12,000 BTU is the most popular size: a large bedroom, a living room or a one-car garage, up to about 550 square feet. It is the largest size most makers still offer at 115 V. In a cold climate, compare the heat each unit makes at 5 °F rather than the number on the box: at 12,000 BTU it ranges from about 6,000 to 12,000 Btu/h.
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.
Full ranking 13
- Della Optima Pro CloudAir 12,000 BTU 230V#1 of 13Full review
The best value for heating through a cold winter, if you can pull a vacuum yourself or pay someone to. It holds its full rated heat at 5 °F for far less than a quick-connect unit that does the same.
Amazon $1,249.96 Della $1,249.96$1,249.9612,00010.5Flare$104 - Pioneer Quantum Hyperformance 12,000 BTU 230V#2 of 13Full review
Full rated heat in deep cold at a fair price, for a self-installer comfortable with a vacuum pump. Della’s Optima Pro has near-identical certified ratings for a little less.
Amazon $1,398 Pioneer Mini Split store $1,398$1,39812,00010.5Flare$116 - Della Optima CloudAir 12,000 BTU 230V#3 of 13Full review
The cheapest way into a certified, cold-capable heat pump, for a self-installer with a vacuum pump. Pioneer’s Quantum Ultra and the quick-connect Klimaire DIY have near-identical certified ratings.
Amazon $949.96 Della $949.96$949.969,10010Flare$104 - Della Optima CloudAir 12,000 BTU 115V#4 of 13Full review
The cheapest way into a certified, cold-capable heat pump, for a self-installer with a vacuum pump. Pioneer’s Quantum Ultra and the quick-connect Klimaire DIY have near-identical certified ratings.
Amazon $969.96 Della $969.96$969.968,90010Flare$109 - Pioneer Quantum Ultra 12,000 BTU 230V#5 of 13Full review
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.
Amazon Pioneer Mini Split store $1,148$1,1489,10010Flare$126 - Pioneer Quantum Ultra 12,000 BTU 115V#6 of 13Full review
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.
Amazon $1,168 Pioneer Mini Split store $1,168$1,1688,90010Flare$131 - Klimaire KIWQ-KOIQ DIY 5th Gen 12,000 BTU 115V#7 of 13Full review
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 $1,369$1,3698,90010Quick-connect$154 - Klimaire KIWQ-KOIQ DIY 5th Gen 12,000 BTU 230V#8 of 13Full review
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 $1,459$1,4599,10010Quick-connect$160 - MrCool DIY Hyper Heat 5th Gen 12,000 BTU 230V#9 of 13Full review
For cold-climate homes where a quick-connect install matters more than price: it holds its full heat far colder than other quick-connect units. Flare-connect units match its cold-weather output for much less.
Amazon $2,532 MRCOOL DIY Direct $2,557$2,53211,00010Quick-connect$230 - MrCool DIY 5th Gen 12,000 BTU 115V#10 of 13Full 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$1,7598,40010.2Quick-connect$209 - Perfect Aire 4th Gen Quick Connect 12,000 BTU 115V#11 of 13Full review
A quick-connect unit with one of the longest warranties for a self-install, priced below MrCool’s DIY 5th Gen. Its −4 °F heating limit rules it out as the only heat in a very cold climate.
Amazon $1,719.99$1,719.999,2009.5Quick-connect$187 - MrCool DIY Easy Pro 12,000 BTU 115V#12 of 13Full review
A 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 $1,599$1,5996,7009.3Quick-connect$239 - MrCool DIY Select 12,000 BTU 115V#13 of 13Full review
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 $1,549 MRCOOL DIY Direct $1,399$1,3996,2009Quick-connect$226
