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 is the better mini-split overall, rated 4.9 to 3.8. The Fujitsu Orion XLTH+ 12,000 BTU leads on cold weather, warranty and efficiency. The MrCool DIY 5th Gen 12,000 BTU 115V wins on noise.
MrCool DIY 5th Gen 12,000 BTU 115V
#16 in 12,000 BTUFull review
For someone who wants a true plug-together install with no tools beyond a drill, and a warranty that survives it. Expect to pay well over the price of a flare unit with the same cold-weather output.
Amazon $1,759 MRCOOL DIY Direct $2,370$1,759
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 Orion XLTH+ 12,000 BTU for cold weather (keeps 134% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -22 °F vs keeps 70% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -13 °F), warranty (10-year compressor, 10-year parts vs 7-year compressor, 5-year parts) and efficiency (13.7 HSPF2, 31.5 SEER2, COP 2.18 at 5 °F vs 10.2 HSPF2, 23.5 SEER2, COP 2.09 at 5 °F).
- Choose the MrCool DIY 5th Gen 12,000 BTU 115V for noise (indoor unit from 18 dB(A) vs indoor unit from 23 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 | Fujitsu Orion XLTH+ 12,000 BTU | MrCool DIY 5th Gen 12,000 BTU 115V |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.9/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Cold weather 40% | 100 keeps 134% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -22 °F | 51 keeps 70% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -13 °F |
| Efficiency 30% | 92 13.7 HSPF2, 31.5 SEER2, COP 2.18 at 5 °F | 71 10.2 HSPF2, 23.5 SEER2, COP 2.09 at 5 °F |
| Warranty 20% | 100 10-year compressor, 10-year parts | 64 7-year compressor, 5-year parts |
| Noise 10% | 81 indoor unit from 23 dB(A) | 100 indoor unit from 18 dB(A) |
Specifications
| Fujitsu Orion XLTH+ 12,000 BTU | MrCool DIY 5th Gen 12,000 BTU 115V | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 15,300 Btu/h | 12,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 17 °F (max) | 22,800 Btu/h | 8,500 Btu/h |
| Heating at 5 °F (max) | 20,500 Btu/h | 8,400 Btu/h |
| Heat kept at 5 °F | 134% | 70% |
| Price per 1,000 Btu/h at 5 °F | - | $209 |
| Efficiency (certified) | ||
| HSPF2 (Region IV) | 13.7 | 10.2 |
| SEER2 | 31.5 | 23.5 |
| EER2 | 16.7 | 12.5 |
| COP at 5 °F | 2.18 | 2.09 |
| ENERGY STAR | ENERGY STAR Cold Climate | ENERGY STAR Cold Climate |
| AHRI certificate | 216018256 | 216032544 |
| Operating range | ||
| Heats down to | -22 °F | -13 °F |
| Cooling range | 14 to 122 °F | -13 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 66 ft | 25 ft included, up to 75 ft |
| Voltage | 230 V | 115 V |
| Refrigerant | R-32 | R-454B |
| Indoor unit | ASUH12KTAS | DIY-12-HP-WMAH-115D25-O |
| Outdoor unit | AOUH12KTAP1 | DIY-12-HP-C-115D25-O |
| Build | ||
| Indoor noise | 23–45 dB(A) | 18–43 dB(A) |
| Outdoor noise | 48 dB(A) | 54 dB(A) |
| Wi-Fi | Built in | Built in |
| Room size (maker) | - | up to 550 sq ft |
| Weight | indoor 31 lb / outdoor 93 lb | indoor 24.9 lb / outdoor 65.5 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 |