The MrCool DIY 5th Gen 18,000 BTU 230V rates 3.4 among 18,000 BTU DIY mini-splits; the MrCool DIY Easy Pro 12,000 BTU 115V rates 3.0 among 12,000 BTU ones. The MrCool DIY Easy Pro 12,000 BTU 115V costs $1,311 less ($1,599 vs $2,910).
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 MRCOOL DIY Direct $2,910A middle step between MrCool’s Select and DIY 5th Gen: quick-connect and a fair warranty, but it loses much of its heat in a cold snap. Best for mild winters.
MRCOOL DIY Direct $1,599Prices 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.
These two sit in different size classes (18,000 BTU and 12,000 BTU), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own size peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | MrCool DIY 5th Gen 18,000 BTU 230V | MrCool DIY Easy Pro 12,000 BTU 115V |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Value 35% | 25 $227 per 1,000 Btu/h of heat at 5 °F | 45 $239 per 1,000 Btu/h of heat at 5 °F |
| Cold weather 25% | 52 keeps 71% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -13 °F | 34 keeps 56% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -13 °F |
| Efficiency 20% | 92 11.5 HSPF2, 22.5 SEER2, COP 2.44 at 5 °F | 48 9.3 HSPF2, 19.5 SEER2, COP 2.21 at 5 °F |
| Warranty 15% | 64 7-year compressor, 5-year parts | 36 5-year compressor, 3-year parts |
| Noise 5% | 100 indoor unit from 19 dB(A) | 100 indoor unit from 17.5 dB(A) |
| MrCool DIY 5th Gen 18,000 BTU 230V | MrCool DIY Easy Pro 12,000 BTU 115V | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity (certified) | ||
| Size (nominal) | 18,000 BTU | 12,000 BTU |
| Cooling at 95 °F | 18,000 Btu/h | 12,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 47 °F | 18,000 Btu/h | 12,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 17 °F (max) | 20,300 Btu/h | 7,400 Btu/h |
| Heating at 5 °F (max) | 12,800 Btu/h | 6,700 Btu/h |
| Heat kept at 5 °F | 71% | 56% |
| Price per 1,000 Btu/h at 5 °F | $227 | $239 |
| Efficiency (certified) | ||
| HSPF2 (Region IV) | 11.5 | 9.3 |
| SEER2 | 22.5 | 19.5 |
| EER2 | 13.7 | 9 |
| COP at 5 °F | 2.44 | 2.21 |
| ENERGY STAR | ENERGY STAR Cold Climate | Not ENERGY STAR |
| AHRI certificate | 216032545 | 217678023 |
| Operating range | ||
| Heats down to | -13 °F | -13 °F |
| Cooling range | -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 75 ft | 11.5 ft included, up to 75 ft |
| Voltage | 230 V | 115 V |
| Refrigerant | R-454B | R-454B |
| Indoor unit | DIY-18-HP-WMAH-230D25-O | EZPRO-12-HP-WMAH-115DE-O |
| Outdoor unit | DIY-18-HP-C-230D25-O | EZPRO-12-HP-C-11511DE-O |
| Build | ||
| Indoor noise | 19–54.5 dB(A) | 17.5–44.5 dB(A) |
| Outdoor noise | 58.5 dB(A) | 54 dB(A) |
| Wi-Fi | Built in | Built in |
| Room size (maker) | up to 800 sq ft | up to 550 sq ft |
| Weight | indoor 35.5 lb / outdoor 93.5 lb | indoor 24.9 lb / outdoor 54.9 lb |
| Warranty | 7 yr compressor, 5 yr parts | 5 yr compressor, 3 yr parts |
| Warranty with DIY install | Yes | Yes |
