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Installing mini-split heat pumps can provide homes with both their cooling and heating requirements. With that said, efficiency is a huge thing to consider in choosing the right equipment.
There are two determining factors for efficiency in split type systems. One is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) which is the measurement of cooling efficiency. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the unit is at cooling. Then, there is the Heating Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (HSPF). This is now the measurement of heating efficiency. The HSPF is the ratio of heat output to electricity used.
With higher ratings come higher unit costs. However, you can save a lot of money on electricity bills if you go for more efficient systems. Two high performing premium HVAC brands that are leaders when it comes to efficiency and durability are Lennox and Mitsubishi.
Read on to see how these two compare.
Lennox
Texas-based company, Lennox, started as a manufacturer of riveted steel coal furnaces and has been around for over a century. The company’s patented design of steel furnaces led to great developments in heating, air, and ventilation solutions. Throughout their many years in business, Lennox has been able to have a good reputation in the HVAC manufacturing and installation industry.
Features
Lennox mini-split systems boast of high energy efficiency that meets and even goes beyond federal standards in the US. Their Precise Comfort® technology ensures consistent temperature throughout the space in any weather. With their smooth inverter technology, you get to enjoy perfectly cooled or heated rooms without the noise.
A quick adjustment via wireless remote control and you get a customized temperature for a specific zone. Lennox also offers a separate Wi-fi device that is compatible with more recent models so that you can adjust your aircon settings remotely from a smartphone device.
In terms of heating and cooling capabilities, Lennox products will continue to operate efficiently even in temperatures below zero degrees. It also has a defrosting pan to ensure continuous heating even in extremely cold weather.
The air filtration system used in their mini-split units is cold catalyst so harmful toxins in the air are broken down and contained for healthier air quality within the space. The units have a self-cleaning mode as well to prevent bacteria and mold from growing. Another plus is that Lennox units are charged with R410A refrigerants so it is safe for the environment as well.
Their ductless system is also designed for easier and more secure installation which means fewer chances for damages and leaks within the air conditioning system.
Efficiency
Lennox mini-split heat pumps and air coolers make use of two-stage technology that allows variable fan speeds depending on the heating and cooling requirements. With this technology, the system is able to use less energy to produce balanced temperatures.
With their Precise Comfort® technology, Lennox mini-splits can run with up to 24.5 SEER and 11.5 HSPF efficiency ratings. This means more energy savings and lower electricity bills. Almost all their units are also Energy Star certified so there is less worry when it comes to energy consumption.
Warranty
A great deal with getting yourself a Lennox system is that they can extend the usual 5-year parts warranty and 7-year compressor warranty to 12 years. The extended warranty is granted if you register your units with them and within the terms and conditions that apply to your products.
Lennox Mini-Split Models Pros and Cons
Pros
- Cooling and Heating Options
- Precise Comfort® Technology
- R410A Refrigerants
- Quiet Operation
- Wall-mounted, Floor-Mounted, and Ceiling Cassette Units
- Cold Catalyst Air Filtration
- Wall-mounted, Floor-Mounted, and Ceiling Cassette Units
- Warranty can be extended up to 12 years
Cons
- Premium Price
- Separate Wi-fi device
Take a look at the features of the top Lennox models for Cooling Only, Heating + Cooling, and Extreme Cold mini-split systems:
Cooling Only
MCA Mini-Split Air Conditioner
Why It’s Great
- 20 SEER
- High Efficiency
- Two-stage Variable Fan Speeds
- Inverter Technology
- Quiet operation
- Sound Level Indoor 24.5 dBA
- Sound Level Outdoor 51 dBA
- Durable
- Hand Remote Control
- Timer
- Sleep mode
- Self-cleaning
- R410A refrigerant
- Unit Display
- Minimalist Design
Heating + Cooling
MPB Mini-Split Heat Pump
Why It’s Great
- 24.5 SEER
- 11.5 HSPF
- High Efficiency
- Energy Star rated
- Quiet operation
- Sound Level Indoor 24 dBA
- Sound Level Outdoor 52.5 dBA
- Heat pump advantage
- Up to 5 Zones
- Jet Cool / Jet Heat
- Two-stage Variable Fan Speeds
- Inverter Technology
- Durable
- Unit Display
- Minimalist Design
- Hand Remote Control
- Self-cleaning
- R410A refrigerant
Extreme Cold
MLA Mini-Split Heat Pump
Why It’s Great
- 24 SEER
- 11 HSPF
- High Efficiency
- Energy Star rated
- Quiet operation
- Sound Level Indoor 26.5 dBA
- Sound Level Outdoor 52 dBA
- Heat pump advantage
- Up to 4 Zones
- Jet Cool / Jet Heat
- Two-stage Variable Fan Speeds
- Inverter Technology
- Durable
- Unit Display
- Minimalist Design
- Hand Remote Control
- Self-cleaning
- R410A refrigerant
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi is a reputable brand when it comes to high performing HVAC systems. They started out in the aircon manufacturing industry in 1980. Based in Japan, the company has been making top quality air conditioning systems that are reliable, efficient, and equipped with the latest technology in HVAC innovation.
Features
Energy efficiency is a top priority when it comes to the “Mitsubishi Electric Quality” standard. All of their cooling and heating air solutions make use of up to date technologies to get maximum capacity and efficiency.
Their latest units are equipped with the energy-saving G-10 inverter technology and most indoor units now utilize their i-See 3-D Sensor technology for perfectly balanced and even air temperature. Their heat pumps are also able to function during subzero temperatures.
Mitsubishi ductless systems come with dual filtration systems to produce better quality air during operation. These filters can last up to 10 years and are washable and reusable. On top of this, Mitsubishi air conditioners are also charged with R410-A refrigerants so their units are more eco-friendly.
The most recent indoor units of Mitsubishi now have Wi-fi integration so you can access your system settings even when you are away from home.
Their mini-split systems can also run in variable fan speeds and are quiet when in operation.
Efficiency
Almost every Mitsubishi unit is Energy Star qualified. Because of their Hyper-Heating Inverter (H2i) ® technology, their units operate using 40% less energy compared to most brands and they can also heat up space fast so less energy is consumed.
Warranty
A 10-year warranty period applies to all units that are properly installed by qualified professionals. However, the warranty does not cover maintenance and filter replacements.
Mitsubishi Mini-Split Models Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Cooling and Heating Option
- Energy-Saving G10 Inverter technology
- Dual Filtration System
- R410A Refrigerants
- Wi-fi Integration
- Smartphone Access
- Quiet Operation
- Wall-mounted, Floor-Mounted, and Ceiling Cassette Units
- 10-year Warranty
Cons:
- Premium Price
- Must be professionally installed for warranties to apply
Take a look at the features of the top Mitsubishi models for Cooling Only, Heating + Cooling, and Extreme Cold mini-split systems:
Cooling Only
MUY-GL09NA + MSY-GL09NA
- 24.6 SEER (Outdoor)
- 24.6 SEER (Indoor)
- High Efficiency
- Energy Star rated
- Quiet operation
- Sound Level Indoor 19 dBA
- Sound Level Outdoor 48 dBA
- Energy Star rated
- Self-diagnosis
- Durable
- Minimalist Design
- Wi-fi control
- Hand Remote Control
- Timer
- Dual Air Filtration
Heating + Cooling
MXZ-5C42NAHZ
- 20 SEER
- 11 HSPF
- High Efficiency
- Energy Star rated
- Quiet operation
- Sound Level Outdoor 20 dBA
- Heat pump advantage
- Up to 5 Zones
- Energy Star rated
- Infinity heating
- Auto defrost
- Self-diagnosis
- Durable
- Dual Air Filtration
Extreme Cold
MXZ-4C36NAHZ2 + MSZ-GL09NA-U1
Why It’s Great
- 20 SEER (Outdoor)
- 25.6 SEER (Indoor)
- 11.3 HSPF (Outdoor)
- 12.8 HSPF (Indoor)
- High Efficiency
- Energy Star rated
- Quiet operation
- Sound Level Indoor 19 dBA
- Sound Level Outdoor 49 dBA
- Heat pump advantage
- Up to 4 Zones
- Energy Star rated
- Infinity heating
- Auto defrost
- Self-diagnosis
- Durable
- Minimalist Design
- Wi-fi control
- Hand Remote Control
- Timer
- Dual Air Filtration
Between Lennox and Mitsubishi, the advantages are pretty close. Mitsubishi does have a little more to offer when it comes to innovations in technology and accessibility. Lennox, on the other hand, would probably have the home-court advantage since the company is based in Texas and their parts are easier to come by in the US.
