MrCool dominates DIY installation. Cooper & Hunter leads on heating efficiency and maintenance access. Here's our honest take on both brands.
12,000 BTU single-zone models compared
| Feature | MrCool DIY 5th Gen | Cooper & Hunter Astoria |
|---|---|---|
| Price (12K BTU) | $2,329 | ~$1,000-$1,300 |
| SEER2 Rating | 22 | 21 |
| HSPF2 | 10 | 13 |
| Noise Level (Indoor) | 25 dB | 27 dB |
| WiFi Control | Built-in (free) | Included (Astoria series) |
| DIY Install | Yes - pre-charged lines | No - pro install required |
| Warranty (Self-Install) | 5-year (covers DIY) | Requires pro install |
| Refrigerant | R454B (next-gen) | R410A |
| Heating Range | Down to -4°F | Down to -22°F (Hyper Heat) |
| Easy to Clean | Standard access | Open-panel design, washable filters |
| Compressor Warranty | Lifetime (with Care Kit) | 7-year |
| Install Cost | $0 DIY / $499+ pro | $1,500-$3,000 (pro required) |
DIY installation is MrCool's signature advantage. Pre-charged line sets with quick-connect fittings let any homeowner install the system in 4-6 hours without an HVAC license. Cooper & Hunter requires a licensed professional for installation, which costs $1,500-$3,000.
The warranty covering self-installation is a major differentiator. MrCool explicitly says "yes, you can install this yourself and the warranty still applies." Cooper & Hunter's warranty requires proof of professional installation. The optional MrCool Care Kit extends the compressor warranty to lifetime coverage.
R454B refrigerant on MrCool's 5th Gen meets the EPA's 2025 AIM Act requirements. Cooper & Hunter still uses R410A, which is being phased out. Future refrigerant costs and availability favor MrCool.
MrCool's built-in WiFi with Alexa, Google, and SmartThings integration is seamless out of the box. While the Astoria series includes WiFi, MrCool's app and smart home ecosystem are more mature and reliable.
The Astoria series' open-panel design is genuinely innovative. You can open the indoor unit, remove the filters, and access the evaporator coils for cleaning. On most mini splits (including MrCool), cleaning the coils requires a professional or specialized tools. Over years of use, this easy maintenance access helps the unit run more efficiently and last longer.
Cooper & Hunter's HSPF2 rating of 13 vs MrCool's 10 means significantly better heating efficiency. If you use your mini split as a primary heat source, you'll save noticeably on winter energy bills with Cooper & Hunter.
The Hyper Heat models operate down to -22 degrees F, which is far beyond MrCool's -4 degrees F. For homes in the coldest parts of the US, Cooper & Hunter can replace a furnace where MrCool cannot.
Upfront pricing is lower at $1,000-$1,300 for a 12K BTU Astoria. But remember to factor in professional installation costs when comparing total cost of ownership.
For DIY installation and the best total value, MrCool wins. The self-install capability, warranty coverage, and modern R454B refrigerant make it the smarter buy for most homeowners.
For superior heating efficiency and easy maintenance, Cooper & Hunter is worth considering. The Astoria's cleanable design and high HSPF2 rating make it excellent for cold climates where you want a mini split you can maintain yourself (even if you can't install it yourself).
Shop MrCool systems with professional installation available across California.