Is MRCOOL a Good Brand? A Complete Review of MRCOOL Mini Splits

Updated October 2026

Yes, MRCOOL is a good HVAC brand for most homeowners, especially if you value efficiency, a fair price and the option to install a system yourself. MRCOOL is an American heating and cooling company founded in 2014 and headquartered in Hickory, Kentucky. It is best known for its DIY® mini splits, which use pre-charged Quick Connect® line sets so homeowners can install them without a vacuum pump or refrigerant gauges.

MRCOOL isn't the right fit for every home, though. Below we cover who the company is, its main product lines, where DIY installation makes sense (and where it doesn't), warranty basics, and who should buy one.

Who Is MRCOOL?

According to MRCOOL, the company was incorporated in Tennessee in 2014. Its origin was a father-and-son idea from Doug and Jason Ingram: an HVAC system that a non-professional could install. The first DIY® single-zone mini split launched that same year with pre-charged line sets. MRCOOL moved its headquarters to Hickory, Kentucky, in 2015, and the company says it had grown to more than 200 employees by 2022.

Some milestones from MRCOOL's own history:

• 2019: Expanded distribution into Canada
• 2020: Launched the Universal ducted split heat pump and the DIY® multi-zone heat pump
• 2021: Received patents for its pre-charged Quick Connect® line sets
• 2025: Moved its product lines from R-410A to R-454B refrigerant

Today MRCOOL makes ductless mini splits, central split systems, packaged units and gas furnaces, so it covers far more than a single niche product.

MRCOOL Product Lines at a Glance

For a deeper look at the newest DIY line, read MRCOOL 5th Gen DIY mini splits. To compare the two central heat pump families, see MRCOOL Hyper Heat vs. VersaPro and our guide to the Hyper Heat series. All of MRCOOL's central systems are in our MRCOOL central split systems collection.

The DIY Advantage, and Its Limits

MRCOOL's biggest difference is that you can install the DIY® line yourself. The line sets come pre-charged with refrigerant, and MRCOOL says the valves are patented and certified by Intertek. So there's no vacuuming, no brazing and no refrigerant charging. You mount the indoor and outdoor units, thread the connections together, open the service valves and check for leaks. Our step-by-step MRCOOL DIY installation guide walks through the whole process.

A few honest limits to plan around:

• Electrical work: MRCOOL's manual says the wiring must be installed by a licensed electrician, so budget for one to run the dedicated circuit and disconnect.
• One-time connections: Quick Connect® fittings are designed to be connected once. Reconnecting them can cause leaks and void the warranty.
• Physical work: You'll be drilling a 3.54-inch hole through an exterior wall and lifting the units. A helper makes it much easier.
• Local rules: Some areas require permits or inspections for HVAC and electrical work. Check before you start.

If you'd rather not do any of it, an Olympus or Advantage system installed by a local HVAC contractor is the traditional route.

Efficiency and Refrigerant

MRCOOL's current systems use R-454B, a lower-global-warming-potential refrigerant. Our R-454B vs. R-410A guide explains what changed. Efficiency varies by series and size, so compare the SEER2 and HSPF2 ratings on each listing. If those terms are new to you, start with our explainer on SEER vs. SEER2 ratings. You can also confirm any model's certified ratings in the AHRI Directory.

What About the Warranty?

MRCOOL's warranty coverage varies by series. The DIY, Olympus, Advantage and central lines each have their own terms, so check the specific product on MRCOOL's warranty page, where you can also register your system. For DIY systems, follow the installation manual exactly. MRCOOL's manual states that it can only provide a warranty if the line set is installed as described in the instructions. Systems we sell ship new with the manufacturer's warranty.

MRCOOL Pros and Cons

Pros

• A true homeowner-installable mini split, which can save on installation labor
• A wide lineup, from single-room DIY units to central ducted heat pumps
• Cold-climate options, including the Hyper Heat central system
• Current models use R-454B refrigerant
• Smart controls on many models, including smartphone control

Cons

• You'll still need a licensed electrician, even for DIY systems
• Pro-installed lines (Olympus, Advantage) require finding a local HVAC contractor
• A DIY installation means you're responsible for following the manual closely to protect the warranty

Who Should Buy MRCOOL?

MRCOOL is a strong choice if you're a confident DIYer adding heating and cooling to a garage, addition, sunroom or a few rooms at a time. It also makes sense if you want a cold-climate central heat pump for a home with ductwork, or simply want good efficiency without paying luxury-brand prices.

If you'd rather hand the whole job to a contractor, MRCOOL's pro-installed lines are worth a look. Either way, size the system carefully first. Our mini split sizing guide shows you how.

The Bottom Line

MRCOOL has earned its reputation by making mini splits more accessible. It's a US-based company with more than a decade of DIY experience, a broad lineup and current R-454B systems. For the right buyer, especially a homeowner who wants to install it themselves, it's one of the most practical options available.

Browse the full MRCOOL collection, which includes an FAQ section, or start with MRCOOL DIY mini splits. For multi-room setups, our mini split bundle builder makes it easy to put a system together.