👋 Introduction: From Rattling Window AC to MRCOOL Advantage
Hi, Mike here.
For years, my upstairs guest room relied on a rattling old window AC. It was cheap, it got the job done (sort of), but it was loud, blocked the window, and my electric bill climbed every summer like clockwork.
One July night, after listening to the unit buzz and hum while dripping condensation onto the siding, I had enough. That’s when I started looking at ductless wall-mounted mini splits—specifically, the MRCOOL Advantage series.
Making the switch turned out to be one of the smartest home upgrades I’ve made. Let me walk you through why I ditched the old window unit and why a mini split might be the better choice for you, too.
MRCOOL Mini-Split Advantage Series 9,000 BTU 230V Wall Mounted Heat Pump System
📦 What’s a Window Unit? The Old Standby
Window air conditioners have been around for decades. You’ve probably had one at some point—those boxy units that stick out of your window half inside, half outside.
How They Work
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A window unit contains everything in one box: compressor, condenser, evaporator, and fans.
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It hangs in a window frame, blowing cold air into the room and venting hot air outside.
Pros of Window Units
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Low upfront cost: You can pick one up at a big-box store for $200–$600.
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DIY installation: Plug it in, balance it in your window, and you’re set.
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Portable: Easy to remove at the end of the season.
Cons of Window Units
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Noise: The compressor and fan are inside the room—loud humming is inevitable.
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Blocks natural light: You lose use of a window.
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Energy inefficient: Most are lower SEER/EER compared to modern mini splits.
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Limited lifespan: Many only last 5–10 years.
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Cooling only: You’ll need a separate solution for winter heating.
👉 Mike’s Take: “I loved the $250 price tag on my old unit, but I hated the trade-offs—especially the noise and the high electric bill.”
🖼️ What’s a Wall-Mounted Mini Split? The Modern Upgrade
A wall-mounted mini split, like the MRCOOL Advantage, is a ductless heat pump system. Instead of cramming everything into a single box, it splits the work between two units:
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Indoor air handler (mounted high on your wall): quiet fan and coil to deliver air into the room.
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Outdoor condenser (sits outside the home): contains the compressor and does the heavy lifting.
Pros of Wall-Mounted Mini Splits
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Year-round comfort: Provides both heating and cooling.
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Energy efficiency: SEER2 ratings often between 18–22 (much higher than window units).
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Whisper-quiet: Indoor units run as low as 19 decibels.
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Aesthetics: Sleek, unobtrusive design.
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Smart controls: Many include WiFi apps or remote control.
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Longevity: 12–15+ years when maintained properly.
Cons of Mini Splits
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Higher upfront cost: $1,200–$2,500 per system.
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Installation complexity: Some models (like the Advantage) require a pro.
👉 Mike’s Take: “Yes, it cost more upfront, but the difference in comfort and savings has already started paying me back.”
💸 Cost Breakdown: Upfront vs. Long-Term
Let’s crunch some numbers.
Window Unit Costs
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Purchase: $200–$600
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Installation: DIY, minimal cost.
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Energy bills: Higher. A 12,000 BTU window AC typically uses 1,200 watts per hour.
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Operating cost: Running 8 hours/day all summer could add $60–$80/month to your bill.
Mini Split Costs
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Purchase: $1,200–$2,500 for a 9,000–12,000 BTU MRCOOL Advantage.
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Installation: $1,000–$2,000 if hiring a pro (DIY versions save this cost).
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Energy bills: Much lower. A 9,000 BTU mini split with SEER2 20 uses 500–700 watts per hour.
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Operating cost: Same usage adds $25–$40/month.
👉 Over 5 years, the mini split could save $1,500–$2,000 in electricity compared to a window AC. Factor in rebates from utilities, and the payback period shrinks even more.
Reference: Energy.gov – Ductless Mini Split Guide
🔊 Noise Levels: Peace and Quiet Matters
One of the biggest reasons I upgraded? Noise.
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Window units: Average 50–60 decibels (like background conversation or a running dishwasher).
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Mini splits: Indoor units average 19–30 decibels (like rustling leaves or a whisper).
👉 Mike’s Story: “With my window unit, I had to crank the TV to drown it out. With the MRCOOL Advantage, I sometimes forget it’s even running.”
⚡ Efficiency & Energy Savings
Window AC Efficiency
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Most window ACs range from 10–12 EER.
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Few models meet ENERGY STAR’s strictest efficiency requirements.
Mini Split Efficiency
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MRCOOL Advantage 9k: SEER2 ~19–20, EER ~10.5.
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MRCOOL DIY 9k: SEER2 ~20–22, EER ~11–12.
This efficiency translates into up to 40–50% lower energy use compared to window ACs.
Reference: ENERGY STAR – Room AC vs. Ductless
🏡 Comfort & Aesthetics
This is where the difference is most obvious.
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Window Units
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Block light and views.
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Drip condensation outside.
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Bulky and unattractive.
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Mini Splits
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Mounted high on the wall, out of sight.
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Preserve full use of windows.
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Sleek, modern design.
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👉 Mike’s Take: “My wife didn’t like losing the window view in our guest room. When we swapped to the mini split, it immediately felt brighter and cleaner.”
🔧 Installation & Maintenance
Window Unit
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Installation: 15–30 minutes, DIY.
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Seasonal hassle: Heavy lifting in/out of storage.
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Maintenance: Clean filter, that’s about it.
Mini Split
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Installation: 4–8 hours with pro, or 1–2 days for DIY systems.
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Permanent solution: No seasonal removal.
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Maintenance:
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Clean filters every 1–2 months.
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Rinse outdoor coil seasonally.
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Professional check every 2–3 years.
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👉 Mike’s Tip: “Once it’s in, it’s in. No more lugging a 60-pound AC up the stairs every May.”
Reference: HVAC.com – Mini Split Maintenance
📋 Pros & Cons Table
| Feature | Window Unit 🪟 | Wall-Mounted Mini Split 🌬️ |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Low ($200–600) | Higher ($1,200–2,500) |
| Energy Efficiency | Low (EER 10–12) | High (SEER2 19–22) |
| Heating Option | ❌ Cooling only | ✅ Heating & cooling |
| Noise Level | Loud (50–60 dB) | Whisper-quiet (19–30 dB) |
| Aesthetics | Blocks window, bulky | Sleek wall mount, unobtrusive |
| Lifespan | 5–10 years | 12–15+ years |
| Long-Term Value | Low—higher bills, limited comfort | High—lower bills, year-round comfort |
🌍 Environmental Impact
Mini splits are not just better for your wallet—they’re better for the planet.
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Window units: Use more electricity, leading to higher carbon footprint.
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Mini splits: ENERGY STAR-rated models cut emissions by lowering demand.
Some states even offer rebates and incentives for ductless heat pumps.
👉 Mike’s Take: “I got a $300 rebate from my utility for upgrading to a mini split. That sealed the deal.”
Reference: DSIRE – State Energy Rebates
🛑 Common Misconceptions
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“Mini splits are only for new houses.”
❌ False. They’re perfect for older homes without ductwork. -
“They’re too expensive.”
❌ Higher upfront cost, but lower operating costs mean long-term savings. -
“Window units are just as good.”
❌ Window ACs can’t provide heating, are noisier, and cost more in energy.
💡 Mike’s Final Takeaway
Switching from a window unit to a MRCOOL Advantage mini split changed how I think about home comfort.
With the old window AC, I had:
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Noise, blocked windows, and high bills.
With my new mini split, I now enjoy:
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Quiet, efficient comfort year-round.
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Full use of my windows.
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Lower monthly costs and a longer-lasting system.
👉 If you just need temporary cooling for a dorm or rental, a window unit still has its place. But if you’re ready for a long-term solution, the MRCOOL Advantage is the upgrade you won’t regret.
In the next topic we will know more about: How Much Does It Cost to Run a 9,000 BTU MRCOOL Mini Split Each Month?
