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 $2,330The MrCool DIY 5th Gen 9,000 BTU 115V is the better DIY mini-split overall, rated 3.2 to 2.8. The MrCool DIY 5th Gen 9,000 BTU 115V leads on efficiency and warranty. The MrCool DIY Select 9,000 BTU 115V wins on value. The MrCool DIY Select 9,000 BTU 115V costs $1,081 less ($1,249 vs $2,330).
For mild climates and occasional use, where a low price for a quick-connect unit matters most. The short warranty and weak cold-weather output make it a poor main heat source.
Amazon $1,249 MRCOOL DIY Direct $1,249Prices 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 MrCool DIY 5th Gen 9,000 BTU 115V for efficiency (11.5 HSPF2, 23.6 SEER2, COP 2.16 at 5 °F vs 8.8 HSPF2, 17.5 SEER2, COP 1.76 at 5 °F) and warranty (7-year compressor, 5-year parts vs 2-year compressor, 1-year parts).
- Choose the MrCool DIY Select 9,000 BTU 115V for value ($208 per 1,000 Btu/h of heat at 5 °F vs $319 per 1,000 Btu/h of heat at 5 °F).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 9,000 BTU DIY mini-split; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | MrCool DIY 5th Gen 9,000 BTU 115V | MrCool DIY Select 9,000 BTU 115V |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 35% | 12 $319 per 1,000 Btu/h of heat at 5 °F | 57 $208 per 1,000 Btu/h of heat at 5 °F |
| Cold weather 25% | 54 keeps 73% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -13 °F | 34 keeps 67% of its heat at 5 °F |
| Efficiency 20% | 87 11.5 HSPF2, 23.6 SEER2, COP 2.16 at 5 °F | 17 8.8 HSPF2, 17.5 SEER2, COP 1.76 at 5 °F |
| Warranty 15% | 64 7-year compressor, 5-year parts | 0 2-year compressor, 1-year parts |
| Noise 5% | 100 indoor unit from 18 dB(A) | 100 indoor unit from 18 dB(A) |
Specifications
| MrCool DIY 5th Gen 9,000 BTU 115V | MrCool DIY Select 9,000 BTU 115V | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity (certified) | ||
| Size (nominal) | 9,000 BTU | 9,000 BTU |
| Cooling at 95 °F | 9,000 Btu/h | 9,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 47 °F | 10,000 Btu/h | 9,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 17 °F (max) | 7,800 Btu/h | 7,200 Btu/h |
| Heating at 5 °F (max) | 7,300 Btu/h | 6,000 Btu/h |
| Heat kept at 5 °F | 73% | 67% |
| Price per 1,000 Btu/h at 5 °F | $319 | $208 |
| Efficiency (certified) | ||
| HSPF2 (Region IV) | 11.5 | 8.8 |
| SEER2 | 23.6 | 17.5 |
| EER2 | 14 | 9.8 |
| COP at 5 °F | 2.16 | 1.76 |
| ENERGY STAR | ENERGY STAR Cold Climate | Not ENERGY STAR |
| AHRI certificate | 216032543 | 218004484 |
| Operating range | ||
| Heats down to | -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 | 115 V | 115 V |
| Refrigerant | R-454B | R-454B |
| Indoor unit | DIY-09-HP-WMAH-115D25-O | DIYS-09-HP-WMAH-115A13-O |
| Outdoor unit | DIY-09-HP-C-115D25-O | DIYS-09-HP-C-115A11-O |
| Build | ||
| Indoor noise | 18–43 dB(A) | 18–43 dB(A) |
| Outdoor noise | 54 dB(A) | 54 dB(A) |
| Wi-Fi | Built in | Built in |
| Room size (maker) | up to 400 sq ft | up to 400 sq ft |
| Weight | indoor 24.9 lb / outdoor 65.5 lb | indoor 23.8 lb / outdoor 54.7 lb |
| Warranty | 7 yr compressor, 5 yr parts | 2 yr compressor, 1 yr parts |
| Warranty with DIY install | Yes | Yes |
