Fujitsu Orion XLTH+ 12,000 BTU
#2 in 12,000 BTUFull review
Fujitsu’s top cold-climate unit and among the most efficient here: it makes far more than its rated heat at 5 °F and heats to −22 °F. Sold only at 9,000 and 12,000 BTU.
The Fujitsu Orion XLTH+ 12,000 BTU rates 4.9 among 12,000 BTU mini-splits; the Fujitsu Altair 500 18,000 BTU rates 4.1 among 18,000 BTU ones.
Fujitsu Altair 500 18,000 BTU
#10 in 18,000 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.
Scores side by side
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 | Fujitsu Orion XLTH+ 12,000 BTU | Fujitsu Altair 500 18,000 BTU |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.9/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Cold weather 40% | 100 keeps 134% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -22 °F | 60 keeps 103% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to 5 °F |
| Efficiency 30% | 92 13.7 HSPF2, 31.5 SEER2, COP 2.18 at 5 °F | 76 10.5 HSPF2, 22 SEER2, COP 2.21 at 5 °F |
| Warranty 20% | 100 10-year compressor, 10-year parts | 100 10-year compressor, 10-year parts |
| Noise 10% | 81 indoor unit from 23 dB(A) | 67 indoor unit from 26 dB(A) |
Specifications
| Fujitsu Orion XLTH+ 12,000 BTU | Fujitsu Altair 500 18,000 BTU | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 15,300 Btu/h | 18,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 17 °F (max) | 22,800 Btu/h | 21,700 Btu/h |
| Heating at 5 °F (max) | 20,500 Btu/h | 18,500 Btu/h |
| Heat kept at 5 °F | 134% | 103% |
| Efficiency (certified) | ||
| HSPF2 (Region IV) | 13.7 | 10.5 |
| SEER2 | 31.5 | 22 |
| EER2 | 16.7 | 12.5 |
| COP at 5 °F | 2.18 | 2.21 |
| ENERGY STAR | ENERGY STAR Cold Climate | ENERGY STAR Cold Climate |
| AHRI certificate | 216018256 | 215441046 |
| Operating range | ||
| Heats down to | -22 °F | 5 °F |
| Cooling range | 14 to 122 °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 66 ft | up to 98 ft |
| Voltage | 230 V | 230 V |
| Refrigerant | R-32 | R-32 |
| Indoor unit | ASUH12KTAS | ASUH18KPAS |
| Outdoor unit | AOUH12KTAP1 | AOUH18KPAS1 |
| Build | ||
| Indoor noise | 23–45 dB(A) | 26–44 dB(A) |
| Outdoor noise | 48 dB(A) | 50 dB(A) |
| Wi-Fi | Built in | Optional module |
| Weight | indoor 31 lb / outdoor 93 lb | indoor 28 lb / outdoor 86 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 |