There are many different options available for a domestic air conditioner since different homes require different performances and a single model could not perform efficiently for applications. Therefore, almost all popular AC manufacturers offer various models which you can browse to get to the most efficient option. For many domestic applications, a 5-zone split AC system is preferred. This is a basic heating and cooling solution that needs only a single outdoor unit for up to 5 separate cooling zones. In hindsight, you can cool up to 5 rooms in your home with a single outdoor unit. Apart from that, there are a few more things that you need to know about a 5 zone mini split AC before you buy one.
- BTU Rating: For every cooling or heating appliance designed for room conditioning, you will find a certain BTU rating, one of its most important factors. The BTU or British Thermal Unit, is a measurement unit used to represent the amount of energy required by the appliance to maintain the room’s temperature. Since this is basically the capacity of the unit. You must check the BTU rating and see if you are getting the correct option for your room.
- Coverage Area: Apart from the system’s capacity, you should also pay attention to the coverage area of the AC. More importantly, as you are looking for multi-zone mini-split ACs since you would want to cover all rooms in your house with this system. Therefore, you should carefully calculate the total square footage area of the rooms you want to cover and then buy the AC system accordingly.
- SEER Rating: The SEER rating is also a very important specification as it tells you about the system’s energy efficiency. Fortunately, a lot of ACs these days are designed with energy efficiency in mind, making it possible for everyone to install high-capacity ACs in their homes without worrying about extensive energy bills. If you want to get an idea about the efficiency of the AC throughout the year, you should check out its SEER rating.
Apart from these, there are a few more things that you should know if you want to get the best 5 zone mini split AC for your home. And for that, we will include a special “Buying Guide” for the best 5 zone mini split ACs and discuss some important aspects of the system. We also have a handful of picks ready for you right here if you want to grab the best deal for your applications quickly. As we have shortlisted these options based on the characteristics you have seen so far, you will easily find the best option for your needs right here.
Best 5 Zone Mini Split Chart
Best 5 Zone Mini Split Review
1. Senville 5 Zone Mini Split AC
Since there aren’t a lot of budget choices available for a 5 zone mini split AC on the market right now, we are going to start off our list with the cheapest option we could find from a brand called Senville.
The Senville Five Zone Mini Split Air Conditioner is the 1st and most affordable option on this list today. However, Senville did not compromise on any features for this system, and it includes a built-in heat pump, allowing you to use the system throughout the year. This is also quite a powerful option, offering 48000 BTU power capacity, which can easily maintain up to 1000 sq ft. area with ease.
The all-in-one design of this air conditioner also includes a built-in dehumidifier and a fan mode so that you can use the system in monsoon as well. As for its efficiency, it features a high-efficiency DC inverter, making it a perfect option for the long term. And you also get a SEER rating of 22 for this unit, which further proves its performance. Despite being one of the affordable options, it comes with 10 years of warranty which is pretty good.
Best Features
- It has 48000 BTU power capacity
- Suitable for 1000 sq. ft. rooms
- It maintains 22 SEER rating
- Comes with 10 years of warranty
Pros
- Most affordable 5 zone split mini AC right now
- Great choice for home installations
- Individual temperature control
Cons
- Coverage area could have been better
2. Cooper & Hunter 5 Zone Mini Split AC
Cooper and Hunter is one of the top performing brands right now when it comes to air conditioners and other HVAC based appliances. Therefore, we are choosing a few options from Cooper and Hunter for our list today.
In the 2nd position, we have the Cooper and Hunter Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump. As the name indicates, this is a completely ductless air conditioning system that offers support for up to 2600 sq. ft. coverage area with the standard 48000 BTU power output. You also get power distribution of 9000, 12000, 12000, 12000, and 18000 BTUs throughout its 5 zones.
Since this is a rather premium choice compared to other options, you will find a handful of exclusive features on this system, such as smart access and WiFi-ready connectivity option. As this is also a multi-purpose HVAC system, you will be able to use it to heat up the room with the built-in heat pump even in the cold winter season when the surrounding temperature drops to -13 F. Still, it manages to save up to 60% energy costs with its highly efficient design while maintaining very low operational noise.
Best Features
- It has 48000 BTU power capacity
- Suitable for 2600 sq. ft. rooms
- It maintains 21.5 SEER rating
- Up to 60% lesser energy bills
Pros
- One of the most powerful options on the market right now
- 7 years warranty on the system
- Uses comparatively lesser power to operate
Cons
- Very expensive choice for smaller homes
3. Cooper 5 Zone Mini Split AC
Cooper and Hunter managed to land yet another great choice for a 5 zone mini split AC on our list from its wide range of choices. The following option from Cooper and Hunter is also perfectly suitable for larger workspaces.
In the 3rd place, we have one of the best options that you can find right now for a 5-zone mini split AC when it comes to workplace setups. This system can maintain a temperature of nearly 3200 sq. ft. wide coverage area without any problem. And just like our last option from Cooper and Hunter, this is also an all-year option with a built-in heat pump and dehumidifier.
Apart from offering you a highly relaxing working environment, the system will also grant you peace of mind with a 7 year long warranty period. And since it is made up of pro-grade components, you will find it absolutely perfect for long-term installation. The set includes the outdoor unit, five air handlers for each zone, and 5 individual remotes for each component.
Best Features
- It has 48000 BTU power capacity
- Suitable for 3200 sq. ft. rooms
- It maintains 23 SEER rating
- It comes with 7 years of warranty
Pros
- Coverage area is largest in this class
- It has a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Made up with pro-grade material
Cons
- It does not have WiFi connectivity option
4. Gree 5 Zone Mini Split AC
Gree is also one of the brands you will usually come across when you are looking to buy home environment maintenance appliances such as ACs, dehumidifiers, air purifiers, or even mini-split ACs.
The Gree Penta-Zone Wall Mount Mini Split Air Conditioner is yet another premium choice present on our list of the best 5-zone mini-split ACs, which you can prefer for domestic as well as professional applications. This system is powered by Gree’s own G10 inverter technology, which is specially designed for powerful output while saving energy. And, it also has the Multi21+ wall mount support to make its appearance absolutely stunning.
This is one of the few multi-zone AC systems on the market which offers a wall mounting solution, making the installation slightly difficult but perfect for a well-decorated household. It also offers a smart connectivity option via WiFi for remote access. Though, you will have to purchase the WiFi kit separately for that, along with four ¼ x ⅜ inch line sets.
Best Features
- It has 42000 BTU power capacity
- Suitable for 2300 sq. ft. rooms
- It maintains 21 SEER rating
- G10 inverter technology
Pros
- Design and appearance is pretty good
- 9000, 9000, 9000, 9000, 12000 BTU power distribution
- Multi21+ Vireo Wall Mount
Cons
- WiFi and line set are sole separately
5. Cooper & Hunter 25ft 5 Zone Mini Split AC
For the last position, we have chosen one more highly powerful option from Cooper and Hunter for our list of the best 5 zone mini split ACs. This is one of the budget choices from the brand that many of you might be looking for.
The Cooper & Hunter 5 zone mini split AC is our last pick for this list, and we have saved this option for the last position as it is a budget choice from the brand. Just like most other options, it has a predesigned power distribution of 9000, 9000, 12000, 12000, and 12000 BTUs from the total 48000 BTU power rating. This is also a ductless option to make the appearance a lot more attractive.
But more importantly, the system ships with 25 ft installation kits so that you won’t have to purchase it separately and can install it immediately. It also supports WiFi connectivity with an external WiFi adapter that you can purchase right alongside the system. This unit also warrants the performance and build quality of the product for 7 years when it comes to the compressor and 5 years on other parts. And since this is an ETL Intertek-approved and AHRI-certified product, you don’t have anything to worry about.
Best Features
- It has 48000 BTU power capacity
- AHRI certified and ETL Intertek approved product
- It maintains 22.4 SEER rating
- It has 7 years warranty on the compressor and 5 years on parts
Pros
- 9000, 9000, 12000, 12000, and 12000 BTUs distribution
- Comes with 25 ft installation kits
- Ductless mini split AC system
Cons
- WiFi adapter is not included
Buying Guide For The Best 5 Zone Mini Split
Buying a new appliance for your home is not an easy job, especially if you are buying an HVAC component such as a room heater or an air conditioner. Unlike portable options, most air conditioner models are designed to be permanently installed in a house. So, it would be a lot of trouble if you don’t find the model suitable for your needs later on.
Also, to find the perfect model for your home, you need to know the important specifications of the option you are looking at and compare it with your requirements. For example, you can check the coverage area of the AC with the size of your room, or BTU rating according to the room’s occupancy, and so on. To help you with that, we have prepared this helpful buying guide for the best 5-zone mini-split ACs. In this guide, we will discuss all of these qualities in detail so that you can understand their impact on the performance of the AC.
1. BTU
BTU or British Thermal Unit is a measurement unit commonly used to express the cooling/heating capacity of HVAC systems. The BTU rating for a 5-zone mini split AC can vary depending on the specific model and brand of the unit. In this case, the BTU rating indicates the system’s cooling capacity and is typically measured in terms of how many BTUs per hour (BTU/h) the unit can reduce from the space.
For example, a 5-zone mini split AC might have a total cooling capacity of 36,000 BTU/h, with each of the 5 indoor units having an average capacity of 6,000 BTU/h. This means that each indoor unit can cool a separate zone or room of up to a certain size, and the total cooling capacity of the system is sufficient to cool all 5 zones simultaneously. So, the higher the BTU rating, the better performance you can expect in each room with the 5-zone mini split AC system.
2. Coverage Area
The coverage area of a 5-zone mini split AC is important because it determines the maximum area the system can effectively cool. If the coverage area of the mini split AC is too small for your room, the system may struggle to maintain a comfortable temperature, and it may also consume more energy than required.
On the other hand, if the coverage area of the mini split AC is too large for the room or space, the system may cycle on and off frequently, which can also result in inefficient operation and increased wear and tear on the components. Therefore, it is important to choose a mini split AC with a coverage area that matches the size of the room or space that needs to be cooled. This will ensure that the system operates efficiently and effectively while maintaining optimal comfort levels.
3. SEER
The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating of a 5-zone mini split AC is important because it measures the system’s energy efficiency. More specifically, the SEER rating is the ratio of the system’s cooling output over a typical cooling season, divided by the energy it consumes in watt-hours. A higher SEER rating indicates that the HVAC system is more energy-efficient, meaning it can cool or heat the same space using less energy than a system with a relatively lower SEER rating.
This translates to lower energy bills and a reduced environmental impact altogether. In addition to the potential cost savings, choosing a 5-zone mini split AC with a higher SEER rating can also provide other benefits, such as improved indoor air quality, more consistent temperatures, and quieter operation. Therefore, when selecting a 5-zone mini split AC, it is important to consider the SEER rating.
4. Noise Level
The noise rating of a 5-zone mini split AC, or any other domestic AC, is also important because it can affect the comfort and user experience of the occupants of the space where the system is installed. A mini split AC that operates loudly can distract and make it difficult to sleep or concentrate, especially if the system is located in a bedroom or your workspace.
The noise rating of a mini split AC is typically measured in decibels (dB), where lower dB ratings indicate quieter operation. When choosing a 5-zone mini split AC, it is important to consider the noise rating and select a system that operates at a level that is comfortable for the space’s occupants. In addition to the comfort factor, the noise rating of a mini split AC can also be important in certain applications where noise levels are regulated, such as in some residential areas, apartment buildings, or commercial buildings.
5 Zone Mini Split – FAQs
Ans: The cooling and heating capacity of a 5-zone mini split system can vary depending on the manufacturer and model of the AC you are going with. Generally, a 5-zone mini-split system will have a total cooling capacity ranging between 36,000 to 60,000 BTUs, whereas the heating capacity usually lies between 36,000 to 72,000. The cooling and heating capacity of a mini-split system is typically divided among the indoor units, with each unit providing a certain amount of cooling and heating based on its size and configuration.
Ans: The cooling and heating capacity of a 5-zone mini split system can vary depending on the manufacturer and model of the AC you are going with. Generally, a 5-zone mini-split system will have a total cooling capacity ranging between 36,000 to 60,000 BTUs, whereas the heating capacity usually lies between 36,000 to 72,000. The cooling and heating capacity of a mini-split system is typically divided among the indoor units, with each unit providing a certain amount of cooling and heating based on its size and configuration.
Ans: The zoning feature in a 5-zone mini split system allows for independent temperature control of each indoor unit or zone, providing greater comfort and energy efficiency compared to traditional central air conditioning systems. The zoning feature uses individual thermostats or temperature sensors installed in each zone to communicate with the system’s main control panel. This allows the system to adjust each indoor unit’s cooling or heating output based on the temperature settings and feedback from the sensors for each room.
Ans: Yes, a 5-zone mini split system can be used in a home with multiple floors without any problem. In fact, mini-split systems are often a popular choice for homes with multiple floors because they provide independent temperature control for each floor or zone. With a 5-zone mini split system, each indoor unit can be installed in a different zone or floor, allowing for personalized temperature control based on the specific needs of each area.
Conclusion
We hope you are now aware of everything you need to know before buying a 5-zone split AC for your home, even if this is the first time you are going with this option. Unlike traditional options such as centralized systems, 5-zone mini split ACs offer many customization options and personalization in terms of output for different sections. Since each section is controlled individually, you can also expect a much higher energy saving, even when all 5 zones are active simultaneously. Therefore, a lot of buyers prefer a 5-zone mini split AC system for official as well as domestic installation. If you want to know more about these systems, kindly refer to our buying guide for the best 5-zone mini-split ACs. We also picked up a few great choices from this list in case you want a quick preview.
- Even though installing a 5-zone mini split AC is usually more affordable than installing a separate unit for each room, there aren’t many options that are as affordable as the Senville 5 Zone Mini Split Air Conditioner. Being the cheapest option on this list, this unit is still a great choice considering its 48000 BTUs cooling capacity and a SEER rating of 22, making it a pretty efficient system. With these configurations, the system can cover around 1000 sq. ft. area without any problem. It also has a heat pump in case you want to use the system as a space heater.
- Suppose you are buying a multi-zone mini split AC system. In that case, you must be looking for an option that can offer a satisfying performance in all zones, such as the Cooper and Hunter Multi Zone Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner. The 5 zones of this system offer 9000, 12000, 12000, 12000, and 18000 BTUs output capacity, respectively. Also, this is a WiFi Ready smart air conditioning system that supports remote access for better control and monitoring. Apart from cooling, the system also includes a built-in heater and a dehumidifier, making it an all-year choice for many buyers.
- The coverage area has always been a doubtful aspect for a 5-zone mini split AC system since it is supposed to cover a wide area, combining all 5 zones together. If you are also looking for an AC system for a large area, we suggest going with the Cooper and Hunter Ductless Air Conditioner. This is the only option from our list today that supports up to 3200 sq. ft. coverage area with a similar 48000 BTU output capacity. It also has a SEER rating of 23 which is slightly better than other options, making it a bonus for long-term installations.
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