You just bought a 1200-square-foot home. Congrats! You've been dreaming about this for years. Now comes the fun part - making it your own. First things first - you need a comfortable climate for your new space. Central air would cost a fortune to install at this point. But buying mini-splits is all the rage. Much more affordable to purchase and install, not to mention energy efficient. You start googling but get overwhelmed by technical talk about BTUs and tons. All you want to know is - what size mini split do I need to buy for 1200 square feet?
MRCOOL DIY Easy Pro® 24k BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Complete System
$1,698.00
MrCool DIY Easy Pro® 24k BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Complete System The MrCool DIY Easy Pro® 24k BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Complete System is a compact and efficient heating and cooling solution for small to medium-sized spaces. It… read more
What Size Mini Split for 1200 Sq Ft?
For a 1200-square-foot space, you'll want to consider a mini split air conditioner in the 18,000 to 24,000 BTU range. BTU stands for British Thermal Units and is a measure of the amount of heat an AC unit can remove from a space. The more BTUs, the larger the area an AC can cool effectively.
Why 18,000 to 24,000 BTUs?
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This capacity range is ideal for most 1200-square-foot homes, apartments, or office spaces. An 18,000 BTU unit can typically cool around 600 to 800 square feet, so two of these would work well for your space. A single larger unit, like a 24,000 BTU model, can also efficiently cool the entire area. Going too small, like a 12,000 or 15,000 BTU unit, won't provide enough cooling for the whole space and you'll end up dissatisfied. Going too large, like 30,000 BTUs or more, is overkill and will cost more to operate without added benefits.
Other Factors to Consider
In addition to BTU capacity, also consider:
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The number of rooms you need to cool. More rooms generally require a higher BTU unit.
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The room layout. Open floor plans may require more BTUs than separated, partitioned spaces.
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Windows and insulation. More windows or poor insulation means more heat will enter the space, requiring higher BTU capacity.
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Local climate. Warmer areas typically need more BTUs for effective cooling.
Buck Cool Mini-Split EZ Connect 24K BTU Complete Installation Kit
$3,012.12
$3,709.99
Buck Cool Mini-Split EZ Connect 24K BTU Complete Installation Kit The Buck Cool Mini-Split EZ Connect Complete Kits are designed to offer a simple solution for your heating and cooling needs. The pre-charged EZ Connect line sets allow for a… read more
Top Mini Split Brands and Models for 1200 Sq Ft
For a 1200-square-foot space, you'll want to consider mini split heat pump units in the 12,000 to 24,000 BTU range. The exact size will depend on factors like window efficiency and insulation. Some of the top brands for residential mini splits are:
Gree
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Gree is a large HVAC manufacturer that produces affordable and reliable mini split heat pumps. Their 18,000 to 24,000 BTU units, like the GWH12MB-D3DNA3A or GWH15LB-D3DNA3A, offer an efficient, low-cost option for heating and cooling 1200 square feet. Gree mini splits may lack some of the advanced features of other brands but provide solid performance and value.
GREE Sapphire 24K BTU 21.5 SEER Wall Mount Mini-Split Single Zone Heat Pump - SAP24HP230V1A
$2,999.92
GREE Sapphire 24K BTU 21.5 SEER Wall Mount Mini-Split Single Zone Heat Pump The Gree Sapphire is an ultra high-efficiency ductless mini split system from Gree. It features a quiet, unobtrusive design with advance performance and an industry leading SEER… read more
Mitsubishi
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Mitsubishi is one of the leading manufacturers of mini split heat pumps. For 1200 square feet, consider their 18,000 or 24,000 BTU models like the MXZ-2C12NAHZ or MXZ-3C15NAHZ. These provide both heating and cooling, have a stylish design, and come with a good warranty.
Daikin
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Daikin is another reputable brand that makes high-efficiency mini splits ideal for small homes. Their 18,000 to 24,000 BTU units like the FTX12NVJU or FTX15NVJU would work well for 1200 square feet. Daikin mini splits are very quiet, provide even heating and cooling, and have intelligent temperature control features.
LG
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LG makes innovative mini split heat pumps with Wi-Fi capability and smart home connectivity. Their Art Cool Mirror and Art Cool Gallery series provide 12,000 to 24,000 BTU of heating and cooling in an attractive package. For a 1200 sq ft space, the 12,000 or 15,000 BTU models would likely suit your needs. LG mini splits are stylish, energy-efficient, and backed by a solid warranty.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mini Split Size
When determining the right mini-split size system for a space, the square footage of the area is just one piece of the puzzle. Several other factors come into play that can impact the ideal unit size.
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The number of rooms you want to cool or heat is important. If you have a large open-concept living area, kitchen, and dining room together totaling 1,200 square feet, one appropriately sized unit should work well. However, if you have four separate 300-square-foot bedrooms and a living room, multiple smaller units may be needed to efficiently regulate the temperature in each space.
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The insulation and construction of your home also matter. An energy-efficient space with double-pane windows, extra insulation, and limited air leaks will require less power to heat and cool compared to an older drafty house. Think about how well your home retains temperature and consider sizing up for less efficient structures.
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The climate in your area makes a difference. Colder regions typically need more powerful units to properly heat spaces compared to warmer zones. Account for the temperatures you need to achieve inside based on seasonal weather. It’s best to choose a mini split rated for the lowest anticipated outdoor temperature in your location.
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How you use the space affects the right size as well. Areas used frequently by multiple people, like living rooms, require more advanced systems than rarely used rooms. Consider the number of occupants and how often spaces are utilized.
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Finally, think about any additional factors like high ceilings that can impact the mini split size needed. Higher ceilings mean more space for hot or cold air to accumulate, requiring more powerful units to achieve your desired temperature.
GREE Vireo Gen3 24K BTU 24.5 SEER2 Wall Mount Mini-Split Single Zone Heat Pump - 3VIR24HP230V1A
$2,265.95
GREE Vireo Gen3 24K BTU 24.5 SEER2 Wall Mount Mini-Split Single Zone Heat Pump The Vireo Gen3 combines cutting edge technology and a minimalist design. It has been designed to blend into any living space, with a slim cabinet that… read more
Selecting the Ideal Mini Split for 1200 Sq Ft
So there you have it, folks. When considering what size mini split to get for your 1200 square foot space, a two-zone system with a combined BTU output of 30,000 is likely your best bet. This will allow you to heat and cool the whole area efficiently while giving you independent climate control between rooms. Remember that proper installation is also key to maximum efficiency and comfort. And don't skimp on regular maintenance! Keep those filters cleaned and the outdoor unit clear of debris. Follow these tips and your new mini split will keep your 1200 square foot home at the perfect temperature for years to come.
