Temperature and humidity are the two most important aspects of your grow-room environment. For instance, you need a greenhouse heater to keep things toasty during winter. In the summer, a grow room mini split is essential to offset the heat coming from components like grow lights.
Today, growers are increasingly shifting from traditional central duct systems to the more modern mini splits. Why? Because using the best mini split for grow room comes with many benefits that you can’t get from other systems.
Just to name a few, a mini split is easy to set up, so you can install it in virtually any space. Not only does it reduce heat, but it also gives you complete control of the temperature in the room, providing the perfect climate for your plants.
Reviews of the Best Mini Splits for Grow Room
Last update on 2020-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Thanks to technological advancements, the mini split market has grown tremendously in recent years. If you are shopping for a new split, you will likely be overwhelmed by the number of options available in the market.
Reading this guide, you will learn how to pick the best grow room mini split. Moreover, we offer you a list of reviews of mini splits for grow room.
Let’s dive right in.
1. PIONEER Air Conditioner WYS018G-19 – Best Overall
Last update on 2020-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pioneer is renowned for its mini-split prowess. The 18k BTU WYS018G-19 is designed to manage the temperature and air quality of grow rooms as large as 1,000 sq ft. If your indoor garden is bigger, you can up the capacity to 30,000 or 36,000 BTU.
The powerful outdoor unit features a durable build made of galvanized metal. It is also coated with electrostatic epoxy paint for maximum longevity. Controlled by a variable speed inverter, the compressor achieves a SEER rating of 19. This makes it an excellent choice for 24/7 grow-room conditioning.
The indoor unit is compact and lightweight for easy installation and mobility. It features automatic swing-air discharge louvers and permanent air filters that you can detach and wash. Inside the indoor unit is a whisper-quiet fan, which makes the system ideal for grow-rooms that are next to living quarters.
You can operate this unit using the wireless remote controller while moving freely in your grow room. Sold separately is a Wi-Fi controller kit to monitor and adjust the conditions in your grow room from your smartphone.
Pioneer ships the WYS018G-19 with a full installation kit. And if you have some technical expertise, you can save some bucks by installing it yourself.
Pros
- Durable build
- Energy-efficient.
- Light and compact indoor section
- Remote Wi-Fi control
- Whisper-quiet operation
- Ships with a full installation kit
Cons
- Requires significant technical expertise to install
The Pioneer WYS018G-19 offers unparalleled heating and cooling performance. You also get top-notch energy efficiency, reliable long-term service, and a full installation kit. In our opinion, the WYS018G-19 is the best mini split for grow rooms available today.
2. DuctlessAire 24k BTU Mini Split AC and Heat Pump – Most Energy Efficient
Last update on 2020-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The 24,000 BTU DuctlessAire shares more than a few similarities with equivalent models from other brands. However, what sets it apart is its outstanding energy efficiency. With 20.5 SEER and an Energy Star label, the system stretches the benefits of variable speed inverter control to the limit. Depending on the power supply, you can choose either the 110-120-volt or the 208-220-volt unit for ideal compatibility.
This DuctlessAire model provides stellar performance for its size and price. Moreover, with an inbuilt leak detection system, any refrigerant leaks will be noticed almost immediately.
Out of the box, the outdoor unit comes with mounting brackets and a PVC-line cover kit. The indoor section of the DuctlessAire features a stylish front panel and a quiet fan. You can toggle through the fan’s three-speed modes using the remote control.
Grow room owners like to keep tabs on their plants at all times. And the DuctlessAire allows you to do just that by providing WiFi capability. To top it all off, DuctlessAire offers a comprehensive warranty for the unit.
Pros
- Highly efficient
- Excellent indoor unit design
- Quiet operation
- Variable fan speed mode
- Wi-Fi connectivity for smartphone control
Cons
- Professional installation is required
The 24,000 BTU DuctlessAire is a high-performance mini split. It will heat and cool your grow room effectively while keeping your energy bills low. Admittedly, the installation process can be challenging if you want to DIY. Nonetheless, the reward is a capable system that will serve you for years to come.
3. Senville SENL-24CD Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump
Last update on 2020-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Senville SENL line makes regular appearances on numerous “best mini split” lists regardless of the application. Grow room owners often go for the 24,000 BTU Senville SENL-24CD because of its reliable low-temperature operation. As a low ambient kit, this system can heat a grow room when outside temperatures are as low as 5°F.
Besides excellent performance, the compressor is controlled by an inverter system. This controller varies the speed as the system accomplishes the pre-set temperature. As a result, the unit is notably efficient, achieving a SEER rating of 17.
Both the indoor and outdoor sections of this mini split operate with a barely audible hum. If you have a bedroom or library close to your grow room, you can turn the system’s noise even lower by activating Sleep mode. The best part? You do not need to go into the room to change the settings of your mini split. With the Senville app, you can monitor the temperature in your grow room from your smartphone.
The SENL-24CD comes with a full installation kit. However, Senville advises against self-installation if you are not a licensed HVAC professional.
Pros
- Robust heating capability for low-temperature operation
- Commendable efficiency
- Whisper-quiet indoor and outdoor sections with active Sleep mode
- Smartphone connectivity via Wi-Fi
- Full installation kit
Cons
- Requires professional installation
The Senville SENL-24CD is a high-quality mini split that provides excellent low-temperature performance. If you live in locations that experience cold winters, your grow room will highly benefit from this unit.
4. Okyotech 24,000 BTU Mini Split – Budget option
Last update on 2020-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our budget grow-room mini-split choice is the 24,000 BTU 15 SEER Okyotech Ductless Mini. Granted, you can find several other good options in the under $700 price range. Nonetheless, Okyotech 24k BTU snatches the top position by having the highest number of positive features.
When compared to pricier items, this system matches up in more ways than one. Its indoor units are stylish and non-intrusive. It also comes with its Ozone-friendly, chlorine-free refrigerant already pre-charged. The line-sets are also pre-vacuumed so you won’t need a vacuum pump if you decide to install the mini split yourself.
The Okyotech boasts four operating modes: heating, cooling, dehumidifying, and ventilating. With a decent 15 SEER rating, the system is efficient regardless of the settings you use. With this unit, your grow room will benefit from the 3D Air Flow Technology. The indoor unit heats from the bottom upwards and cools from the top downwards. This mode of operation enables it to achieve the desired temperature much faster than the average mini split.
Toshiba ships the Okyotech with a generous 5-year warranty on the compressor and a 3-year cover for the whole unit. This speaks of the confidence that the company has in the system’s long-term reliability.
Pros
- Affordable
- Stylish and compact indoor units
- Relatively easy to install
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- 3D Air Flow Technology
Cons
- Comparatively tight range of operation
The Okyotech 24,000 BTU offers the best value for money you can get from a grow room mini split. However, if your winters tend to get dramatically cold, you will want to go with a unit that offers a wider range. The Senville SENL or Klimaire KSIV are better alternatives in that regard.
5. Klimaire 24,000 BTU Mini-Split – New and improved
Last update on 2020-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Klimaire has not been in the AC game for long. Regardless, its units are garnering significant praise among experts and users alike. The 24,000 BTU KSIV model is their most grow-room-friendly system. And it competes well with the other units on this list.
The outdoor unit comes pre-charged with refrigerant and can accommodate 25 feet of refrigerant lines. It also includes a refrigerant leak detection monitor to protect the compressor from unnoticed refrigerant leakages. Moreover, its compact design means you won’t struggle to find a suitable location for it outside your grow room.
Klimaire’s DC inverter technology achieves high efficiency by eliminating hard starts and stops. The mini split is able to heat a grow room up from as low as 5°F, thus offering reliable temperature control even in the dead of winter.
Like all other mini splits in the KSIV range, this model comes with oscillating louvers. This feature keeps the air evenly distributed throughout your garden. The unit also boasts evaporator auto-cleaning, which prevents bacteria growth to maintain a high-quality atmosphere in your grow room.
Pros
- Highly efficient
- Operates across a wide temperature range
- Refrigerant leak detection
- Quiet fan
- Oscillating louvers
- Auto-cleaning functionality
Cons
- Requires professional installation
For a product made by a newcomer in the HVAC game, the Klimaire KSIV 24,000 BTU mini split ticks most of the essential boxes without breaking the bank.
How to Choose the Best Grow Room Mini Split System
The five systems above are all top of the line. However, to pick the best mini split AC for grow room, you must consider several essential factors. These include;
- The size of your room
- The number of zones you need to condition
- Energy efficiency
- Ease of installation
- Extra features
Let’s talk over each point in detail.
Grow Room Size
The size of your grow room is a crucial consideration when choosing your configuration. Generally, the capacity of a mini split directly corresponds to the size of space it can heat and cool effectively.
It may seem cut and dry that more BTUs equals a warmer or cooler space. But too much capacity relative to the size of a room can cause the unit to toggle on and off, which can overwork the components. A continuous on-off cycle will also disrupt moisture removal. This will leave your grow-room feeling damp and clammy.
The table below will give you a rough idea of the BTUs to go for depending on the size of your grow room. However, you may want to consult a professional to ensure you get the best option.
Number of Zones
Mini splits typically come in two options: single-zone and multi-zone units. A single-zone mini split has one indoor and one outdoor unit on a 1:1 ratio. In contrast, a multi-zone system has multiple indoor units connecting to a single outdoor compressor-condenser combo. Single-zone systems typically condition the temperature of one room. On the other hand, multi-zone systems can heat and cool up to five zones.
If your garden is one continuous room, a single-zone unit will likely be sufficient. But if you have separated your grow room into sections, a multi-zone mini split is the way to go.
Compactness and energy efficiency
Mini split air conditioners are designed for compactness and efficiency because they operate as effective thermodynamically closed systems. However, efficiency varies from one unit to the next. The most reliable way to compare energy efficiency is by looking at the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of your options. The higher the ratings, the more money the unit will save you.
Some units, like the 24,000 BTU DuctlessAire mini split above, also boast an Energy Star. The star indicates top-of-the-range efficiency.
Your Preferred Installation Type
Most modern mini splits are wall-mounted. Recently, however, manufacturers have been coming up with unique and clever installation configurations. If you do not want a permanent air conditioner hanging on the wall, you can go for a ceiling unit or a floor unit. A ceiling-mounted mini split hangs on the ceiling using a recessed cassette. As an alternative, the floor system is installed at the baseboards for a more discrete look.
Some mini splits also ship with a parts-and-tools kit to make installation a breeze. If you are into DIY work, you can save a significant amount of money by installing the system yourself. A proper DIY-friendly mini split will come with features that keep the installation process as straightforward as possible.
The Special Features of Your Ideal Unit
A mini split is typically a technologically endowed appliance. It is equipped with various user-friendly features that make it ideal for your grow room. That said, all systems are not equally gifted. To get a unit that will give you maximum convenience, you may want to prioritize a few extras.
Wi-Fi connectivity will enable you to control the temperature in your grow room from anywhere using your smartphone. Variable-speed inverter technology will help your system operate efficiently. And, if you get a unit with adjustable louvers, you can dictate airflow as you see fit. If you cannot decide between two excellent mini split choices, comparing special features can break the deadlock.
Conclusion
Now that you know the top choices on the market and what to look for when shopping, it is time to pick the best mini split for grow room. While our reviews of mini splits for grow room are likely to fit your bill, the buying guide will help you zero in on the right unit.
Deciding on the perfect ductless air conditioning for grow room requires you to weigh a variety of different options. Take some time to do the pre-work, and you can rest easy knowing you are making the right investment.
