Fujitsu Altair 500 36,000 BTU
#1 in 36,000 BTUFull review
Fujitsu’s mainstream line for cooling and mild-winter heating, with a 10-year registered warranty. It stops heating below 5 °F.
The Fujitsu Altair 500 36,000 BTU is the better mini-split overall, rated 3.4 to 2.7. The Fujitsu Altair 500 36,000 BTU leads on efficiency, warranty and cold weather.
Klimaire DIY 5th Gen 36,000 BTU 230V
#4 in 36,000 BTUFull review
The best-value quick-connect line: the same certified system as Pioneer’s Quantum Ultra, close to Della’s Optima, without the vacuum pump, for the same price or a few hundred dollars more.
Amazon $2,619$2,619
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 Fujitsu Altair 500 36,000 BTU for efficiency (10 HSPF2, 21 SEER2, COP 2.20 at 5 °F vs 9 HSPF2, 19 SEER2, COP 2.03 at 5 °F), warranty (10-year compressor, 10-year parts vs 7-year compressor, 5-year parts) and cold weather (keeps 76% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to 5 °F vs keeps 57% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -4 °F).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 36,000 BTU mini-split; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Fujitsu Altair 500 36,000 BTU | Klimaire DIY 5th Gen 36,000 BTU 230V |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 2.7/5 |
| Cold weather 40% | 31 keeps 76% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to 5 °F | 22 keeps 57% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -4 °F |
| Efficiency 30% | 64 10 HSPF2, 21 SEER2, COP 2.20 at 5 °F | 35 9 HSPF2, 19 SEER2, COP 2.03 at 5 °F |
| Warranty 20% | 100 10-year compressor, 10-year parts | 64 7-year compressor, 5-year parts |
| Noise 10% | 38 indoor unit from 32 dB(A) | 19 indoor unit from 36 dB(A) |
Specifications
| Fujitsu Altair 500 36,000 BTU | Klimaire DIY 5th Gen 36,000 BTU 230V | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity (certified) | ||
| Size (nominal) | 36,000 BTU | 36,000 BTU |
| Cooling at 95 °F | 33,000 Btu/h | 36,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 47 °F | 34,000 Btu/h | 36,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 17 °F (max) | 30,100 Btu/h | 23,400 Btu/h |
| Heating at 5 °F (max) | 25,800 Btu/h | 20,400 Btu/h |
| Heat kept at 5 °F | 76% | 57% |
| Price per 1,000 Btu/h at 5 °F | - | $128 |
| Efficiency (certified) | ||
| HSPF2 (Region IV) | 10 | 9 |
| SEER2 | 21 | 19 |
| EER2 | 9.8 | 9 |
| COP at 5 °F | 2.20 | 2.03 |
| ENERGY STAR | ENERGY STAR Cold Climate | Not ENERGY STAR |
| AHRI certificate | 215390441 | 218067081 |
| Operating range | ||
| Heats down to | 5 °F | -4 °F |
| Cooling range | 14 to 122 °F | 5 to 122 °F |
| Installation | ||
| Installed by | Professional (sold through installers) | Sold for self-install (DIY) |
| Line set connection | Flare fittings (vacuum pump needed) | Quick-connect (no vacuum pump) |
| Line set | up to 164 ft | 25 ft included, up to 98 ft |
| Voltage | 230 V | 230 V |
| Refrigerant | R-32 | R-454B |
| Indoor unit | ASUH36KPAS | KIWQ36H2-45T |
| Outdoor unit | AOUH36KPAS1 | KOIQ36H2-45T |
| Build | ||
| Indoor noise | 32–51 dB(A) | 36–52 dB(A) |
| Outdoor noise | 54 dB(A) | 63 dB(A) |
| Wi-Fi | Optional module | Built in |
| Weight | indoor 36 lb / outdoor 117 lb | indoor 39.7 lb / outdoor 105.8 lb |
| Warranty | 10 yr compressor, 10 yr parts | 7 yr compressor, 5 yr parts |
| Warranty with DIY install | No, a licensed installer is required | Yes |
| Released | - | 2025-10 |