MRCOOL Advantage vs. MRCOOL DIY: Which Mini Split Should You Choose?

👋 Introduction: The MRCOOL Dilemma

Hey there—Mike here.

When I started looking into ductless mini splits for my home, two models kept coming up: the MRCOOL Advantage and the MRCOOL DIY. At first glance, they looked pretty similar—both are compact, energy-efficient, and designed to heat and cool individual rooms. But the more I researched, the more I realized that these two models were aimed at very different homeowners.

👉 The Advantage series is MRCOOL’s affordable workhorse. It’s got solid efficiency, reliable performance, and a low upfront cost. The catch? Installation usually requires professional tools and expertise.

👉 The DIY series, on the other hand, is a game-changer for handy homeowners. It comes with pre-charged line sets, meaning you can install it yourself without special HVAC equipment. But that convenience comes at a higher purchase price.

So which one should you choose? Let’s unpack this together. I’ll walk you through the similarities, differences, costs, and real-world use cases. By the end, you’ll know exactly which MRCOOL mini split makes the most sense for your home.

MRCOOL Mini-Split Advantage Series 9,000 BTU 230V Wall Mounted Heat Pump System

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📦 What They Have in Common

Before we dive into the differences, let’s look at what both systems share.

• Ductless Design: Both the Advantage and DIY series are ductless mini splits, meaning they don’t require bulky ductwork. That makes them great for older homes, garages, bonus rooms, and spaces without central HVAC.

• Heating & Cooling: They’re heat pumps, so you get both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.

• Energy Efficiency: Both offer efficiency ratings well above old window units or space heaters.

• Smart Options: Many models come with WiFi compatibility, letting you control the unit from your phone.

• Quiet Operation: Both indoor and outdoor units run much quieter than traditional systems.

• MRCOOL Warranty: Depending on installation, both carry MRCOOL’s manufacturer warranty (though terms vary based on whether a pro does the install).

So in short, both are solid systems. The real differences show up in cost, installation, and efficiency.

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💰 Cost Comparison: Upfront vs. Long-Term

Let’s get into dollars and cents.

MRCOOL Advantage

• Lower purchase price – usually 20–30% cheaper than the DIY series.

• Installation costs – you’ll likely need an HVAC pro. Expect anywhere from $1,000–$2,500 depending on your area.

• Total installed cost: Around $2,500–$4,000 for a single-zone 9k–12k unit.

MRCOOL DIY

• Higher purchase price – typically 20–30% more expensive than the Advantage.

• Installation savings – you can install it yourself. If you’re handy, you save thousands on labor.

• Total installed cost: Around $1,500–$2,200 (just the cost of the unit and maybe a few extra tools).

👉 Mike’s Take: If you’re confident with tools and don’t mind drilling through walls, the DIY is often cheaper overall. If you’d rather let a pro handle it, the Advantage might make more sense since you’re paying for labor anyway.

Reference: Mini Split Installation Costs

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🛠️ Installation Experience

Here’s where the biggest difference lies.

Installing the Advantage

• Requires HVAC tools like a vacuum pump and gauges.

• You need to evacuate the line set before releasing refrigerant.

• Most warranties require a professional install for full coverage.

👉 In my case, I helped a buddy install an Advantage in his bonus room. We had to rent a vacuum pump and borrow gauges. It was doable, but not something the average homeowner would want to tackle without experience.

Installing the DIY

• Comes with pre-charged Quick Connect line sets.

• No vacuum pump needed—you just tighten connections and release refrigerant.

• Units are designed so two people can handle installation in a few hours.

👉 I installed a DIY unit in my garage last year. It took me and my son about a Saturday afternoon—no special tools, no pro help. That’s the beauty of the DIY series.

Reference: HVAC.com – Mini Split Installation Guide

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⚡ Efficiency & Performance

Both systems are efficient, but there are differences in their ratings.

• Advantage Series

  • SEER2: Around 19–20

  • HSPF2: Around 9–10

  • Great for smaller budgets, still very efficient.

• DIY Series

  • SEER2: Often 20–22+

  • HSPF2: 10–12

  • Generally more efficient, leading to slightly lower energy bills.

👉 Mike’s Tip: If you plan to run the system heavily year-round, the DIY’s higher efficiency could save you money over time—enough to offset the higher upfront cost.

Reference: ENERGY STAR – Ductless Heating & Cooling Efficiency

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🏡 Best Room & Home Applications

Different households call for different systems.

• MRCOOL Advantage

  • Best for homeowners who are already hiring an HVAC pro.

  • Ideal for budget-focused installs where labor costs are expected.

  • Great for rentals or flips where you just need reliable heating/cooling.

• MRCOOL DIY

  • Perfect for handy homeowners who want to avoid pro installation costs.

  • Great for detached garages, workshops, and bonus rooms.

  • Ideal if you like the flexibility of doing it yourself (and re-installing if you move).

👉 Mike’s Scenario: I put a DIY in my garage because I wanted control over the install and didn’t want to pay for pro labor. But if I were adding a system to my rental property, I’d probably go with the Advantage and hire a pro for peace of mind.

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📋 Pros & Cons Table

Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

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📊 Real-World Cost Scenarios

Let’s look at three situations:

1. Homeowner on a Budget (Advantage)

   • Unit cost: $1,200

   • Install cost: $1,500

   • Total: $2,700

   • Great for someone who doesn’t want to lift a finger.

2. DIY Enthusiast (DIY Series)

   • Unit cost: $1,600

   • Install cost: $0 (self-installed)

   • Total: $1,600

   • Saved ~$1,000 vs Advantage scenario.

3. Rental Property Owner

   • Advantage makes sense—pay a pro, get warranty, walk away knowing tenants won’t call you about install mistakes.

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🛑 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• With Advantage:

  • Trying to install without proper tools.

  • Forgetting electrical disconnect box.

  • Not registering warranty after pro install.

• With DIY:

  • Not sealing wall penetration properly (leads to drafts).

  • Kinking pre-charged line sets.

  • Skipping helper—outdoor unit is heavy.

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💡 Mike’s Final Takeaway

So—which MRCOOL should you choose?

✅ If you’re budget-minded, don’t mind paying a pro, and want a straightforward solution—the Advantage series is the way to go.

✅ If you’re handy, love saving on labor, and want the satisfaction of doing it yourself—the DIY series is worth every penny.

Either way, MRCOOL has built systems that bring efficient comfort to homes without the hassle of traditional HVAC.

👉 Personally? I love the DIY series for my own projects, but I’ve also recommended the Advantage to family members who just wanted a reliable install without climbing a ladder.

At the end of the day, it comes down to your skills, budget, and how much you enjoy rolling up your sleeves.

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In the next topic we will know more about: Wall-Mounted Mini Splits vs. Window Units: Why Mike Upgraded to MRCOOL Advantage