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Pick two to four models. The best figure in each row is marked, and every number comes from the maker, NEEP or ENERGY STAR. Copy the URL to share a comparison.

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SpecACiQ Essentials 36,000 BTU 230V (R32)MrCool DIY 5th Gen 36,000 BTU 230V
PhotoACiQ Essentials 36,000 BTU 230V (R32)MrCool DIY 5th Gen 36,000 BTU 230V
Our scoreSCORE6.4 / 10SCORE6.9 / 10
Our takeThe biggest Essentials holds the least of its rating at 5°F, 64% per ACiQ. A single 3-ton head is a lot for one room; check the load first.The most heat in the line at -13°F, but it is a lot of unit for a garage, gives up efficiency and carries neither ENERGY STAR label.
Nominal size36,000 BTU36,000 BTU
Voltage230V230V
Rated heat at 47°F36,000 BTU/h36,000 BTU/h
Heat at 17°F28,400 BTU/hbest23,400 BTU/h
Heat at 5°Fn/a22,000 BTU/h
Lowest heating temp-4°F-13°Fbest
Max heat at lowest temp16,800 BTU/hbest14,400 BTU/h
SEER220best18
HSPF2 (Region IV)9.5best8.5
Install typeFlareQuick-connect
Line set in box16 ft25 ftbest
Max line run98 ftbest75 ft
Warranty covers owner installNoYes
Warranty, parts4 yr5 yrbest
Warranty, compressor6 yr7 yrbest
ENERGY STAR Cold ClimateNoNo
ENERGY STARNoNo
RefrigerantR-32R-454B
Watch out forTwo Essentials 20 SEER2 lines exist: this R32 one (model numbers with -32-) and an R-454B one with different numbers; NEEP lists only the R-454B units. The 5°F and -4°F figures are ACiQ's own maximums from its submittal, not NEEP or AHRI ratings. Warranty is 3 yr parts / 5 yr compressor unregistered; 4 / 6 needs registration within 90 days, and the whole system must be installed and diagnosed by an EPA-certified technician. Sold on Amazon by HVACDirect Online.MRCOOL also called its older R-410A 4th Gen DIY "E Star"; confirm R-454B and a model number of the form DIY-...D25-O. DIYS- is the cheaper DIY Select and EZPRO- is the Easy Pro; a listing that says "5th Gen" and "Select" is the Select. The manual says the line sets install once; reconnecting them, or the pipes at the outdoor unit, voids the warranty.
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