LG Art Cool Deluxe 12,000 BTU
#3 in 12,000 BTUFull review
Heats down to −31 °F, the lowest limit here, and makes more than its rated heat at 5 °F. A strong pick for a very cold climate.
The LG Art Cool Deluxe 12,000 BTU is the better mini-split overall, rated 4.8 to 3.8. The LG Art Cool Deluxe 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 LG Art Cool Deluxe 12,000 BTU for cold weather (keeps 113% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -31 °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 (11.2 HSPF2, 25.5 SEER2, COP 2.05 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 21 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 | LG Art Cool Deluxe 12,000 BTU | MrCool DIY 5th Gen 12,000 BTU 115V |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.8/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Cold weather 40% | 100 keeps 113% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -31 °F | 51 keeps 70% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -13 °F |
| Efficiency 30% | 88 11.2 HSPF2, 25.5 SEER2, COP 2.05 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% | 90 indoor unit from 21 dB(A) | 100 indoor unit from 18 dB(A) |
Specifications
| LG Art Cool Deluxe 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 | 13,000 Btu/h | 12,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 17 °F (max) | 16,820 Btu/h | 8,500 Btu/h |
| Heating at 5 °F (max) | 14,700 Btu/h | 8,400 Btu/h |
| Heat kept at 5 °F | 113% | 70% |
| Price per 1,000 Btu/h at 5 °F | - | $209 |
| Efficiency (certified) | ||
| HSPF2 (Region IV) | 11.2 | 10.2 |
| SEER2 | 25.5 | 23.5 |
| EER2 | 13.8 | 12.5 |
| COP at 5 °F | 2.05 | 2.09 |
| ENERGY STAR | ENERGY STAR Cold Climate | ENERGY STAR Cold Climate |
| AHRI certificate | 216368960 | 216032544 |
| Operating range | ||
| Heats down to | -31 °F | -13 °F |
| Cooling range | 14 to 118 °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 65.6 ft | 25 ft included, up to 75 ft |
| Voltage | 230 V | 115 V |
| Refrigerant | R-32 | R-454B |
| Indoor unit | KNSAL121A | DIY-12-HP-WMAH-115D25-O |
| Outdoor unit | KUSAL121A | DIY-12-HP-C-115D25-O |
| Build | ||
| Indoor noise | 21–42 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 24.3 lb / outdoor 99.2 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 |