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Pioneer Mini Split Heat Pump and AC

Pioneer Mini Split Heat Pump/AC Review

Looking for a Pioneer mini split air conditioner? 

You’ve come to the right place.

Mini-splits are easier to install and use less energy compared to central air conditioners. Also, a mini-split is much quieter than a window or portable AC.

In this product roundup, we review and compare the top five Pioneer mini-split ACs and heat pumps.

If you prefer a through the wall AC instead, take a look at our top 10 reviews of the best through-the-wall ACs. 


About Pioneer

pioneer air conditioner

Pioneer is a brand of Parker Davis HVAC International. The company has been making high-quality air conditioners since 1995.

Pioneer mini-split systems generally have positive customer reviews, with most listings on Amazon rated over four stars.

Pioneer air conditioners are engineered to be highly efficient, ensuring you spend as little on energy costs. 

Each Pioneer mini split comes with a warranty, usually between one and five years. The manufacturer also provides ongoing support for any problems that might arise.

When you buy a Pioneer mini-split, you are buying a well-known and trusted brand.


Pioneer Mini Split ACs Compared 

  1. 1
    Our Top Pick: Pioneer® WYS012GMFI19RL-16 12,000 BTU
  2. 2
    Best Pioneer Mini Split for Large Rooms: Pioneer® WYS018GMFI19RL-16 18,000
  3. 3
    Best Pioneer Ceiling Cassette Mini Split: Pioneer® CYB012GMFILCAD-10 12,000 BTU 
  4. 4
    Best Pioneer Floor Mounted Mini Split: Pioneer® FYB012GMFILCAD-10 12,000 BTU 
  5. 5
    Most Affordable Pioneer Mini Split: Pioneer® WYT009GLFI19RL Diamante Series 9,000 Btu 

Pioneer® WYS012GMFI19RL-16
  • Pioneer® WYS012GMFI19RL-16

  • Our top pick
  • 12,000 BTU
  • SEER:


    19.5
  • Installation:


    Wall
  • Coverage:


    350-450 sq. ft.
  • Sound level:


    38dB
  • Warranty:


    2yrs on parts, 5yrs on compressor

Pioneer® WYS018GMFI19RL-16
  • Pioneer® WYS018GMFI19RL-16

  • Best for large rooms
  • 18,000 BTU
  • SEER:


    19
  • Installation:


    Wall
  • Coverage:


    350-650 sq. ft.
  • Sound level:


    43dB
  • Warranty:


    2yrs on parts, 5yrs on compressor

Pioneer® CYB012GMFILCAD-10
  • Pioneer® CYB012GMFILCAD-10

  • Best ceiling cassette mini split
  • 12,000 BTU
  • SEER:


    21.5
  • Installation:


    Ceiling
  • Coverage:


    350-450 sq. ft.
  • Sound level:


    43dB
  • Warranty:


    2yrs on parts, 5yrs on compressor

Pioneer® FYB012GMFILCAD-10
  • Pioneer® FYB012GMFILCAD-10

  • Best floor mini split
  • 12,000 BTU
  • SEER:


    20.5
  • Installation:


    Floor
  • Coverage:


    350-450 sq. ft.
  • Sound level:


    48dB
  • Warranty:


    2yrs on parts, 5yrs on compressor

Pioneer® WYT009GLFI19RL
  • Pioneer® WYT009GLFI19RL

  • Most affordable Pioneer mini split
  • 9,000 BTU
  • SEER:


    19
  • Installation:


    Wall
  • Coverage:


    250-350 sq. ft.
  • Sound level:


    38dB
  • Warranty:


    5yrs on parts, 5yrs on compressor

pioneer air conditioner

The Pioneer® WYS012GMFI19RL-16 12,000-BTU mini-split is the best choice for most people. It’s powerful enough to cool fairly large rooms, and the high SEER rating means you spend less on energy bills.

Pros

  • Affordable price.
  • Energy-efficient.
  • Powerful cooling and heating – ideal for mid-size and large rooms.
  • WiFi-ready.
  • Whisper quiet.

Cons

  • Instruction is not very clear.

Our Review 

If you are looking for a powerful and energy-efficient Pioneer mini split that doesn’t cost too much money, we recommend the WYS012GMFI19RL-16 model.

It is a wall-mounted 12,000-BTU mini split AC with a higher than average SEER rating of 19.5.

The AC’s high efficiency comes from the variable speed compressor driven by a DC inverter. Variable speed technology allows the AC to adjust cooling or heating capacity based required demand.

Some of the notable features of the Pioneer mini-split include:

Follow Me – A temperature sensor in the remote control allows the AC to automatically adjust the temperature to the most comfortable level.

Anti-cold Air Function – To ensure the fan doesn’t blow cold air when you switch to heating, it starts at the lowest speed and spins faster as air is heated up.

Leakage detection – The AC can automatically detect a refrigerant leakage and immediately stop the system to prevent damage.

WiFi-ready – A WiFi module (available separately) allows you to remotely control the AC from your phone.

The Pioneer WYS012GMFI19RL-16 mini split comes as a full set with both the indoor and outdoor units and a complete installation kit.


Pioneer® WYS018GMFI19RL-16 18,000 BTU 19 Seer

Large spaces need more cooling and heating power. We recommend the Pioneer® WYS018GMFI19RL-16 18,000-BTU mini split air conditioner.

Pros

  • Powerful cooling and heating.
  • High energy efficiency.
  • Comes with a full installation kit.
  • Quiet operation.
  • Good value for money.

Cons

  • The installation manual could be clearer.

Our Review 

The WYS018GMFI19RL-16 model puts out more cooling and heating power than the base 9,000 and 12,000 BTU systems. It’s perfect for large rooms up to 650 square feet.

Despite its higher output, the Pioneer 18,000 BTU mini-split is highly energy efficient. It has an impressive SEER rating of 19.

Like the 12,000 BTU model above, it runs on a variable speed compressor that matches output to cooling or heating demand.

The 18,000 BTU model also comes with an anti-cold air function, a follow-me feature, and a refrigerant leak detector. It’s also WiFi-ready, though remote phone control requires a separate WiFI module.

The WYS018GMFI19RL-16 mini-split is a bit louder than the lower BTU models. At the highest fan speed at 43 decibels for indoor unit, you’ll struggle to hear it running.

Many customers say the instructions could be clearer. But since you’ll likely have a pro install it, that shouldn’t be a major issue.


pioneer mini split

Prefer the discrete design of ceiling-mounted mini-splits? We recommend the Pioneer® CYB012GMFILCAD-10 12,000-BTU ceiling cassette.

It has a high SEER rating and can cool and heat most room sizes.

Pros

  • High SEER rating – bigger energy savings.
  • Discrete installation on the ceiling.
  • Multiple air outlets provide even cooling/heating.
  • Quiet operation.

Cons

  • More expensive than comparable wall-mounted mini-splits.

Our Review 

Ceiling cassettes are more discrete than wall-mounted units. They also have better air distribution because they have multiple air outlets and can end cooled or heated air to every corner of the room.

The Pioneer® CYB012GMFILCAD-10 features 12,000 BTU of cooling and heating power. It’s ideal for a room up to 450 square feet.

With a SEER rating of 21.5, the Pioneer® CYB012GMFILCAD-10 I is a big energy-saver, especially for climates that experience extreme heat or cold.

It’s also super quiet. The indoor unit has an average noise level of 43 decibels when on the highest fan speed.

The Pioneer ceiling cassette has a feature called Temperature Compensation. Because the air near the ceiling tends to be warmer than air near the floor, the Pioneer mini split compensates for this by mixing different air layers. This cools the room faster and keeps the room at a uniform temperature.

Other features include refrigerant leakage detection, anti-cold air function, and a remote thermostat (follow me).

You can also set the AC to maintain the room at a low 46F when it is unoccupied for a prolonged period. This keeps it from getting too cold and freezing.


Pioneer® FYB012GMFILCAD-10 12,000 BTU 20.5 Seer

Prefer a floor mini split instead of a wall or ceiling-mounted one? We recommend the Pioneer® FYB012GMFILCAD-10 12,000 BTU floor console.

Pros

  • Dual air outlet.
  • High energy efficiency.
  • The remote thermostat in a remote control.
  • Ideal for large rooms.

Cons

  • Instructions could be clearer.

Our Review 

To be clear, floor mini-split is not installed right on the floor. It’s usually installed on the wall close to the floor.

If you don’t want to hang it on the wall, you can also have it stand on the floor vertically against the wall.

The Pioneer® FYB012GMFILCAD-10 has a 12,000 BTU heating and cooling powerIt’s ideal for mid-size and large rooms measuring between 350 and 450 square feet.

The SEER rating is an impressive 20.5, which means more energy savings for you.

The Pioneer® FYB012GMFILCAD-10 floor console has a dual air outlet at the bottom and top. You can have air coming out of both for even cooling/heating or select a single outlet.

Other features include anti-cold air function, a follow-me feature on the remote control, and refrigerant leakage detection.


Pioneer Diamante

Shopping on a budget? Pioneer’s Diamante series has some pocket-friendly options. The cheapest is the 9,000 BTU WYT009GLFI19RL model. It’s also great for small rooms.

Pros

  • Budget price.
  • High SEER rating.
  • Dual swing louvers spread air evenly.
  • Very quiet.

Cons

  • Not ideal for large spaces.

Our Review 

The Pioneer Diamante WYT009GLFI19RL doesn’t have as many features as other pricier Pioneer units and has less cooling/heating power, but it’s perfect for folks a budget.

It has a surprisingly high SEER rating for its price (19). We are also surprised to find energy-saving variable compressor technology in a mini-split at this price point.

With an output of 9,000 BTU, the Pioneer Diamante WYT009GLFI19RL is a great choice for small rooms where it would be wasteful to run a 12,000 BTU or a higher mini-split. Pioneer recommends it for spaces up to 350 square feet.

The mini-split is quiet, with an average noise level of just 38 decibels.

The Pioneer Diamante WYT009GLFI19RL is a full set with both the indoor and outdoor units and a complete installation kit.


How to Choose the Right Pioneer Mini Split AC?

best mini split heat pump

Pioneer sells numerous mini-split models with varying specs and features. Here’s what to consider when buying a Pioneer mini-split heat pump.

BTU 

The right number of BTUs depends on the size of the room you want to cool or heat. Generally, 20 BTU is recommended for every square foot.

But if you have less than optimal insulation, add more BTUs to compensate for it.

Pioneer recommends their 9,000 BTU units for areas up to 350 sq. ft., the 12,000 BTU units for rooms up to 450 sq. ft. and their 18,000 BTU units for spaces up to 650 sq. ft.

Under-sizing a mini-split will cause it to work too hard, use a lot of energy, and can wear out components prematurely. Buying a mini-split that’s too large for a room is a waste of energy.

SEER

SEER or seasonal energy efficiency ratio is a measure of the energy efficiency of an air conditioner. Generally, a SEER of at least 14 is ideal.

Pioneer sells mini-splits that range between a SEER rating of 19 and 23, making Pioneer ACs more energy efficient than most in the market.

Type 

A wall-mounted mini spit is the most popular choice. It distributes air well and is relatively easy to install.

A ceiling cassette is more discrete, making it a good choice for those who want a mini-split that is not easily noticeable.

A floor mini-split is ideal if you want better air distribution around your feet.

Noise Level 

Noise is not a problem with most mini-splits. Even the noisiest Pioneer mini splits are still very quiet.

Be more cautious when buying a floor mini-split AC. Because it is closer to you, the noise can be distracting. Make sure you get a low-decibel model (no louder than 40 dB).

Full Set 

Finally, make sure you are buying a full set with both the indoor and outdoor units. Pioneer sells some indoor and outdoor units separately. Make sure you are not accidentally buying a separate unit unless that’s your intention.

Complete Pioneer mini-split ACs include the outdoor and indoor units plus a full installation kit.


Pioneer Mini Split ACs FAQs

Pioneer Mini Split ACs FAQs

Do I need a professional to install a Pioneer mini split AC? 

Yes, you need a pro to install the AC. While they are less of a hassle to install, ductless mini splits still require proper placement and setup. Incorrect installation can reduce energy efficiency and cause the mini-split not to heat or cool properly.

What’s the warranty on Pioneer mini-split heat pumps? 

For most of their models, Pioneer offers a 2-year warranty on parts and a 5-year warranty on the compressor.

Who makes Pioneer mini split air conditioners? 

The manufacturer of Pioneer mini-split ACs is Parker Davis HVAC International.

About the Author Tom Hanson

I’ve worked as an HVAC tech in Phoenix, AZ for the past 10 years. I created CoolAndPortable.com to help home owners select the right portable air conditioner, cooler or air purifier for their needs & budget in just a few minutes.

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