With summer just around the corner, many homeowners are looking into installing mini split air conditioning systems to efficiently cool their homes. Two popular brands to consider are Durastar and Mitsubishi.
But which one is the better option?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Durastar and Mitsubishi mini split ACs across a variety of factors to help you make the right choice.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Durastar | Mitsubishi |
| Efficiency Rating | Up to 24 SEER | Up to 33 SEER |
| Cooling Capacity | 9,000 – 36,000 BTU | 9,000 – 60,000 BTU |
| Compressor | Rotary inverter | Hyper-Heating INVERTER® |
| Heating Capacity | Down to 5°F | Down to -13°F |
| Zoning | Up to 5 zones | Up to 8 zones |
| Automation | Limited | Extensive |
| Performance Testing | Basic AHRI | Rigorous |
| Unit Design | Simple | Stylish options |
| Sound Levels | Moderate | Ultra-quiet |
| Warranty | 5 years parts, 7 years compressor | Up to 12 years |
| Cost | Affordable | Premium pricing |
| Reliability Reputation | Unproven | Industry leader |
Overview of Durastar and Mitsubishi
First, let’s get an overview of each brand and their key features:
Durastar
- Manufactured by Soleus Air, a U.S.-based company
- Offers single-zone and multi-zone mini split systems
- Uses inverter-driven compressors for variable speeds
- Touts its quiet operation and energy efficiency
- Comes with wireless remote control and LCD display
- Provides 5 year warranty on parts and 7 year warranty on the compressor
Mitsubishi
- Long-standing brand founded in 1921 and based in Japan
- Renowned for technology innovations in mini split systems
- Markets its Hyper-Heating INVERTER® compressor
- Promises extremely quiet operation – as low as 19 dB(A)
- Offers style options like wall-mounted, ceiling cassette, and ducted concealments
- Comes with advanced controls and automation compatibility
- Provides extensive warranties up to 12 years
As you can see, both Durastar and Mitsubishi offer ductless mini splits with inverter compressors and a focus on efficient, quiet performance. Mitsubishi emphasizes its lengthy history and technological advancements, while Durastar touts the value proposition of its systems.
Key Differences Between Durastar And Mitsubishi Mini Split AC
Now let’s do a deeper dive into the key factors you should consider while choosing between these top brands.
Efficiency and Performance
One of the main reasons homeowners opt for mini split ACs is their outstanding efficiency and performance versus traditional A/C units.
When comparing Durastar and Mitsubishi models, there are some noteworthy differences.
Energy Efficiency Ratings
- Durastar units earn up to a 24 SEER rating, considered high efficiency
- Mitsubishi units achieve up to a SEER of 33, earning ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient designation
Cooling Capacity
- Durastar ranges from 9,000 to 36,000 BTU cooling capacities
- Mitsubishi offers a wider range from 9,000 to 60,000 BTU capacities
Compressor
- Durastar uses a rotary inverter compressor
- Mitsubishi has perfected its proprietary Hyper-Heating INVERTER® compressor
Heating Capacity
- Durastar offers decent heating down to 5° F
- Mitsubishi’s Hyper-Heating allows for operation down to -13° F
Zoning Capabilities
- Durastar allows up to 5 zones
- Mitsubishi can accommodate up to 8 zones
Automation
- Durastar has limited smart controls and app connectivity
- Mitsubishi is compatible with major smart home platforms
Performance Testing
- Durastar provides basic AHRI certification
- Mitsubishi undergoes rigorous performance testing
In head to head comparisons, Mitsubishi comes out ahead for peak energy efficiency ratings, cooling and heating capacities, precise inverter technology, zoning versatility, automation integration, and performance testing rigor.
Design and Installation
Beyond performance metrics, the design and installation process are also important considerations when choosing a ductless mini split brand.
Unit Design
- Durastar focuses on simple, functional design
- Mitsubishi offers styles like wall-mounted, ceiling cassettes, and ducted for visual appeal
Indoor Unit Sizes
- Durastar indoor heads come in compact cubic sizes
- Mitsubishi provides more size variations for optimal room fit
Outdoor Unit Sizes
- Durastar condenser units are moderately sized
- Mitsubishi condensers come in very compact cubical sizes
Refrigerant Piping
- Durastar allows 164 ft max refrigerant line length
- Mitsubishi allows longer 197 ft refrigerant line lengths
Installation Process
- Durastar requires certified installer for warranty validity
- Mitsubishi also needs certified installer but provides superior training
Warranty
- Durastar has 5 years parts, 7 years compressor warranty
- Mitsubishi offers up to 12 year parts and compressor warranty
For aesthetics, size variations, and maximum installation flexibility, Mitsubishi is the winner again. Their extensive warranties also provide greater long term protection.
Sound Levels
Operating at very low noise levels is a key benefit of mini split technology. But there are notable sound rating differences between Durastar and Mitsubishi units.
Indoor Sound Levels
- Durastar has moderate sound levels around 40-45 dB(A)
- Mitsubishi is exceptionally quiet, down to just 19 dB(A)
Outdoor Sound Levels
- Durastar condenser sound is around 50-55 dB(A)
- Mitsubishi condenser sound reaches a quiet 46 dB(A)
With their soundproofing innovations, Mitsubishi systems are far superior in maintaining ultra-quiet comfort zones indoors and minimizing outdoor noise disturbances.
Cost Considerations
One of the major factors that can sway decisions between Durastar and Mitsubishi is the cost. Let’s examine the key pricing considerations:
Equipment Costs
- Durastar units are affordably priced, often 30-50% less than Mitsubishi
- Mitsubishi units carry premium pricing but offer greater value
Installation Costs
- Durastar installation costs are lower since units are more DIY friendly
- Mitsubishi installation is best left to trained experts and carries a higher price tag
Operating Costs
- Durastar offers decent energy efficiency to save on electricity bills
- Mitsubishi’s maximum efficiency results in even lower operating costs
Maintenance Costs
- Durastar’s shorter warranties mean higher potential repair costs
- Mitsubishi’s 12 year coverage keeps maintenance costs down
Resale Value
- Durastar systems would have lower trade-in or resale value
- Mitsubishi’s reputation commands higher resale value after years of use
Although Durastar units carry lower upfront equipment and installation costs, Mitsubishi systems can offset that over time through lower operating and maintenance expenses and higher resale value.
Reliability Reputation
Reputation is hard to quantify, but plays a major role when evaluating HVAC brands. Here’s how Durastar and Mitsubishi compare:
Durastar
- Relatively new brand with limited reputation
- Made by Soleus Air, a lower tier HVAC company
- Sparse customer reviews make reliability hard to gauge
- Shorter warranties indicate less confidence in longevity
Mitsubishi
- Longstanding brand since 1921
- Leader in ductless mini split innovation
- Beloved by contractors for consistent quality
- Rave customer reviews praise performance and durability
- Lengthy warranties showcase reliability expectations
While Durastar is too new to have an established reputation, Mitsubishi is essentially the gold standard when it comes to prestige and trustworthiness among ductless mini split brands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Durastar is a relatively new brand from Soleus Air, so the reputation and reliability is still unproven compared to big names like Mitsubishi that have stood the test of time. Durastar systems can provide good basic performance for budget-minded consumers, but typically will not match the efficiency, capabilities, and longevity of the top industry leaders.
Durastar ductless mini splits offer decent cooling and heating capacities in compact single zone and multi zone systems. They utilize standard inverter compressor technology for reasonable comfort and energy savings. However, Durastar mini splits generally do not have the same sophisticated engineering as Mitsubishi models that achieve ultra-high SEER ratings, Hyper-Heating abilities, ultra-quiet operation, and aesthetics. Durastar is good for the price, but Mitsubishi is great for performance.
Durastar mini split air conditioners and heat pumps are manufactured by a company called Soleus Air based out of New Jersey, USA. Soleus Air produces various air conditioning products aimed at budget-conscious consumers. They introduced the Durastar line as theirductless mini split offering to compete with brands like Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, and Gree.
Although Soleus Air is a U.S. based company, Durastar mini splits are produced in factories overseas to enable competitive pricing. Soleus Air sources components globally and assembles the Durastar units at manufacturing plants in Asia. So while designed by an American HVAC company, the physical Durastar mini split systems are made in countries like China prior to distribution.
Final Thoughts
Based on this detailed comparison, while Durastar offers a budget-friendly option, Mitsubishi is the clear winner when it comes to efficiency, performance, design, sound levels, value, and reliability reputation for mini split air conditioners.
The advanced Japanese engineering and technology from Mitsubishi does come at a premium, but pays off through many years of superb cooling comfort and energy savings. Mitsubishi has simply proven itself to be a cut above competitors in the ductless mini split category.
For high performance and the assurance of a widely revered brand, Mitsubishi is the best choice. Durastar can make sense for cost-conscious shoppers wanting basic functionality.
But for a long term mini split AC investment that outperforms and outlasts, Mitsubishi is strongly recommended.