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
Daikin’s entry line, for cooling and mild winters: it stops heating below 5 °F, but keeps Daikin’s 12-year registered warranty.
- 12,000 BTUSize
- 9,500 Btu/hHeat at 5 °F
- 70%Kept at 5 °F
- 10.2 / 21HSPF2 / SEER2
- Pro installInstall
No store we check sells it online; the maker lists where to buy or who installs it.
- 12-year parts and compressor warranty once registered
- Very quiet indoor unit, rated from 19 dB(A)
- Stops heating below 5 °F, so a cold winter needs backup heat
- Needs a licensed HVAC installer: a self-install voids the warranty
How it scores
The rating comes from 4 measured or published factors, each scored 0-100 against fixed reference points for its size. How we rank explains each one.
Specifications
| Capacity (certified) | |
|---|---|
| Size (nominal) | 12,000 BTU |
| Cooling at 95 °F | 12,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 47 °F | 13,500 Btu/h |
| Heating at 17 °F (max) | 14,200 Btu/h |
| Heating at 5 °F (max) | 9,500 Btu/h |
| Heat kept at 5 °F | 70% |
| Efficiency (certified) | |
| HSPF2 (Region IV) | 10.2 |
| SEER2 | 21 |
| EER2 | 12.5 |
| COP at 5 °F | 2.11 |
| ENERGY STAR | ENERGY STAR Cold Climate |
| AHRI certificate | 216620039 |
| Operating range | |
| Heats down to | 5 °F |
| Cooling range | 50 to 118 °F |
| Installation | |
| Installed by | Professional (sold through installers) |
| Line set connection | Flare fittings (vacuum pump needed) |
| Line set | up to 66 ft |
| Voltage | 230 V |
| Refrigerant | R-32 |
| Indoor unit | FTXF12BVJU9 |
| Outdoor unit | RXF12BVJU9 |
| Build | |
| Indoor noise | 19–46 dB(A) |
| Outdoor noise | 49 dB(A) |
| Wi-Fi | Built in |
| Weight | indoor 19 lb / outdoor 73 lb |
| Warranty | 12 yr compressor, 12 yr parts |
Alternatives in this size
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 $1,459The 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 $1,369Compare
Compare the Daikin Oterra 12,000 BTU with any other mini-split →
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