When I first started shopping for a new cooling and heating system, my priorities weren’t just comfort — they were monthly bills. I’ve lived with drafty window AC units that sucked electricity and a central HVAC system that felt like it ran 24/7, even when I was only cooling a single living space.
So when I came across the MRCOOL DIY Mini Split Easy Pro 24,000 BTU system, the first question I asked myself was:
👉 “How efficient is this thing, really?”
That’s what we’re going to dig into here. I’ll explain what SEER2 and EER ratings mean, how the Easy Pro stacks up, and what kind of real-world savings you can expect. And of course, I’ll share my own experience — because efficiency isn’t just numbers on paper, it’s how much you pay each month and how comfortable your home feels.
📊 What Are SEER2, EER, and HSPF?
Before buying the Easy Pro 24k, I kept seeing these acronyms everywhere — SEER, SEER2, EER, HSPF. Let’s break them down:
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SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2):
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This is the new standard (since 2023) that measures how much cooling a system provides per unit of electricity used over a typical season.
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It’s basically “miles per gallon” for your AC. The higher the number, the more efficient.
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EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio):
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This measures efficiency at a specific test condition (usually 95°F outdoor temperature).
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Think of it as a “snapshot” — how well it cools when it’s really hot outside.
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HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor):
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This applies to the heating side of a heat pump.
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Like SEER2, but for heating. The higher, the better.
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👉 Why it matters: A system can have a great SEER2 rating but a weaker EER, meaning it looks efficient overall but struggles during a heat wave. That’s why I looked at both before buying.
⚙️ The MRCOOL Easy Pro 24k’s Efficiency Ratings
So where does the Easy Pro 24k land?
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SEER2 Rating: ~16 (varies slightly by model version).
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EER Rating: ~10.5.
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HSPF: ~8–9.
To put that into perspective:
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The federal minimum SEER2 for new central AC systems in 2025 is 13.4–14.3 depending on region.
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A typical window AC unit only rates around 9–11 EER.
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High-efficiency ductless systems can go up to 20+ SEER2, but those usually cost thousands more.
👉 So, the Easy Pro 24k sits above average for efficiency, especially considering its DIY-friendly price point.
Energy.gov explains that higher SEER2 units cut utility costs significantly — which is exactly what I was after.
💡 Real-World Impact: What Efficiency Means for Your Bills
Now, let’s translate ratings into dollars.
In my case:
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Before the Easy Pro, I used two window ACs to cool my 1,200 sq. ft. open living/kitchen space.
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Each unit ran at ~1,200 watts. On hot July days, they ran 10 hours daily = 24 kWh per day.
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At my local utility rate ($0.15/kWh), that was about $3.60/day, or over $100/month.
With the Easy Pro 24k:
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It uses around 2,000 watts while cooling at full blast.
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But thanks to inverter technology and its SEER2 rating, it modulates instead of blasting at full speed constantly.
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On the same July days, I averaged 12–14 kWh/day.
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That’s about $1.80/day, or $55/month.
👉 My savings: ~$45/month.
And that’s just summer cooling. Add in winter heating (where it replaced space heaters and cut my bills another 25%), and the system really started to pay for itself.
🏠 Factors That Affect Real Efficiency
Numbers on paper are one thing — but here’s what affects how efficient your Easy Pro 24k will be in the real world:
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Insulation
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My home has decent R-19 insulation and double-pane windows.
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If yours is drafty, you’ll lose efficiency fast.
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EPA insulation guidance says sealing + insulation improvements can save up to 15%.
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Climate Zone
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Hot, humid regions push systems harder.
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In mild coastal climates, the Easy Pro might cover more space with less energy.
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Placement
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I shaded my outdoor condenser behind a hedge (but still with airflow).
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Units in direct sun often run hotter and less efficiently.
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Thermostat Use
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I keep mine set at 76–78°F in summer and 68°F in winter.
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Every degree lower in summer can raise costs by ~3–5%.
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Maintenance
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Dirty filters or coils can slash efficiency by 10–15%.
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I clean mine monthly.
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📉 When Efficiency Drops
Here’s when even a good system like the Easy Pro 24k can lose its edge:
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High Humidity: It has to work harder to dehumidify, not just cool.
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Extreme Cold: Below 5°F, the heat pump struggles to maintain set temps (I keep a space heater as backup).
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Neglected Maintenance: Clogged filters = higher bills.
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Multi-Room Use: It’s designed for open-concept spaces — trying to cool multiple closed rooms cuts efficiency.
💰 Rebates and Incentives in 2025
Another bonus: rebates and tax credits.
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The Inflation Reduction Act allows homeowners to get 30% off the cost of qualifying heat pumps, up to $2,000.
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Many utilities offer $200–$600 rebates for Energy Star-rated ductless systems.
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Mark’s tip: Always check Energy Star’s rebate page before buying.
I personally qualified for a $300 rebate through my local utility, which made the Easy Pro even more affordable.
📈 Long-Term Savings: The Payback Period
Here’s how I calculated whether the Easy Pro would pay for itself:
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Upfront cost: ~$2,200 (system + accessories).
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Old cooling costs: ~$100/month (window units).
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New cooling costs: ~$55/month.
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Savings:
$45/month during cooling season ($270/year). -
Add heating savings (~$250/year).
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Total savings per year: ~$520.
👉 That means the system will pay for itself in about 3–4 years — not counting rebates. After that, it’s all money in my pocket.
🌍 Environmental Benefits
Efficiency isn’t just about saving money. It also means lower energy demand and a smaller carbon footprint.
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Less electricity = fewer fossil fuels burned by power plants.
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MRCOOL systems still use R-410A refrigerant, which is being phased out in favor of R-32 (with lower global warming potential).
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DOE refrigerant transition updates show this shift will further improve efficiency in future models.
For me, it feels good knowing I’m cutting my energy use while keeping my home comfortable.
🛠️ Mark’s Tips for Maximizing Efficiency
Here’s what I’ve learned first-hand:
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Clean filters monthly. Don’t wait until airflow feels weak.
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Use ceiling fans. They help circulate cool or warm air, letting me raise thermostat settings without losing comfort.
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Shade your condenser. Keeps it cooler and more efficient.
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Program smart thermostat habits. I don’t need Arctic cold when I’m at work.
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Inspect seasonally. A quick spring and fall check keeps it running like new.
🎯 Conclusion: Is the Easy Pro 24k Worth It?
So, is the MRCOOL Easy Pro 24,000 BTU really efficient?
✅ Yes.
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With a SEER2 of ~16, it outperforms most central systems and crushes window units.
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My real-world savings averaged ~$45/month in summer and another ~$20–25/month in winter.
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With rebates, the system paid for itself in about 3 years.
But efficiency isn’t just about ratings — it’s about how you install, maintain, and use the system. For me, the Easy Pro 24k was the perfect balance of DIY-friendly design, strong efficiency, and real-world comfort savings.
As I like to say:
“It’s not about buying the most efficient system on paper — it’s about buying one that saves you money where it counts: your monthly bill.”
In the next topic we will know more about: Single-Zone Comfort: Why Mark Chose the 24k Easy Pro for His Living Space
