The Pioneer Quantum Ultra 18,000 BTU 230V rates 3.7 among 18,000 BTU DIY mini-splits; the Pioneer Quantum Ultra 23,000 BTU 230V (sold as 24k) rates 3.6 among 24,000 BTU ones. The Pioneer Quantum Ultra 18,000 BTU 230V costs $465 less ($1,538 vs $2,003).
A low price for a self-installer who owns or will rent a vacuum pump. The Klimaire DIY is the same certified system with quick-connect lines, and Della’s Optima has near-identical ratings for less.
Pioneer Mini Split store $1,538A low price for a self-installer who owns or will rent a vacuum pump. The Klimaire DIY is the same certified system with quick-connect lines, and Della’s Optima has near-identical ratings for less.
Amazon $2,003 Pioneer Mini Split store $2,003Prices 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 24,000 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 | Pioneer Quantum Ultra 18,000 BTU 230V | Pioneer Quantum Ultra 23,000 BTU 230V (sold as 24k) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Value 35% | 85 $113 per 1,000 Btu/h of heat at 5 °F | 79 $106 per 1,000 Btu/h of heat at 5 °F |
| Cold weather 25% | 53 keeps 72% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -13 °F | 58 keeps 76% of its heat at 5 °F, heats down to -13 °F |
| Efficiency 20% | 56 10 HSPF2, 23 SEER2, COP 1.80 at 5 °F | 47 9.5 HSPF2, 23 SEER2, COP 1.80 at 5 °F |
| Warranty 15% | 49 5-year compressor, 5-year parts, for a DIY install | 49 5-year compressor, 5-year parts, for a DIY install |
| Noise 5% | 29 indoor unit from 34 dB(A) | 29 indoor unit from 34 dB(A) |
| Pioneer Quantum Ultra 18,000 BTU 230V | Pioneer Quantum Ultra 23,000 BTU 230V (sold as 24k) | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity (certified) | ||
| Size (nominal) | 18,000 BTU | 23,000 BTU |
| Cooling at 95 °F | 18,000 Btu/h | 23,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 47 °F | 19,000 Btu/h | 25,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 17 °F (max) | 17,500 Btu/h | 22,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 5 °F (max) | 13,600 Btu/h | 18,900 Btu/h |
| Heat kept at 5 °F | 72% | 76% |
| Price per 1,000 Btu/h at 5 °F | $113 | $106 |
| Efficiency (certified) | ||
| HSPF2 (Region IV) | 10 | 9.5 |
| SEER2 | 23 | 23 |
| EER2 | 12.5 | 11.7 |
| COP at 5 °F | 1.80 | 1.80 |
| ENERGY STAR | ENERGY STAR Cold Climate | ENERGY STAR Cold Climate |
| AHRI certificate | 217048752 | 217048753 |
| Operating range | ||
| Heats down to | -13 °F | -13 °F |
| Cooling range | 5 to 131 °F | 5 to 131 °F |
| Installation | ||
| Line set connection | Flare fittings (vacuum pump needed) | Flare fittings (vacuum pump needed) |
| Line set | 16 ft included, up to 65 ft | 16 ft included, up to 65 ft |
| Voltage | 230 V | 230 V |
| Refrigerant | R-454B | R-454B |
| Indoor unit | WT018GLSI24HLG | WT024GLSI24HLG |
| Outdoor unit | YN018GLSI24RPG | YN024GLSI24RPG |
| Build | ||
| Indoor noise | 34–50 dB(A) | 34–50 dB(A) |
| Outdoor noise | 53 dB(A) | 54 dB(A) |
| Wi-Fi | Built in | Built in |
| Room size (maker) | up to 750 sq ft | up to 1,000 sq ft |
| Weight | indoor 30.9 lb / outdoor 90.4 lb | indoor 30.9 lb / outdoor 104.7 lb |
| Warranty | 10 yr compressor, 7 yr parts | 10 yr compressor, 7 yr parts |
| Warranty with DIY install | Yes | Yes |
| DIY install warranty | 5 yr compressor, 5 yr parts | 5 yr compressor, 5 yr parts |
| Released | 2025-06 | 2025-06 |
