Ductless Mini-Split Side-By-Side Comparison
Mitsubishi vs Fujitsu vs Daikin vs Gree – a 4-way shootout!
I initially posted this article several years ago. As we sell 12 competing air conditioner brands, our side-by-side comparison articles often come at the request of our readers. With the explosion in popularity of ductless heat pumps in recent years we get asked to compare these 4 most often: Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Daikin, & Gree. Rather than do Mitsubishi vs Fujitsu, Daikin vs Gree, and so on, I thought it would be cool to compare all 4 side by side.
Back when I first posted this article, Mitsubishi was the clear winner in almost every category. 5-years later a new victor has taken the lead. The numbers speak for themselves!
NOTE: The four models compared in this article are each brands “Best” model offering.
In the 28 years I’ve run Magic Touch Mechanical we’ve sold and installed a lot of mini split systems. We’re known for designing and installing even the most complex whole home multi-zone ductless and hybrid systems. In the past 10 years demand for ductless heat pumps has reached an all time high and is growing every year.
They’ve gone from being misunderstood to in-demand – especially from people who have owned them in the past. With the right design, equipment, and installation, ductless heat pump systems can put even the best central air systems to shame. As multi-zone systems can get rather complex, for this article we’re going to compare a single zone heat pump from each of the 4: Mitsubishi vs Fujitsu vs Daikin vs Gree.
Comparing a 1-Ton Heat Pump: Mitsubishi vs Fujitsu vs Daikin vs Gree
As I stated earlier, the four ductless brands we get asked about most are: Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Daikin, and Gree. I decided to compare one of the most common configurations; a 1-Ton heat pump. If you don’t already know, heat pumps provide both cooling and heating. Here in Phoenix a 1-Ton mini split will typically cover between 400-600 square feet depending on insulation, sun exposure, and other variables. We utilize something called a load calculation to determine the exact right size for the space.
There are many others – some good, some bad!
There are many other brands of ductless mini-split air conditioners and heat pumps on the market today including; LG, Panasonic, Samsung, and Sanyo (to name a few). They are definitely not all created equally, so we will write more comparison articles like this in the future. For now, we thought we’d start with four of the most popular mini split brands as requested by our clients. Many years ago we would only sell and install Mitsubishi however times have changed and several brands are giving Mitsubishi a run for their money.
Who’s Who Amongst Ductless Mini-Split Manufacturers
Mitsubishi claims to be the “most-sold” brand in the USA, while Daikin claims to be the largest air conditioning manufacturer in the world. Based on my research, and having been in the HVAC industry for 35 years, both claims are accurate. After those two “big boys”, we tend to be asked about Fujitsu the next most frequently, followed by the lesser known; Gree. It’s worth noting that while Gree may be a lesser known brand in the U.S., it’s certainly not in the rest of the world. Gree is actually one of the largest air conditioner manufacturers in the world – in the top 3 with Daikin & Midea rounding out the big 3.
Ductless Mini Splits for Sale Online
A word of caution on purchasing ductless AC equipment for sale online (even from trusted retailers): Due to obvious warranty and liability reasons, chances are you will not find a reputable HVAC company to install ductless equipment you purchased online. If you do find a licensed air conditioning contractor to install it, you may not get the caliber of install needed to assure the longevity, reliability, and efficiency these types of units are capable of.
As these units are serialized, the manufacturer can easily track who a unit was sold to, and most of their warranties specifically point out they will void the warranty of equipment purchased on the web, and not installed by an authorized contractor.
In my experience, most people don’t wind up saving any real money by purchasing this equipment online anyway; as a professional contractors quote will include all the other materials, labor, ancillary items needed to complete the installation, a labor warranty, and usually even the first year’s maintenance – not just the equipment. Again, these machines are not all built the same, and there is some real bottom-of-the-line equipment coming out of China that is not worth more than the weight of the scrap metal – so be careful!
Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump Specifications Comparison
PRO-TIP: PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO “OPERATING RANGE”
Here in Phoenix, Arizona we can easily exceed the manufacturer’s recommended Temperature Operating Range on 3 of the 4 units compared in this article. Of the 4 brands compared only Gree extends its operating range up to 129°F. Mitsubishi, Daikin & Fujitsu post their operating range at up to 115° F. To be fair, we exceed or remain above 115° very few times per summer and only for a few hours of the day when it happens.
Likewise, if you live in a cold climate Gree wins again, operating as cold as -22°F. Fujitsu is last with a low operating range only down to 5°F. Note that although Mitsubishi & Daikin operate down to -13°F., additional accessories are recommended for the Daikin. EX. Daikin requires an additional drain pan heater be purchased to prevent it from freezing.
Gree Ductless Heat Pump – SAP12HD230V1A
- Compressor: Inverter
- Cooling Energy Efficiency Rating: 30.50 SEER – WINNER!
- Heating Season Efficiency Rating: 14.00 HSPF – WINNER (TIE)!
- Operating Range: -22F to 129F (Total range 151°) – WINNER!
- Sound Rating Indoors (Max.): 22dB cooling -49 dB heating – WINNER! (in cooling) / last place – tie (in heating)
- Sound Rating Outdoors (Max.): 54 dB – last place
To be fair all of these units are extremely quiet, you will not be displeased with any of them. To put these sound ratings in perspective, an electric toothbrush is approximately 55dB (louder than the loudest unit in this article.
- Outdoor Dimensions H x W x D: 21-3/8” x 33-3/8” x 12-5/8”
- Indoor Dimensions H x W X D: 12” x 39-1/2” x 8-7/8”
- Warranty: 10-Years Compressor & 10-Years Parts* (reduced if not installed by Gree Select Dealer like Magic Touch)
Mitsubishi Ductless Heat Pump – MUZFS12NA / MSZFS12NA
- Compressor: Inverter
- Cooling Energy Efficiency Rating: 26.10 SEER – 3rd place
- Heating Season Efficiency Rating: 12.50 HSPF – last place
- Operating Range: -13F to 115F (Total range 128 degrees Fahrenheit) – 2nd place (tie)
- Sound Rating Indoors (Max.): 41 dB – 2nd place
- Sound Rating Outdoors (Max.): 49dB – 3rd place
- Outdoor Dimensions H x W x D: 21-1/2” x 31-1/2” x 11-1/4”
- Indoor Dimensions H x W X D: 12-7/8” x 36-3/8” x 9-3/16”
- Warranty: 12-Years Compressor & 12-Years Parts* (reduced if not installed by Mitsubishi Diamond Dealer like Magic Touch)
Fujitsu Ductless Heat Pump – AOU12RLS3 / ASU12RLS3
- Compressor: Inverter
- Cooling Energy Efficiency Rating: 29.30 SEER – 2nd place
- Heating Season Efficiency Rating: 14.00 HSPF – WINNER (TIE)!
- Operating Range: 5F to 115F (Total range 110 degrees Fahrenheit) – last place
- Sound Rating Indoors (Max.): 42 dB – 3rd place
- Sound Rating Outdoors (Max.): 47 dB – 2nd place
- Outdoor Dimensions H x W x D: 24-1/2″ x 37 1/8″ x 11-7/16″
- Indoor Dimensions H x W X D: 11-5/8” x 37” x 10-5/8”
- Warranty: 12-Years Compressor & 12-Years Parts*
Daikin Ductless Heat Pump – RXM12VVJJ / FTXM12VVJU
- Compressor: Inverter
- Cooling Energy Efficiency Rating: 25.20 SEER – last place
- Heating Season Efficiency Rating: 13.00 HSPF – 2nd place
- Operating Range: -13F to 114.8F (Total range 128 degrees Fahrenheit) – 2nd place (tie)
- Sound Rating Indoors (Max.): 49 dB – last place
- Sound Rating Outdoors (Max.): 45 dB – WINNER!
- Outdoor Dimensions H x W x D: 23-7/16” x 33-1/4” x 11-13/16”
- Indoor Dimensions H x W X D: 11-3/4” x 36-1/4” x 10-13/16”
- Warranty: 12-Years Compressor & 12-Years Parts*
*10 Year and/or 12-Year parts and compressor warranty require units are installed and registered by select manufacturer approved contractors. If installed by non-approved contractor warranty reverts to 5- year parts, 7-years compressor.
Mitsubishi vs Fujitsu vs Daikin vs Gree – Disclaimers & Fine Print
Full disclosure, my company is a Mitsubishi Diamond Contractor, (Mitsubishi’s “Best Of”) and we cool our offices in Mesa, AZ with Mitsubishi equipment. However, we’re also a proud Gree Select Dealer (Gree’s “Best Of”) and wouldn’t you know it … we install Fujitsu and Daikin as well! In fact, we often promote and specify Daikin on commercial HVAC projects (because they have the best commercial warranty around). I feel it’s important to point that out as I try to keep our product comparison articles as unbiased as possible. The numbers speak for themselves, there was no favoritism shown here.
If you consider the categories we choose to compare these units, you will see they are all the most important to a homeowner or building owner: Warranty, Efficiency, Operating Capabilities, Sound, & Size. (Price is dependent on the installation so couldn’t be compared here)
With regards to size, if we were to assume the smaller the better, the win would go to Daikin for having the shortest width indoor air handler; 5” shorter than the longest air handler – Mitsubishi.
This is Only 1 Model Per Manufacturer
Keep in mind we are comparing just 1 model from each manufacturer in this article, we selected these as each is the manufacturer’s “BEST” model. Each of these manufacturers offer multiple models and configurations which could change the placement dramatically. As I have experience with each and every one of these brands, I can tell you that each have their pros and cons – however none are “bad”. And, yes I have no problem calling out a brand if the equipment is junk (in MY opinion) – example: Mr. Cool = yuck, Pioneer = ewww (there’s a long list).
I can tell you from experience, the most important part of determining if you’ll be satisfied with any ductless brand is the installation. These systems, MUST be designed properly, installed properly and maintained properly for success.
Mitsubishi vs Fujitsu vs Daikin vs Gree – Multi Zone Heat Pump Systems
In the past, most of our customers were installing ductless units in their garage or sunroom (aka Arizona Room here in Phoenix). These systems are an inexpensive way to expand upon useable livable space, woodshops, craft rooms, etc.
However, for the last decade the trend leans towards replacing conventional ducted central air conditioning systems with multi-zone ductless ac & heating installations. Comparing a multi-zone ductless system becomes significantly more challenging than the one-to-one systems in the chart above (one-to-one is HVAC talk for one condenser and one air handler). If you’re in the market for a multi-zone system, live in or near Phoenix, AZ, and would like to compare; we suggest you set up a consultation with one of our mini-split experts who will be delighted to!
If you have suggestions for articles like this you’d like to see in the future. Please let us know, we get our ideas from our readers and our clients and strive to have the most informative and helpful HVAC and Energy Efficiency blog on the internet!
