How the MRCOOL Easy Pro Compares to the MRCOOL DIY Series: Key Differences Every Homeowner Should Know

🌟 Introduction: Mark’s Dilemma

When I first started shopping for a ductless mini split, I thought I knew exactly what I needed. I wanted a system that was:

• Easy to install without calling in an HVAC contractor.

• Affordable.

• Powerful enough to keep my main living space comfortable.

Pretty quickly, I found myself comparing two systems from MRCOOL: the Easy Pro Series and the DIY Series. Both are designed for homeowners who want to save on installation costs. Both come pre-charged with refrigerant. Both are marketed as “DIY-friendly.”

MRCOOL DIY Mini-Split Easy Pro Series 24,000 BTU Wall Mounted Ductless Heat Pump System Model - EZPRO-24-HP-23016D-O

But here’s what I learned: they’re not the same thing.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how the MRCOOL Easy Pro compares to the MRCOOL DIY Series, covering installation, efficiency, sizing, features, cost, and warranty. If you’re standing where I was—trying to decide between the two—I’ll help you figure out which one is right for your home.

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📦 1. Overview of the Two Systems

Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick snapshot:

• MRCOOL Easy Pro

  • Designed for single-zone applications (one indoor air handler, one condenser).

  • Budget-friendly.

  • Simplified DIY installation.

  • Best for open spaces like living rooms, garages, or bonus rooms.

• MRCOOL DIY Series (4th/5th Gen)

  • Available in single-zone or multi-zone (up to 5 zones, 60k BTU).

  • Higher efficiency, longer line lengths, stronger heating performance.

  • More robust warranty.

  • Best for whole-home or long-term comfort solutions.

👉 Both are solid systems—but they serve different needs.

🔗 MRCOOL Official Product Page

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🧰 2. Installation Experience: Easy Pro vs. DIY Series

🟦 MRCOOL Easy Pro

• Built for maximum simplicity.

• Uses MRCOOL’s pre-charged Quick Connect line sets—no vacuum pump, no refrigerant handling.

• Fewer moving parts: just one air handler and one condenser.

• Shorter maximum line length (~25–35 feet).

• Realistic install time: 4–6 hours with a helper.

🟨 MRCOOL DIY Series

• More flexible, but more complex.

• Also uses pre-charged Quick Connect lines, but:

  • Multi-zone installs can require up to 4–5 air handlers.

  • Line sets can be 50–75 feet long.

  • More connections = more chances to make mistakes.

• Realistic install time: 1–2 days depending on zones.

💬 Mark’s note:

“Installing the Easy Pro felt like an afternoon project. The DIY Series looked doable, but I knew it would be a weekend project, maybe longer.”

🔗 Energy.gov – Ductless Mini Splits Overview

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⚡ 3. Efficiency and Performance

Here’s where the differences really start to show:

🟦 MRCOOL Easy Pro

• SEER2 rating: 16–18 (varies by model).

• Solid for most climates, but not top-tier efficiency.

• Performs well in moderate winters and hot summers.

🟨 MRCOOL DIY Series

• SEER2 rating: 18–22+.

• Some models are ENERGY STAR certified (tax credit eligible).

• Stronger performance in extreme cold (heats reliably down to -5°F).

For homeowners in colder climates, the DIY Series is a better long-term investment. If you live in a mild-to-warm region, the Easy Pro’s efficiency may be perfectly adequate.

🔗 Energy Star – Mini Split Efficiency Standards

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📐 4. Sizing and Capacity Options

🟦 MRCOOL Easy Pro

• Single-zone only.

• Sizes: 9k, 12k, 18k, 24k BTU.

• Covers up to ~1,200 sq. ft. (ideal for open-concept rooms).

🟨 MRCOOL DIY Series

• Single-zone and multi-zone available.

• Sizes range from 12k BTU single-zone to 60k BTU 5-zone systems.

• Can condition an entire house.

💬 Mark’s takeaway:

“I only needed to fix comfort in my living room. The Easy Pro’s 24k option fit like a glove. If I had wanted to replace central HVAC for the whole house, I would’ve gone with the DIY Series.”

🔗 Energy Star – Sizing Considerations

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💲 5. Cost Comparison: Upfront and Long-Term

Here’s where Easy Pro often wins.

🟦 MRCOOL Easy Pro

• Equipment cost: $1,200–$2,200 (depending on BTU size).

• Installation: DIY (no labor cost).

• Long-term efficiency: good, but not the absolute best.

🟨 MRCOOL DIY Series

• Equipment cost: $2,500–$7,000+ (depending on zones).

• Installation: DIY but more time-consuming (some homeowners still hire help).

• Long-term efficiency: better, especially in cold climates.

• Eligible for rebates and tax credits in many regions.

💬 Mark’s math:

“My Easy Pro 24k paid for itself in about 3 years thanks to lower bills. A 3-zone DIY Series would’ve taken closer to 5—but it would’ve replaced central HVAC entirely.”

🔗 Mini Split Installation Costs

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📱 6. Smart Features and Controls

🟦 MRCOOL Easy Pro

• Comes with remote control.

• Works with the MRCOOL SmartHVAC app.

• Compatible with Alexa & Google Assistant.

🟨 MRCOOL DIY Series

• Includes all of the above, plus:

  • Deeper scheduling and zoning control.

  • Energy monitoring.

  • Works with Apple HomeKit and IFTTT automations.

If you’re a smart home enthusiast, the DIY Series wins. If you just want an app and voice control, the Easy Pro gets the job done.

🔗 IFTTT – Smart Home Automations

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🛡️ 7. Warranty and Support

🟦 MRCOOL Easy Pro

• 1-year parts warranty.

• Limited coverage compared to DIY.

🟨 MRCOOL DIY Series

• 5–7 year compressor warranty.

• 1–5 year parts coverage (depending on model).

• Longer and more robust protection.

💬 Mark’s thought:

“For me, the shorter warranty on the Easy Pro was worth the upfront savings. But if you’re investing in a full-home system, that DIY Series warranty is worth its weight in gold.”

🔗 MRCOOL Warranty Policy

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🏠 8. Who Should Buy the Easy Pro?

The Easy Pro is the right choice if:

• You only need to condition one big space (living room, garage, bonus room).

• You’re on a budget.

• You want the simplest DIY install possible.

• You live in a mild-to-hot climate.

• You’re okay with a shorter warranty.

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🌍 9. Who Should Buy the DIY Series?

The DIY Series is the right choice if:

• You need multi-zone coverage for your entire home.

• You live in a cold climate.

• You want top efficiency and lower long-term bills.

• You’re building a smart home and want advanced integration.

• You want the peace of mind of a longer warranty.

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📊 10. Side-by-Side Comparison Chart

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🎯 Conclusion: Mark’s Final Takeaway

After weighing the two, I chose the Easy Pro 24k for my open living room. It was affordable, simple, and gave me exactly what I needed.

But if I’d been replacing my central HVAC system or wanted comfort in every bedroom, I’d have chosen the DIY Series instead.

Here’s my advice:

• If your problem is one room, go Easy Pro.

• If it’s your whole house, go DIY.

Either way, MRCOOL makes it possible for homeowners to get pro-level comfort without paying pro-level install costs.

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In the next topic we will know more about: Can the MRCOOL Easy Pro 24k Handle Cold Winters and Hot Summers?