | ENERGY STAR |
| AHRI certificate | 216368960 | 215212610 |
| Operating range | ||
| Heats down to | -31 °F | 5 °F |
| Cooling range | 14 to 118 °F | 14 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 65.6 ft | up to 66 ft |
| Voltage | 230 V | 230 V |
| Refrigerant | R-32 | R-32 |
| Indoor unit | KNSAL121A | ASUH12KPAS |
| Outdoor unit | KUSAL121A | AOUH12KPAS1 |
| Build | ||
| Indoor noise | 21–42 dB(A) | 19–42 dB(A) |
| Outdoor noise | 48 dB(A) | 48 dB(A) |
| Wi-Fi | Built in | Optional module |
| Weight | indoor 24.3 lb / outdoor 99.2 lb | indoor 21 lb / outdoor 57 lb |
| Warranty | 10 yr compressor, 10 yr parts | 10 yr compressor, 10 yr parts |
| Warranty with DIY install | No, a licensed installer is required | No, a licensed installer is required |