Pick the right mini split the first time

Start with the room, not the brand

Capacity is the decision that matters most. Match the square footage you need to cool, then compare units in that size.

1. 9,000 BTUUp to 400 sq ftBedroom, home office, small studioSee 9,000 BTU units
2. 12,000 BTU400 to 550 sq ftPrimary bedroom, living room, one-car garageSee 12,000 BTU units
3. 18,000 BTU550 to 1,000 sq ftOpen living area, two-car garage, small shopSee 18,000 BTU units
4. 24,000 BTU1,000 to 1,400 sq ftWhole floor, large workshop, small storefrontSee 24,000 BTU units
5. 36,000 BTU1,400 to 2,000 sq ftLarge open space or light commercialSee 36,000 BTU units
6. 2 to 5 zonesSeveral roomsOne outdoor unit, a separate head in each roomSee multi-zone systems

These ranges assume 8-foot ceilings and average insulation. Go up one size for a kitchen, a sun-facing room or an uninsulated garage. Don’t go bigger than that: an oversized unit short-cycles, and the room ends up cold but clammy.