Worst Mini-Split Brands To Avoid In 2024

Mini-Splits are heating and cooling systems that allow users to control the temperatures in individual rooms or spaces.

These days, mini splits are very popular. But with so many brands in the market, it is quite easy for someone buying it for the first time to purchase the wrong product.

But don’t worry, we are here to help.

In this article, we will be talking about the worst mini-split brands in the market so that you do not make the mistake of buying an unreliable product.

The brands we will be talking about are:

• Mr. COOL
• Pioneer
• Cooper&Hunter
• Shinco
• Carrier
• LG
• Kilmaire
• Midea

11 Mini Split Brands To Avoid

Mr. COOL

MR COOL offers both ductless mini splits and more traditional central air conditioning systems.

Their mini split line gets very mixed reviews.

On the positive side, they have a 5-year warranty on the compressor and evaporator coils, which is better than most discount brands.

However, MR COOL mini splits still have concerning reliability issues including:

• Refrigerant leaks
• Drainage problems causing water damage
• Noisy indoor and outdoor units
• Difficulty getting replacement parts

Mr Cool’s customer service is also quite poor. Many customers experience long hold times, unreturned calls and emails, and clueless representatives when they do get through. Diagnosing problems and getting qualified technicians out for repairs is a big headache.

Considering you can get a high-quality mini split at a comparable price from brands like Mitsubishi or Fujitsu, MR COOL seems risky. Their units may work decently for a few years, but long-term durability is doubtful. You’d be smart to invest in a more reputable brand.

Pioneer

Pioneer makes some of the most affordable ductless mini splits on the market. But seriously skimping on production costs comes with consequences. Owners routinely face issues like:

• Refrigerant leaks after 1-3 years
• Drainage line clogs causing water to overflow the drain pan
• Noisy indoor units even on low fan settings
• Compressor failure before the 5-year warranty expires

Many customers also complain that Pioneer units don’t effectively remove moisture from the air as claimed. This can lead to increased humidity and mold growth issues.

Pioneer’s warranty process is full of roadblocks too. Getting technicians scheduled for repairs can take weeks. And despite the 5-year compressor warranty, customers are often left paying for replacements out of pocket.

You may save up front by buying a Pioneer mini split. But you’ll likely waste more money down the road on repairs and lost energy efficiency than if you invested in a higher-end system.

Cooper&Hunter

Affordability attracts many buyers to Cooper&Hunter ductless systems. But serious quality control problems keep it high on the list of mini-split brands to avoid. Frequent issues include:

• Refrigerant leaks
• Drain line clogs
• Noisy indoor units
• Crackling sounds from the outdoor unit
• Remote control problems

Cooper&Hunter only provides a 1-year warranty. And many customers report the company drags its feet honoring claims until the warranty expires. Others never received requested replacement parts.

Considering a Cooper&Hunter mini split may only last a few years, you’d be far wiser putting your money into a more reliable brand. The minor upfront savings just aren’t worth the major hassles and costs of repairs down the road.

GREE

Gree is one of the world’s largest HVAC manufacturers. And their ductless mini splits are very popular thanks to competitive pricing. But Gree’s reputation for quality and customer service is quite mixed.

Many Gree mini split owners are happy with their systems. But a concerning percentage experience serious problems like:

• Refrigerant leaks
• Drainage line clogs
• Noisy indoor units
• Frozen evaporator coils
• Compressor failure

Gree’s warranty only covers the compressor and condenser coil for 5 years – other parts are just 1 year. And customers frequently complain of unhelpful customer service and difficulty getting repairs under warranty.

While you may get a decent Gree system, it seems like somewhat of a quality control lottery. And Gree’s spotty warranty support is worrying. Given the many highly-rated options in Gree’s price range, it may be smarter to choose a brand with more consistently positive reviews.

Carrier

Many people go for Carrier mini-split due to their lower price tag.

However, as they have a short lifespan and reduced warranty coverage, it has chances of increased maintenance and replacement costs.

According to many customers, their coil began leaking after 2-3 years, and had to deal with other maintenance which was not covered by the company.

Some reported they spent hundreds of dollars each year for maintenance. There is no permanent fix for their air conditioners which has increased frustration towards the brand.

Shinco

Shinco is another discount mini-split brand that cuts corners on quality. Owners frequently run into problems like:

• Compressor failure after 2-3 years
• Refrigerant leaks
• Drainage issues leading to water damage
• Excessively noisy indoor and outdoor units
• Thermostat calibration problems

Shinco’s 1-year warranty is woefully inadequate. And their customer service is essentially non-existent, with no phone support available. Getting warranty coverage or repairs is frustrating at best.

These mini splits may keep you cool at first, but premature breakdowns are the norm. The shoddy craftsmanship shows through in small annoyances like flimsy wall brackets, weak plastic casing, and wireless remotes lacking basic functions.

While Shinco’s low cost may be tempting, you’d be much wiser to invest in a more reliable and longer-lasting brand.

Amvent

You’ll be hard pressed to find any legitimate reviews for Amvent mini splits. This generic import brand has virtually zero track record or customer support. Yet Amvent systems are sold on many major retail sites with 5-star ratings.

In reality, these are cheap units built with the lowest quality components. Owners report problems like:

• Drain pan corrosion and refrigerant leaks after 1 year
• Overheating indoor units with feeble airflow
• Excessively noisy outdoor units
• Remotes lacking basic functions

Amvent provides a 1-year warranty. But customers report it’s essentially useless as the company won’t respond to any contact attempts.

This brand has scam written all over it. Paying rock-bottom prices for an Amvent mini split will leave you with nothing but headaches. Don’t waste your money on these shoddy, unreliable systems.

LG

You might assume LG ductless mini splits are a safe bet given the company’s reputation for high-end kitchen and home electronics. Unfortunately, LG’s air conditioner quality doesn’t match their marketing hype.

A concerning number of LG mini split owners report problems like:

• Refrigerant leaks
• Drain pan corrosion leading to water damage
• Noisy indoor units, even on low settings
• Frozen evaporator coils
• Remote control connectivity issues
• Compressor failure before 5 years

LG also tends to deny and fight warranty claims over compressor problems. Even if you eventually get coverage, the process involves endless calls and agonizing delays.

LG’s product quality and customer service simply doesn’t live up to their luxury brand image. You can find much more reliable mini split options in LG’s price range.

Kilmaire

Kilmaire is an American brand with operations in over 70 countries. Many users have shown dissatisfaction with this brand.

Some have problems with their circuit board while others hear a loud noise coming out from the mini splits.

After a few years of using their product, customers face a wide range of problems that do not get covered by the company and have to replace various parts by themselves gradually.

Their after-sales service is also very negligent to the customers as many reported that they get little to no help from customer service.

Another main reason why this is one of the worst brands for mini splits is the energy efficiency. Kilmaire has a very low score on SEER rating meaning you will see a significant rise in electricity bills.

Midea

Midea is a giant Chinese appliance maker. Their U-Match mini split lineup offers very low prices comparable to brands like Amvent and Shinco. Unfortunately, the quality is equally dubious.

Common issues reported by Midea mini split owners include:

• Refrigerant leaks
• Noisy indoor units, even on low fan speeds
• Frozen evaporator coils
• Drain pan corrosion causing water damage
• Compressor failure before 3-5 years

Midea only provides a 1-year warranty on parts. And their customer service is essentially non-existent, with no phone support available. Owners are often left paying for repairs out of pocket, even for new installs.

While Midea’s pricing may be tempting, chances are high you’ll face expensive system failures and repairs down the road. Spending a bit more upfront on a reputable mini split brand is a much wiser investment.

Senville

Senville mini splits seem appealing at first glance thanks to their low prices. However, this brand consistently ranks near the bottom for reliability. Users report issues like fan motors dying prematurely, refrigerant leaks, and compressors failing after just a couple of years. These problems often require expensive repairs or full unit replacements.

Senville’s poor quality control also leads to more minor but annoying issues like noisy operation, drainage problems, and wireless remotes with limited range. Their units tend to have flimsier, cheaper builds overall.

While Senville offers lengthy warranties, the customer service experience is very inconsistent. Many people report rude responses, endless delays, and denials of legitimate warranty claims. All in all, the upfront cost savings don’t outweigh the likely repair bills and headaches down the road. You’re better off spending a bit more for a unit that will last.

Final Words

A mini split is useful whether it’s for your new home or old one. But that doesn’t justify you purchasing a brand that doesn’t offer the proper utility.

By going through our list, you will be better informed about which brands to avoid.

As there are many brands in the market, doing meticulous market research is a must. Also, make sure your purchase decision aligns with your budget. We hope this article helps you.