Senville Vs. Mitsubishi Mini Splits: Key Differences And Similarities

Mini split air conditioners have become increasingly popular for heating and cooling homes and offices. These ductless systems allow you to cool or heat one room or multiple rooms without installing ductwork.

Two of the most recognized brands in mini splits are Senville and Mitsubishi. But how do these two brands compare in terms of features, performance, and reliability?

This comprehensive guide examines the key differences and similarities between Senville and Mitsubishi mini splits to help you determine which is better for your needs.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Senville	Mitsubishi
History	Founded 2009	50+ years experience
Product range	9k to 36k BTU	5k to 60k BTU
Efficiency	Up to 26 SEER	Up to 26 SEER
Heating performance	Variable depending on model	Hyper-Heating down to -15° F
Temperature control	Not zoned standard, multi-zone available	Zoned standard on multi-head units
Noise level	As low as 20 dB	As low as 19 dB
Smart features	WiFi control on some models	Compatible with Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT, kumo cloud
Warranty	5 years on compressor, 2 years on parts	10 years on compressor, 5 years on parts

Overview of Senville Mini Splits

Senville is a relatively new player in the mini split air conditioner market. The company was founded in 2009 and is based out of Florida. Senville focuses specifically on manufacturing energy-efficient ductless mini split systems.

Their mini splits come in a variety of configurations, ranging from 9,000 BTU systems meant for small rooms up to 36,000 BTU multi-zone systems designed for large open spaces.

Some of the key features and benefits of Senville mini split air conditioners include:

• Inverter technology – Senville mini splits utilize advanced inverter compressors. Inverter technology allows the unit to adjust its power and speed to match the temperature. This results in faster cooling and heating, lower noise levels, and greater energy efficiency compared to traditional non-inverter AC units.
• Energy efficiency – Senville claims its mini splits can achieve SEER ratings of up to 26. This makes them significantly more energy efficient than the minimum SEER rating of 14 set by the federal government. Higher SEER ratings translate into lower electricity bills.
• Quiet operation – Senville mini splits produce noise levels as low as 20 dB thanks to the inverter compressor and airfoil fan blade design. This makes them well-suited for bedrooms, living rooms, and offices.
• Smart features – Many Senville units come with built-in WiFi and app control. This allows you to adjust temperatures and access modes from anywhere using your smartphone. Some models are also Alexa and Google Home compatible.
• Self-cleaning – Select Senville mini split systems have a self-cleaning function. This uses the condensate water to clean the evaporator and prevent mold growth.
• Warranty – Senville mini splits come with a 5-year warranty on the compressor and 2 years on parts.

Overview of Mitsubishi Mini Splits

Mitsubishi is one of the leading manufacturers of mini split air conditioners worldwide. The company has over 50 years of experience in ductless system technology. Mitsubishi offers an extensive lineup of mini splits for residential and commercial use.

Their systems come in a wide range of capacities from 5,000 to 60,000 BTU.

Some of the primary features and advantages of Mitsubishi mini splits include:

• Advanced Hyper-Heating – Mitsubishi’s Hyper-Heating INVERTER® (H2i®) technology enables their mini splits to provide efficient heating down to -15° F outdoor temperatures. This makes them ideal for colder climates.
• Zoned comfort – Mitsubishi outdoor units can connect to up to 8 indoor heads. This allows you to precisely control temperatures in different rooms or zones.
• Quiet operation – Mitsubishi claims a sound pressure as low as 19 dB in their indoor units. This rivals Senville’s noise levels.
• SEER ratings up to 26 – Top Mitsubishi models carry AHRI certified SEER ratings as high as 26. This matches Senville’s maximum SEER rating.
• Smart controls – Mitsubishi mini splits are compatible with smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. They also work with Mitsubishi’s kumo cloud app.
• Long warranties – Mitsubishi mini splits come with 10-year warranties on the compressor and 5 years on parts. This exceeds Senville’s warranty terms.

Now that we’ve compared the key features and specs of these two brands, let’s look at some of the main similarities and differences in a head-to-head matchup.

Key Differences Between Senville And Mitsubishi Mini Splits

• Heating performance – Mitsubishi’s Hyper-Heating gives their mini splits better heating capacity in cold climates compared to standard Senville units. However, Senville does offer Hyper-Heat pumps on select models for cold weather use.
• Zoning – Mitsubishi systems make zoning easier. Each indoor unit can be controlled independently to match different room needs. Senville’s multi-zone systems have fewer indoor head options.
• Smart features – Mitsubishi mini splits are compatible with more smart home platforms and have the option of the kumo cloud app. Senville units have more limited smart functionality.
• Warranty – Mitsubishi provides an industry-leading 10-year warranty on the compressor compared to 5 years from Senville. Mitsubishi also has a longer 5-year parts warranty versus just 2 years from Senville.
• Reputation – Mitsubishi is a recognized global brand while Senville is a newer company just gaining exposure in the US market. However, Senville is building a reputation for good value and performance.

So which brand comes out on top – Senville or Mitsubishi? Keep reading as we compare these mini split air conditioner brands across some key factors.

Senville And Mitsubishi Comparison by Factors

• Performance and Features

Both Senville and Mitsubishi offer high-efficiency inverter compressor technology.

This provides fast cooling, lower noise, and energy savings compared to conventional mini splits.

Top models from both brands carry SEER ratings meeting or exceeding the federal maximum of 26 SEER.

When it comes to heating, Mitsubishi’s Hyper-Heating systems outperform standard Senville models in extremely cold climates.

However, Senville does market Hyper-Heat mini splits rated down to -22°F ambient temperatures on select units. These can compete with Mitsubishi for cold weather heating capacity.

Mitsubishi systems excel at zoning with individual control on their multi-head units. But Senville’s Tri-Zone series does allow custom zoning between three indoor units.

Both brands offer WiFi-enabled app control on certain models. Overall, Mitsubishi mini splits edge out Senville in terms of features and performance. But Senville still provides advanced inverter-driven systems with zoning capability that suffice for most climates.

Winner: Mitsubishi

• Reliability

When it comes to reliability, Mitsubishi’s decades of experience and rigorous testing often translate into very dependable mini split air conditioners. The company offers generous 10-year warranties on the compressor and 5 years on parts as an indication of their systems’ reliability.

While not backed by as long of a track record, Senville also scores well for reliability from most owner reviews. The brand seems to be building a reputation for durable, long-lasting mini splits. Senville’s 5-year compressor and 2-year parts warranties also offer reasonable protection.

Overall, Mitsubishi earns the edge for renowned reliability, but Senville systems should also provide years of trouble-free cooling and heating if properly installed and maintained.

Winner: Mitsubishi

• Cost and Value

One of the advantages of Senville mini splits is typically price. Pound for pound, Senville ductless systems can cost anywhere from 10-40% less than comparable Mitsubishi models.

This allows homeowners to save hundreds of dollars upfront. Of course, pricing can vary depending on the reseller.

Based on the performance, features, and reliability offered, Mitsubishi systems generally justify their higher price tags. But Senville provides greater value for budget-minded homeowners who still want an advanced inverter-driven mini split.

Just keep in mind that lower long-term ownership costs from Mitsubishi’s superior efficiency and longer warranties can offset some of the higher initial purchase price.

Winner: Senville

• Availability of Models and Parts

With an extensive global presence, Mitsubishi mini splits are distributed by many retailers and contractors throughout the US.

Replacement parts are readily available for Mitsubishi systems through local dealers and online parts warehouses. The scale of Mitsubishi’s operations provides wide accessibility.

Since Senville is a smaller company, their mini splits may be harder to find at local HVAC stores or contractors. Fewer technicians may be familiar with installing and servicing Senville units.

Getting replacement parts can also be trickier compared to nationwide brands like Mitsubishi unless you have a knowledgeable dealer nearby. Limited availability is one downside of Senville’s low-cost approach.

Winner: Mitsubishi

• Ease of Installation

Installing ductless mini splits requires both electrical and refrigerant line connections. Difficulty can vary by brand and model. Mitsubishi systems are common enough that most experienced HVAC pros will be comfortable installing their units.

The instructions and parts are standardized across models.

With Senville being less prominent, fewer technicians may have experience specifically with their products. This could result in more installation challenges.

However, Senville units follow industry norms for mini splits. So technicians familiar with installing ductless systems should not have excessive difficulties with Senville-branded units. Just be sure to hire someone knowledgeable with mini split installation in general.

Winner: Mitsubishi

Which Is Better?

For those simply seeking good performance at the lowest upfront price point, Senville delivers excellent value. Homeowners get most of the advanced features of costlier brands but at a budget-friendly price.

Just be prepared to sacrifice some heating capacity in extreme cold, zoning flexibility, and extended warranties versus Mitsubishi.

For those wanting the absolute best in zoning, efficiency, heating performance, and reliability, Mitsubishi is hard to beat. Their track record of engineering excellence and product innovations justify the higher costs.

Mitsubishi mini splits are an investment that should deliver years of superb performance.

Ultimately, Mitsubishi ekes out the win over Senville across the categories that matter most – product features, reliability, availability, and installation. But Senville remains a compelling option for budget-focused homeowners looking for inverter-driven ductless systems.

FAQ About Senville and Mitsubishi Mini Splits

Final Thoughts

Senville and Mitsubishi both make high-quality mini split air conditioning systems. Mitsubishi leads in overall technology, performance, and reliability. But Senville packs many of the same features into very attractively priced inverter-driven mini splits.

For homeowners who want advanced ductless performance on a budget, Senville strikes an appealing balance. Just be prepared to sacrifice some heating capacity, zoning flexibility, brand reputation, warranties, and expert support versus Mitsubishi.

Carefully weigh these pros and cons against your budget, performance needs, and ownership timeline when choosing between these two impressive mini split brands.