12000 BTU Mini Split Heat Pumps (115V)

A 12000 btu mini split is the middle of this single-zone lineup, and we sell two of them. Both are 115V heat pumps. The 19 SEER2 model, MSC-12-HAC1, cools at 12,000 BTU/h and heats at 12,200 BTU/h at 47°F, and it is published for up to 550 square feet. The 17 SEER2 model, MSCR32-12CHSA1, publishes 11,500 BTU/h of cooling and 11,500 BTU/h of heating, also up to 550 square feet. Same coverage label, different capacity, so read the sheet for the room you have.

A living room with average sun is the usual fit. A closed bedroom often lands on 9,000 BTU instead. An open plan with a big west window, or a room you also need to heat in a cold climate, can push past both of these. The free size finder checks cooling and heating together. That is the right next step before you pick a minisplit unit.

Both systems are 115V~/60Hz/1P, often called 110V or 120V. Neither is 208/230V, and neither is a 220V head. Each sheet lists a minimum circuit ampacity of 17 A and a 25 A breaker, with 4 x 16 AWG connecting wiring. Have a licensed electrician confirm the circuit. If the room needs the 23,000 BTU system, that one is 208/230V and needs a dedicated circuit.

SEER2 is the seasonal cooling number. 19 SEER2 (MSC-12-HAC1) is the higher-efficiency of the two, with HSPF2 of 7.5 in Region IV and 7.2 in Region V. 17 SEER2 (MSCR32-12CHSA1) publishes HSPF2 of 9.5 and 8.1. A higher SEER2 means less electricity for the same cooling over a season. It does not change the square-foot figure on the sheet.

Both use 3/8 in gas and 1/4 in liquid lines, and both outdoor units are precharged for 25 ft. The 19 SEER2 sheet allows 50 ft maximum and includes a 16 ft line set. The 17 SEER2 sheet allows 49 ft and also includes a 16 ft line set. Mounting and routing are common homeowner steps. Flares, the vacuum, and the electrical connection belong with a licensed HVAC contractor. The warranty may not be honored if the unit was not professionally installed.

The price table on this page puts MSC-12HAC1 next to MSCR32-12CHSA1, using the catalog price and the spec sheet. MSC-12HAC1 is 10 EER2, with indoor sound from 27 to 42 dB(A) and outdoor sound of 52 dB. MSCR32-12CHSA1 is 9.5 EER2, with indoor sound from 29 to 43 dB(A) and outdoor sound of 53 dB. EER2 is one outdoor test point. SEER2, above, is the seasonal cooling number, so a higher SEER2 does not change the 550 square foot figure on either sheet.

A 12000 BTU (one-ton) mini split suits a room of about 450 to 550 sq ft with an 8 ft ceiling and average sun: a large bedroom, a living room, a studio apartment, a bonus room or a small shop. The ENERGY STAR room chart starts a 550 sq ft room at 12,000 BTU. Both of our 12K models list coverage of up to about 550 sq ft.

Sun, ceiling height, insulation, and the climate you live in change that answer. A sunny room with a lot of glass, or a garage, can need more. The free Size Finder takes those into account and matches a model. For a garage specifically, read our garage guide.

Both 12000 BTU models run on 115V, on a dedicated 115V circuit, instead of needing a 208/230V one. That is why many people choose 12K for a room where running a 230V line would be a hassle. Dedicated means the circuit serves only the mini split. They are not plug-in units. Have a licensed electrician confirm your panel and the circuit size on the nameplate. Our guide on 115V vs 208/230V explains the difference.

The higher SEER2 means lower running cost for the same hours of use. The 17 SEER2 model (MSCR32-12CHSA1) is rated 11,500 BTU/h, slightly under a true 12,000, which is why we state it on its product page.

If your room is closer to 400 sq ft, our 9,000 BTU mini splits cost less to buy. If it is bigger, sunnier, or you want to heat in a cold climate, step up to the 2 ton / 24K mini split (23,000 BTU), up to 1,400 sq ft.

The 19 SEER2 system (MSC-12-HAC1, R410a) is the higher-efficiency, full-capacity option: 12,000 BTU cooling, 12,200 BTU heating and a 16 ft line set in the box. The 17 SEER2 system (MSCR32-12CHSA1, R32) publishes 11,500 BTU cooling and 11,500 BTU heating with a higher published HSPF2 (9.5 Region IV).

These are the manufacturers' published ratings under typical conditions: up to 550 sq ft for the 19 SEER2 and up to 550 sq ft for the 17 SEER2. They are not identical — the 17 SEER2 publishes 11,500 BTU of cooling rather than a full 12,000, so check your load with the size finder.

The ENERGY STAR chart puts 450–550 sq ft at 12,000 BTU with an 8 ft ceiling and average sun, before adjustments. Run the free size finder with your sun, ceiling, insulation and climate; it checks heating as well as cooling and names the model that covers both.

Both 12,000 BTU systems publish 115V~/60Hz/1P. Have a licensed electrician confirm the circuit. All 115V systems are together on the 110V mini split hub.