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 2.9. The Fujitsu Altair 500 36,000 BTU leads on efficiency. The Mitsubishi GX 36,000 BTU wins on noise.
Mitsubishi GX 36,000 BTU
#3 in 36,000 BTUFull review
Mitsubishi’s standard line, quiet and efficient, for milder winters: it loses a good share of its heat in deep cold and stops heating at −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 Fujitsu Altair 500 36,000 BTU for efficiency (10 HSPF2, 21 SEER2, COP 2.20 at 5 °F vs 8.5 HSPF2, 18.5 SEER2, COP 1.80 at 5 °F).
- Choose the Mitsubishi GX 36,000 BTU for noise (indoor unit from 30 dB(A) vs indoor unit from 32 dB(A)).
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 | Mitsubishi GX 36,000 BTU |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Cold weather 40% | 31 keeps 76% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to 5 °F | 26 keeps 59% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -5 °F |
| Efficiency 30% | 64 10 HSPF2, 21 SEER2, COP 2.20 at 5 °F | 17 8.5 HSPF2, 18.5 SEER2, COP 1.80 at 5 °F |
| Warranty 20% | 100 10-year compressor, 10-year parts | 100 10-year compressor, 10-year parts |
| Noise 10% | 38 indoor unit from 32 dB(A) | 48 indoor unit from 30 dB(A) |
Specifications
| Fujitsu Altair 500 36,000 BTU | Mitsubishi GX 36,000 BTU | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity (certified) | ||
| Size (nominal) | 36,000 BTU | 36,000 BTU |
| Cooling at 95 °F | 33,000 Btu/h | 33,800 Btu/h |
| Heating at 47 °F | 34,000 Btu/h | 35,200 Btu/h |
| Heating at 17 °F (max) | 30,100 Btu/h | 26,400 Btu/h |
| Heating at 5 °F (max) | 25,800 Btu/h | 20,600 Btu/h |
| Heat kept at 5 °F | 76% | 59% |
| Efficiency (certified) | ||
| HSPF2 (Region IV) | 10 | 8.5 |
| SEER2 | 21 | 18.5 |
| EER2 | 9.8 | 8.4 |
| COP at 5 °F | 2.20 | 1.80 |
| ENERGY STAR | ENERGY STAR Cold Climate | Not ENERGY STAR |
| AHRI certificate | 215390441 | 215862739 |
| Operating range | ||
| Heats down to | 5 °F | -5 °F |
| Cooling range | 14 to 122 °F | 14 to 115 °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 164 ft | up to 100 ft |
| Voltage | 230 V | 230 V |
| Refrigerant | R-32 | R-454B |
| Indoor unit | ASUH36KPAS | MSZ-GX36NL |
| Outdoor unit | AOUH36KPAS1 | MUZ-GX36NL |
| Build | ||
| Indoor noise | 32–51 dB(A) | 30–53 dB(A) |
| Outdoor noise | 54 dB(A) | 57 dB(A) |
| Wi-Fi | Optional module | Built in |
| Weight | indoor 36 lb / outdoor 117 lb | indoor 37 lb / outdoor 116 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 |
| Released | - | 2025-02 |