When it comes to cooling your home, Perfect Aire and MRCOOL are two great options for ductless mini split air conditioning systems. Both offer efficient, quiet performance and modern features. But how do you decide which brand is right for your needs and budget?
We’ll compare the key factors below in an easy-to-read table, then dive into further detail on performance, features, warranties, prices and more. Read on for the full breakdown so you can determine the best choice for keeping your rooms cooler.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Perfect Aire | MRCOOL |
| Efficiency Ratings | Up to 20.5 SEER / 12.5 EER | Up to 20 SEER / 12.5 EER |
| Sound Levels | 20-46 decibels | 19-52 decibels |
| Warranties | 10 years (parts), 5 years (compressor) | 5 years (parts), 7 years (compressor) |
| Smart Functions | WiFi, app control, Alexa, Google Assistant | WiFi, app control |
| Number of Indoor Units | Up to 5 | Up to 4 |
Key Differences Between Perfect Aire And MRCOOL Air Conditioners
- Efficiency and Performance
When comparing ductless mini splits, SEER and EER ratings are key indicators for energy efficiency and performance.
The higher these numbers, the more cooling power you’ll get for your energy dollar.
Perfect Aire and MRCOOL systems both offer high ratings up to 20 SEER and 12.5 EER.
This puts them well above the 14 SEER minimum set by the federal government. It also means both brands transform over 70% of your electrical power into efficient air conditioning.
High SEER percentages translate into lower monthly bills. You’ll save more over an older, inefficient AC unit. Perfect Aire pegs the savings at 30-50%. MRCOOL estimates around 50%, with some systems using up to 38% less energy than its own earlier models after improvements.
BTU capacity can also impact real-world cooling energy use. Perfect Aire offers a wide capacity range from 9,000 to 36,000 BTUs. MRCOOL capacity spans from 9,000 to 60,000 BTUs. The brand you choose limits the room sizes and climate control possible.
Sound levels while running are another key consideration for comfort and disruption. Here MRCOOL has the edge for very quiet operation as low as 19 decibels. Perfect Aire still promises decent sound levels from 20-46 decibels, but the top end is louder. Note sound ratings are for indoor units only.
- Features and Functions
Today’s ductless mini splits offer far more than just cooling. Modern smart models allow control via smartphone apps, voice assistants and more.
They can also integrate automation rules and sensors for convenience.
Both Perfect Aire and MRCOOL have built-in WiFi to enable app monitoring and adjustments from your phone.
Compatible apps include Anion Perfect Aire and MRCOOL Home for iOS or Android. Only Perfect Aire works with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant voice commands though.
Advanced features to consider are Perfect Aire’s auto-restart after power loss and a turbo fan mode for 20% faster cooling. Unique to MRCOOL is a “Follow Me” sensor to detect room occupancy. The AC unit then prioritizes airflow and temperature for added comfort.
When adding multiple indoor air handlers, Perfect Aire supports up to 5 zones off one outdoor condenser. MRCOOL lags behind somewhat by only allowing 4 indoor units per system. But this may prove sufficient for smaller homes or businesses.
Both brands provide standard AC capabilities like temperature control, timers, sleep mode and adjustable louvers or fans. Separate dehumidification cycles protect against humidity and mold or mildew growth as well. Overall features and functions are quite comparable aside from smart integration differences.
- Reliability and Warranties
To deliver lasting value from your investment, ductless mini splits need to perform reliably for many years. Perfect Aire offers one of the best standard warranties with 10 years coverage on parts plus 5 years on the compressor. Only labor claims require 1 year or less.
MRCOOL warranties are less extensive out of the box. You get 5 years on parts plus an additional 7 years specifically for the sealed compressor component. No labor coverage comes in the package. This suggests somewhat more confidence upfront in Perfect Aire’s reliability.
However MRCOOL does let buyers pay extra for a 10 year parts and compressor option.
There is also extended labor coverage available for purchase.
So you can match Perfect Aire on timeframes albeit for a higher net cost.
Note that proper registered installation impacts warranty validity for both brands.
When judging real-world reliability, online reviews paint similar pictures. Both Perfect Aire and MRCOOL earn strong overall ratings around 4 stars out of 5. A few quality and customer service concerns do exist.
But a majority of ductless mini split buyers seem very satisfied with these products once installed correctly.
- Pricing and Value Comparison
As hinted above, MRCOOL ductless systems generally cost less upfront than comparable Perfect Aire models. Of course final pricing depends on the exact BTU sizes, features and number of air handler units chosen.
But MRCOOL’s lower starting prices gives them an advantage attracting budget-conscious shoppers.
Less extensive base warranties also let MRCOOL reduce costs passed to the consumer. Even buying extended coverage, you’ll likely pay less overall than Perfect Aire’s out-of-box 10 year parts and 5 year compressor guarantee.
Just ensure you factor this into long-term value calculations.
At the higher end, advanced WiFi analytics and broader smart assistant compatibility provide extra potential value from Perfect Aire.
Optimized performance insights and added control options carry tangible benefits for some customers.
If you want the easiest voice-enabled integration with Alexa or Google Assistant for HVAC, Perfect Aire excels there today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, MRCOOL is considered a good and reliable ductless mini split brand. They offer high efficiency levels up to 20 SEER along with decent warranties, WiFi-enabled smart features and relatively quiet operation. MRCOOL earns positive reviews from most customers. Their systems provide good value overall, especially if you don’t need multiple zones.
Some of the best mini split brands to consider are MRCOOL, Perfect Aire, Pioneer, Senville and Cooper&Hunter. Top manufacturers provide great energy efficiency (at least 20 SEER), good capacity range, sound levels under 50 dB, mobile app control options, and good parts/compressor warranties of 5-10 years. MRCOOL and Perfect Aire excel specifically in quiet operation and smart integration.
The average life expectancy of an MRCOOL mini split air conditioner is 15-20 years. Key components like the compressor often last 10+ years before needing replacement. With proper installation and maintenance, an MRCOOL system should provide effective and efficient cooling for your home for around two decades. Purchasing extended warranties can further protect against early repair costs.
MRCOOL sources its air conditioning compressors from reputable Asian manufacturers like GMCC, Highly, Zhejiang Dunan and Daikin. These are reliable brands making compressors also found across many respectable HVAC equipment products. While not always the absolute premium models, MRCOOL compressor partners help it deliver solid overall durability and long-term mini split performance.
Closing Remarks
To wrap things up, both brands offer comparable efficiency ratings, decent sound levels and strong overall performance. MRCOOL costs less upfront, while Perfect Aire builds in better baseline warranty coverage.
Minor advantages like automation integrations, zone limits and very quiet operation split hairs further.
Most homeowners should think hard about their budget, room layouts and interest in advanced monitoring when deciding. Smaller spaces likely need just 1-2 cheaper MRCOOL units even if you give up some smart features. Larger homes with multiple zones will appreciate Perfect Aire’s capacity and control.
Here are some final tips for choosing the right system:
- Get multiple quotes for accurate pricing contrast in your area
- Measure room dimensions precisely for ideal BTU sizing
- Consider supplementing MRCOOL warranties for better peace-of-mind
- Weigh Perfect Aire’s automation benefits against higher costs
- Ensure professional install meets manufacturer requirements
Investing in the right brand means better comfort, efficiency and long-term savings on energy bills. We hope breaking down Perfect Aire and MRCOOL’s pros, cons and key areas of comparison helps you pick the best mini split solution to beat the heat.
Hi Ralph, I have been looking for a split air for the tack room in our new barn. Have been comparing different units for several months. DIY is very important since I have been forced to do all of my sub work due to ridiculous labor cost. Did our own plumbing and electrical for our huge barn with loft. The 9K mini split seems to fit our needs and narrowed it down to Mrcool or Perfect Aire. Electrical is in place and compressor placement will be opposite that wall. Your article helps with my decision. I find the Perfect Aire less expensive on most sites. Alexa is very useful for us.