The Klimaire KIWQ-KOIQ DIY 5th Gen 36,000 BTU 230V is the better DIY mini-split overall, rated 3.1 to 2.9. The Klimaire KIWQ-KOIQ DIY 5th Gen 36,000 BTU 230V leads on value and efficiency. The MrCool DIY 5th Gen 36,000 BTU 230V wins on cold weather and noise. The Klimaire KIWQ-KOIQ DIY 5th Gen 36,000 BTU 230V costs $950.99 less ($2,619 vs $3,569.99).
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 $2,619The pricier of the two 36,000 BTU quick-connect units, with a better heating limit and quieter indoor unit than the Klimaire. Neither keeps much of its heat in deep cold.
Amazon $3,569.99 MRCOOL DIY Direct $3,790Prices 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.
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 36,000 BTU DIY mini-split; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Klimaire KIWQ-KOIQ DIY 5th Gen 36,000 BTU 230V | MrCool DIY 5th Gen 36,000 BTU 230V |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.1/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Value 35% | 64 $128 per 1,000 Btu/h of heat at 5 °F | 42 $162 per 1,000 Btu/h of heat at 5 °F |
| Cold weather 25% | 22 keeps 57% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -4 °F | 40 keeps 61% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -13 °F |
| Efficiency 20% | 35 9 HSPF2, 19 SEER2, COP 2.03 at 5 °F | 21 8.5 HSPF2, 18 SEER2, COP 1.97 at 5 °F |
| Warranty 15% | 64 7-year compressor, 5-year parts | 64 7-year compressor, 5-year parts |
| Noise 5% | 19 indoor unit from 36 dB(A) | 60 indoor unit from 27.5 dB(A) |
| Klimaire KIWQ-KOIQ DIY 5th Gen 36,000 BTU 230V | MrCool DIY 5th Gen 36,000 BTU 230V | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity (certified) | ||
| Size (nominal) | 36,000 BTU | 36,000 BTU |
| Cooling at 95 °F | 36,000 Btu/h | 36,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 47 °F | 36,000 Btu/h | 36,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 17 °F (max) | 23,400 Btu/h | 26,300 Btu/h |
| Heating at 5 °F (max) | 20,400 Btu/h | 22,000 Btu/h |
| Heat kept at 5 °F | 57% | 61% |
| Price per 1,000 Btu/h at 5 °F | $128 | $162 |
| Efficiency (certified) | ||
| HSPF2 (Region IV) | 9 | 8.5 |
| SEER2 | 19 | 18 |
| EER2 | 9 | 8.5 |
| COP at 5 °F | 2.03 | 1.97 |
| ENERGY STAR | Not ENERGY STAR | Not ENERGY STAR |
| AHRI certificate | 218067081 | 216032548 |
| Operating range | ||
| Heats down to | -4 °F | -13 °F |
| Cooling range | 5 to 122 °F | -13 to 122 °F |
| Installation | ||
| Line set connection | Quick-connect (no vacuum pump) | Quick-connect (no vacuum pump) |
| Line set | 25 ft included, up to 98 ft | 25 ft included, up to 75 ft |
| Voltage | 230 V | 230 V |
| Refrigerant | R-454B | R-454B |
| Indoor unit | KIWQ36H2-45T | DIY-36-HP-WMAH-230D25-O |
| Outdoor unit | KOIQ36H2-45T | DIY-36-HP-C-230D25-O |
| Build | ||
| Indoor noise | 36–52 dB(A) | 27.5–55.5 dB(A) |
| Outdoor noise | 63 dB(A) | 60.5 dB(A) |
| Wi-Fi | Built in | Built in |
| Room size (maker) | - | up to 1,550 sq ft |
| Weight | indoor 39.7 lb / outdoor 105.8 lb | indoor 48.7 lb / outdoor 152.1 lb |
| Warranty | 7 yr compressor, 5 yr parts | 7 yr compressor, 5 yr parts |
| Warranty with DIY install | Yes | Yes |
| Released | 2025-10 | - |
