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.
Price checked October 21, 2026. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
The rating comes from 5 measured or published factors, each scored 0-100 against fixed reference points for its size. How we rank explains each one.
| Capacity (certified) | |
|---|---|
| Size (nominal) | 12,000 BTU |
| Cooling at 95 °F | 12,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 47 °F | 12,600 Btu/h |
| Heating at 17 °F (max) | 10,000 Btu/h |
| Heating at 5 °F (max) | 9,100 Btu/h |
| Heat kept at 5 °F | 72% |
| Price per 1,000 Btu/h at 5 °F | $104 |
| Efficiency (certified) | |
| HSPF2 (Region IV) | 10 |
| SEER2 | 24 |
| EER2 | 13 |
| COP at 5 °F | 2.10 |
| ENERGY STAR | ENERGY STAR Cold Climate |
| AHRI certificate | 218470998 |
| Operating range | |
| Heats down to | -13 °F |
| Cooling range | 5 to 131 °F |
| Installation | |
| Line set connection | Flare fittings (vacuum pump needed) |
| Line set | 16.4 ft included, up to 49 ft |
| Voltage | 230 V |
| Refrigerant | R-454B |
| Indoor unit | 048-TP-12K2V-C-IN |
| Outdoor unit | 048-TP-12K2V-24S-OUT |
| Build | |
| Indoor noise | 30–46 dB(A) |
| Outdoor noise | 52 dB(A) |
| Wi-Fi | Built in |
| Room size (maker) | up to 550 sq ft |
| Weight | indoor 24.5 lb / outdoor 62.8 lb |
| Warranty | lifetime parts (registered) |
| Warranty with DIY install | Yes |
| Released | 2026-06 |
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 $1,249.96Full 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 $1,398The 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 $969.96Compare the Della Optima CloudAir 12,000 BTU 230V with any other DIY mini-split →
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