Is MRCOOL a Good Brand? An Honest Look Before You Buy
Yes, MRCOOL is a good brand for homeowners who want a ductless heat pump they can install themselves. MRCOOL, LLC is a Kentucky-based company that started selling DIY mini splits in 2014. The DIY 5th Gen comes with a 5 year parts and 7 year compressor warranty. It still has real limits on wiring and line set length.
Who makes MRCOOL?
MRCOOL, LLC makes MRCOOL. Here is the short history from MRCOOL's own "Our Story" page:
- Father and son Doug and Jason Ingram came up with the idea in 2012.
- MRCOOL, LLC was incorporated in 2014 and launched its first DIY mini split that year.
- In 2015 it set up its headquarters in Hickory, Kentucky.
- By 2022 the company had more than 200 employees.
- In 2025 MRCOOL moved its product lines from R-410A refrigerant to R-454B.
What makes MRCOOL DIY mini splits different?
The big idea is the pre-charged line set. On a normal mini split, a pro has to vacuum the lines and handle refrigerant. MRCOOL DIY line sets come filled with R-454B from the factory. You screw the fittings on and open the valves.
- MRCOOL got patents on its pre-charged Quick Connect line sets in 2021.
- MRCOOL says its line set valves are Intertek certified and rated to 921 PSI.
- Quick Connect line sets come in 11.5, 16, 25, 35 and 50 foot lengths. Couplers can join two sets.
- Bundled DIY systems include the communication wire between the indoor and outdoor units.
Want the full box list? See What Comes With a MRCOOL DIY Mini Split?
Which MRCOOL mini splits can you install yourself?
Not every MRCOOL system is DIY. The Advantage and Olympus lines need a licensed HVAC pro. Here is how the main ductless lines compare, per MRCOOL's catalog and warranty papers.
| MRCOOL line | Who installs it | Highest SEER2 listed | Standard warranty (parts / compressor) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY 5th Gen | Homeowner | 23.6 (9K) | 5 years / 7 years |
| DIY 5th Gen Hyper Heat | Homeowner | 23.5 (12K) | 5 years / 7 years |
| DIY Easy Pro | Homeowner | 20.2 (9K) | 3 years / 5 years |
| DIY Select | Homeowner | 17.5 (9K and 12K) | 1 year / 2 years |
| Advantage 5th Gen | Licensed HVAC pro | 21.5 (9K) | Check MRCOOL's warranty page |
| Olympus E Star | Licensed HVAC pro | 27.4 (9K) | 5 years / 7 years |
The DIY Select costs the least, but its warranty is much shorter. Browse each line here:
- MRCOOL DIY 5th Gen mini splits
- MRCOOL DIY 5th Gen Hyper Heat systems
- MRCOOL DIY Easy Pro
- MRCOOL DIY Select
- MRCOOL Advantage 5th Gen and MRCOOL Olympus for pro installs
How well does MRCOOL heat in cold weather?
Heat is the main job this time of year. The standard DIY 5th Gen single zone manual lists heat mode down to -13°F outdoors. The DIY 5th Gen Hyper Heat 12K and 18K go further. MRCOOL rates them to run in outdoor temps as low as -22°F. Its brochure also lists both models as ENERGY STAR Cold Climate.
Running at a low temp is not the same as full heat output. Every heat pump puts out less heat on the coldest days, so size with care. Our cold climate buying guide goes deeper.
What does the MRCOOL warranty really cover?
The DIY 5th Gen warranty gives 5 years on parts and 7 years on the compressor. It starts on your proof of purchase date. No registration is needed for this standard coverage.
Here are the parts people miss:
- It does not cover labor, refrigerant costs or shipping.
- The system must be installed per the manual and per local electrical codes and permits.
- MRCOOL may ask for diagnostic proof from a licensed HVAC tech before it approves a claim.
- Units installed outside the USA and Canada, or moved from the first address, are not covered.
To start a warranty claim or get tech help, contact MRCOOL support at 270-366-0457 or support@mrcool.com. To compare brands, read Mini Split Warranties Explained.
What are the real limits of a DIY MRCOOL install?
DIY means no refrigerant work. It does not mean no work at all. The DIY 5th Gen single zone manual is clear here:
- Wiring. All wiring must meet local and national electrical codes and must be installed by a licensed electrician. The unit should be on its own branch circuit, with no other appliance on it.
- Voltage. The 9K and 12K models, like the DIY 5th Gen 12K 115V, run on 115V. The 18K, 24K and 36K models need 208/230V. Our 115V vs. 230V guide explains breakers and wire size.
- Line set length. The single zone standard length is 24.6 feet, and the max pipe length is 75 feet. Max height difference is 49.2 feet on the 9K and 12K. Multi zone condensers allow more. The 3 zone 18K supports 123 feet of line set, and the 6 zone 55K supports 221 feet. Measure first with our line set length guide.
- Bending. Keep a 4 inch bend radius. Do not bend the copper more than 3 times.
- Help. The manual says hanging the indoor unit can be hard for one person. Plan on a helper.
Not sure you are ready? Our honest DIY checklist walks you through it.
So, are MRCOOL mini splits good?
For most DIY buyers, yes. MRCOOL has sold DIY systems since 2014 and holds patents on its line sets. The trade-offs are real, though. You still need an electrician, line set length has limits, and the DIY Select has a short warranty. Pick the size first with our mini split sizing guide. Then compare MRCOOL with other brands in Best Mini Split Brands of 2026 or MRCOOL vs. Mitsubishi.
Buying this fall? Read Should You Buy a DIY Mini Split in Fall? first.
Still shopping?
Chill Mini Splits carries the full MRCOOL lineup. Get a quick size estimate with our sizing calculator, or run a room by room load with our Manual J calculator. Want a person to check your pick? Call our sales team at 888-231-8920 or use our contact page.
FAQ
Who makes MRCOOL mini splits?
MRCOOL, LLC makes them. Doug and Jason Ingram started the company, and it is based in Hickory, Kentucky.
Can I install a MRCOOL DIY mini split myself?
Yes. The DIY lines use pre-charged line sets, so no refrigerant work is needed. A licensed electrician must still do the wiring. See Can I Install a MRCOOL DIY Mini Split Myself?
Does installing it myself void the MRCOOL warranty?
No. The DIY 5th Gen warranty is written for DIY systems. The install must follow the manual and local codes.
How long is the MRCOOL DIY warranty?
The DIY 5th Gen has 5 years on parts and 7 years on the compressor. The DIY Easy Pro has 3 and 5 years. The DIY Select has 1 and 2 years. None of them cover labor.
Do MRCOOL mini splits work in the cold?
Yes. The DIY 5th Gen heats down to -13°F outdoors, and the Hyper Heat 12K and 18K run as low as -22°F.
Is MRCOOL Advantage a DIY system?
No. MRCOOL says the Advantage and Olympus lines must be installed by a licensed HVAC pro.
How should I read MRCOOL DIY reviews?
Look for reviews that match your setup, like the same BTU size, voltage and line set length. Check any install issue against the manual.
