5 Best Pioneer Mini Split Systems – Quiet Operation and Cost Efficiency!

By
Carolina Evans
Carolina Evans
Research Writer
Holds a Master’s degree in Engineering and is keen on her own home’s climate. Sometimes we think that Carolina owns every single product she writes about – that’s ho read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Richard Powell
Richard Powell
Expert Consultant
For 8 years, Richard had been working as an HVAC specialist and AC unit installer since his student years. Now, he’s our main consultant on every technical aspect that may read more
Last updated: September 12, 2023
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Most Pioneer mini-splits are fantastic, but that does not mean that any model can meet your home’s heating and cooling requirements. Their AC units are tailored to meet the needs of different users. A model that matches your neighbor’s home decor may not necessarily match yours and vice versa. This is why everything boils down to your preferences, like the type of AC unit you want, your coverage area or its cooling and heating efficiency. Some people prefer single-zone mini-splits while others love multi-zone systems.

Our team reviewed the best Pioneer mini-split air conditioning systems in the market and based the selection on the type, cooling and heating capacity, voltage, coverage area and dimensions of the units. We have several types of mini-splits like wall-mounted, single-zone, multi-zone, floor-mounted etc. Your AC system’s cooling and heating efficiency matter. The higher the BTU of your appliance, the higher its efficiency.  Experts also recommend you pay attention to the unit’s SEER and HSPF rating. Generally, most AC units with high SEER and HSPF ratings are highly efficient.

Quick Summary

  • Editor’s Choice: PIONEER WYS009GMFI22RL
    "A wall-mount AC system with 9,000 BTU cooling and 9,800 BTU heating capacity that can cover the area up to 350 sq. ft. 5 SEER and 10.5 HSPF efficiency. wireless remote access. base pan heaters."
  • "A ceiling-mounted AC system with 36,000 BTU cooling capacity and 15.0 SEER rating. 208-230 VAC. AHRI listed. LCD wireless controller."
  • "A wall-mount AC system with 12,000 BTU cooling and heating capacity that can cover the area up to 450 sq. ft. 5 SEER and 10.0 HSPF efficiency. 38 and 55 dB(A). refrigerant leakage detect."
  • Best 24,000 BTU Cooling System: Pioneer WYT024GLFI19RL Diamante Series
    "A wall-mount AC system with 24,000 BTU cooling and 25,000 BTU heating capacity that can cover the area up to 1000 sq.ft. 18 SEER and 10 HSPF efficiency. dual drainage. low noise."
  • "A ceiling-mounted AC system with 12,000 BTU cooling and heating capacity that can cover the area up to 450 sq.ft. 5 SEER and 10.5 HSPF rating. built-in condensate pump. ultra-high efficiency DC inverter."

Top 5 Pioneer Mini Split Air Conditioners Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6762 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.6
9.9
1
Editor’s Choice

PIONEER WYS009GMFI22RL

Features
  • Type: ductless, wall-mount
  • Cooling capacity: 9, 000 BTU/h, 22.5 SEER
  • Heating capacity: 9, 800 BTU/h, 10.5 HSPF efficiency
  • Voltage: 208-230 VAC
  • Coverage area: 250-350 sq.ft.
  • Dimensions: 31.5” x 7.5” x 11.5” (indoor), 30.5” x 12.0” x 22.0” (outdoor)

Other features: base pan heaters, heats down to -12°f ambient, wireless Internet worldwide remote access

PIONEER WYS009GMFI22RL has been designed with the most advanced technology that factors in comfort and efficiency without compromising performance.

It offers 9000 BTU/hour cooling capacity with 22.5 SEER efficiency and 98000 BTU/hour heating capacity with 10.5 HSPF efficiency.

The manufacturer indicates that this AC unit’s voltage description is 208-230 VAC, 60 hertz and 1 phase standard household 2-line power.

Its indoor temperature settings range from 62 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, while the low heat setting stands at 46 degrees Fahrenheit. The arctic heating version with base pan heaters heats down to -12 degrees Fahrenheit ambient.

PIONEER WYS009GMFI22RL comes with a remote controller, 16” installation kit, outdoor unit and a ductless indoor unit. The remote controller is multi-function. You can also use a wireless internet worldwide remote access, and a programming module option which is sold separately.

PIONEER WYS009GMFI22RL 16” installation kit comprises insulated copper tubing, wrapping tape, wall sleeve liner, and drain line extension, among others.

Concerning the heat pump outdoor section, it has a galvanized metal construction and operates quietly.

Pioneer guarantees safety. Their AC units have been scrutinized and approved for safety by ETL. AHRI also ranks it top among the energy-efficient devices for homes.

Whether you have challenges with troubleshooting, warranty, installation, or part issues, you’ll get timely support from Pioneer through their hotline support.

What we liked: Its components are sturdy and well made. It also provides a great cooling effect. We also loved that this AC system operates quietly.

What could do better: Some essential installation info isn’t revealed in the guide, so installing this system isn’t for the faint-hearted. We also noticed there is an insufficient flaring sealant.

    What are the flaws?
  • Hard to install
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4473 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.6
9.8
Features
  • Type: ductless, ceiling-mounted
  • Cooling capacity: 36,000 BTU, 15.0 SEER rating
  • Heating capacity: n/a
  • Voltage: 208-230 VAC
  • Coverage area: n/a
  • Dimensions: 33” x 9.6” x 33”

Other features: AHRI listed, LCD wireless controller, 16 foot length line set

Pioneer CYB036GMFI16RL Full Set is a mini-split inverter ductless air conditioning and heating system that uses 208 to 230 VAC power with a 15.0 seer efficiency rating. Its air capacity is rated at 800 CPM.

You don’t have to worry about your safety since all Pioneer equipment is ETL-US approved, and AHRI listed.

Experts love Pioneer CYB036GMFI16RL Full Set design. They say it’s powerful and caters to energy efficiency, comfort and ultra-performance. Their installation kit includes a 16-foot length line set and several other accessories.

Pioneer CYB036GMFI16RL Full Set also comes with plenty of settings. You can control it automatically to slow down or speed up its compressor and meet your home heating and cooling needs.

You’ll find four vents on the side, but if you need 3, you can seal the slot behind the panel using duct tape.

Experts also confirm you can install this unit in a 9” enclosed space between the first and the second floor though you should consider the hustle which consulates servicing.

Though the manufacturer claims Pioneer CYB036GMFI16RL is designed for commercial purposes, some buyers feel it’s not.

The manufacturer warns users to calculate the heat load to get the right capacity that fits the installation area. Some buyers also say it’s tedious to install.

You can mount the Pioneer CYB036GMFI16RL ceiling unit with the “drop-down” ceiling tiles in office applications since the whole ceiling is recessed.

What we liked: This AC unit is ultra-quiet. You can leave it on while sleeping. You won’t have to shout for someone to hear you.

Experts love that Pioneer CYB036GMFI16RL Full Set comes ready for installation. The seller notes it’s the perfect device to install in single and multi-rooms. You’ll enjoy its advanced functions.

What could do better: No cons have been found so far.

    What cons did we find?
  • Not found
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7228 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.6
Features
  • Type: ductless, wall-mount
  • Cooling capacity: 12, 000 BTU/h, 19.5 SEER efficiency
  • Heating capacity: 12, 000 BTU/h, 10.0 HSPF efficiency
  • Voltage: 208~230 VAC
  • Coverage area: 350-450 sq. ft.
  • Dimensions: 31.6” x 7.4” x 11.7” (indoor), 31.5” x 13.1” x 21.”1 (outdoor)

Other features:  38 and 55 dB(A), front desk control, 46° F heating, refrigerant leakage detect, low ambient cooling

With 12,000 BTU/hour cooling capacity with 17.5 seer efficiency and 11,800 BTU/ hour with 9.0 HSPF efficiency, the Pioneer WYS012GMFI17RL is a well-made AC unit that comes with all the essential installation accessories.

Its voltage capacity ranges from 208 to 230 VAC, 60 hertz and standard household 2-line power.

You will get a remote controller, 16” installation kit, outdoor unit and a ductless indoor unit. Its wireless remote controller allows you to pick any of the four operating modes whether you want to cool, dehumidify, heat and ventilate your room.

Experts say it has a timer function for starting and stopping your AC unit at your desired time. Its night mode automatically adjusts your temperature based on your ever-changing body temperatures during the night.

You can expect to find it hard to drill holes through your wall. It’s time-consuming to install Pioneer WYS012GMFI17RL, but that does not mean it’s challenging. You will need some tools like a drill motor and a bit to make holes through your walls.

Pioneer WYS012GMFI17RL has five temperature sensors.  There is a room temperature sensor in the indoor unit and another one in the remote. You can pick the ones you want to keep active.

The seller insists that outdoor units are designed for outside. But if your device is buried in snow, the heating mode won’t work. You should keep it away from snow and rain for optimum function.

What we liked: The indoor unit is filled with nitrogen so it’s okay to remove the cap. This unit also operates quietly. It has everything you need to install except the tools. Their customer support responds promptly.

What could be better: Pioneer WYS012GMFI17RL installation tools are sold separately. Some buyers complained it stopped working after some time, and we also feel it’s not suitable for long-term use.

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9233 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.4
4
Best 24,000 BTU Cooling System

Pioneer WYT024GLFI19RL Diamante Series

Features
  • Type: ductless, wall-mount
  • Cooling capacity: 24,000 BTU/hr, 18 SEER rating
  • Heating capacity: 25,000 BTU/hr, 10 HSPF rating
  • Voltage: 208-230 VAC
  • Coverage area: 550-1000 sq.ft.
  • Dimensions: 46.6″ x 10.25″ x 13.37″ (indoor), 33.2″ x 15″ x 27.5″ (outdoor)

Other features: low ambient unit, dual swing, dual drainage, low noise, 5-year warranty

Pioneer WYT024GLFI19RL Diamante Series is among the most high-tech ductless mini-split pump systems

It comes with 24,000 BTU/hour with 18 SEER and 10 HSPF efficiency. You can use it to cool or heat your home or offices.

Experts say the Diamante series has a capacity ranging from 9000 to 36,000 BTU/hour for residential and commercial purposes.

The manufacturer indicates that its voltage capacity is 208-230 V, 60 Hz and 1 Ph. While its SEER rating ranges from 16-19.

This system comes complete. You will get an outdoor and indoor section, wireless remote controller with a holder, free vibration absorber feet for the outdoor section and a 16 ft. Line set with multiple installation accessories.

The wireless remote controller comes with an LCD backlit display. You can also invest in the WIFI receiver to control this AC unit with your smartphone to tweak the cooling, heating ventilation, and dehumidification settings.

The sq. footage that Pioneer WYT024GLFI19RL Diamante Series covers depends on multiple factors, but experts recommend using the thumb rule, which is 27 BTUs per square foot.

Like all Pioneer mini-split, Pioneer WYT024GLFI19RL Diamante Series is designed with utmost comfort, performance and efficiency to heat or cool your desired location.

We feel it’s best for single-zones. It keeps your desired areas comfortable through its automatic sweeping louvers, variable airflow and energy-saving technology. Its sleep mode and ECO mode will optimize your energy use to reduce your electricity bills.

What we liked: This AC unit operates quietly and offers ultimate climate control without producing unwanted noise. It has awesome accessories that are good for single-zone areas.

We noted it’s designed to reduce your energy bills. The flat front panel is stylish and blends with several interior décors.

What could do better: There seem to be no cons to this unit.

    What were we disappointed with?
  • Not found
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5413 people in the past 30 days
9.1
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.1
Features
  • Type: ductless, ceiling-mounted
  • Cooling capacity: 12,000 BTU/h, 21.5 SEER rating
  • Heating capacity: 12,000 BTU/h, 10.5 HSPF
  • Voltage: 208~230V
  • Coverage area: 350-450 sq.ft.
  • Dimensions: 22.5” x 22.5” x 10.3” (indoor), 31.5” x 13.2” x 21.7” (outdoor)

Other features: built in condensate pump, 379/309/261CPM air flow capacity, ultra-high efficiency DC inverter, 360° air flow panel

Pioneer CYB012GMFILCAD Heat Pump System Set is an all in one AC unit for heating, air conditioning, ventilation and dehumidification. It comes complete with an airflow panel, installation, outdoor and indoor unit.

The manufacturer adds that all indoor cassette units come with built in condensate pumps.

This AC unit offers 18,00 BTU capacity with 20 SEER capacity and 10.3 HSPF high-efficiency ratings. Its power is dependent on the peak demand driven by the thermostat and the BTU capacity.

The seller indicates that its voltage rating is 208-230 VAC, 60 Hz, 1 phase. The manufacturer recommends installing it in 350 to 450 sq. foot areas.

This unit comes with the installation instructions. You can also download them directly on the manufacturer’s site.

Some buyers say it’s hard to install it as a drop-down unless you get a 90-degree fitting for the lines so that you can install them going up right at the head unit. The seller also insists on mounting the heating unit straight and not angled or vertical position.

You will have to create 23 x 23 holes in your ceiling during installation. There is no maximum ceiling height for this unit, but the sellers recommend 12 feet for proper air circulation.

For proper installation, eradicate the air from the line before opening the valve to release the refrigerant.

What we liked: Pioneer CYB012GMFILCAD has an attractive design that matches several home decors. It’s simple to install and use. We also loved how it’s amazingly quiet.

What could be better: This equipment does not have an opening to duct a small amount of air to an adjoining room. Some customers also complained of bad customer support.


Things to Consider

Every home or office owner deserves a Pioneer mini-split to regulate the temperature conditions. Most of them come with several modes like heating, cooling, dehumidification and ventilation.
Though mini-splits are expensive, they have many benefits, like cutting down your electricity bills and providing optimum installation areas.
The reality is, you’ll get lots of awesome Pioneer mini-splits in the market. Still, your perfect fit will depend on your preferences, which include but are not limited to the appearances, sq. foot of your room and the accessories you want.
In this guide, we will cover the benefits of Pioneer Mini Split air conditioners and the features to consider when picking a model.

Benefits of Pioneer mini split air conditioners

5 Best Pioneer Mini Split Systems - Quiet Operation and Cost Efficiency!

Pioneer mini-split products live up to the hype. They‘re economical, comfortable and efficient, and you can use them in your home or office to set your desired temperature conditions.

These AC units come with lots of benefits like easy installation, quiet operation, and cutting down your energy costs.

You only have to drill small lines to your walls or ceiling and mount your AC unit, unlike others that have complex installation processes.

Whether you’re sleeping or chilling, Pioneer’s quiet operation won’t interfere with your comfort.

It will also automatically adjust the speed and output to meet your heating and cooling requirements without consuming too much energy. Overall, we feel it’s a cost-efficient AC system.

Features to consider when choosing the best Pioneer mini split AC system

The models that appeal to others may not necessarily be your type, so you need to be super-picky with your selection process to land a good model that suits your needs.

You can consider lots of features to get a good Pioneer mini-split that can serve you for ages though we feel it’s unnecessary to look at all of them, but if you skip some like the type and heating efficiency, you risk landing a AC unit you can eventually return or even dump.

In this section, we will cover the features you should consider, like the type, cooling efficiency, coverage area and dimensions, among others.

Type

5 Best Pioneer Mini Split Systems - Quiet Operation and Cost Efficiency!

We have several types of Pioneer mini-split systems like the single-zone, multi-zone, wall-mounted, floor-mounted, ceiling cassette, among others.

Single-zone mini-splits are designed for one room. They have one indoor and outdoor unit.

Multi-zone mini-splits have two to four indoor units for a single condenser. Their units function independently.

Wall-mounted mini-splits like Pioneer WYS012GMFI17RL and Pioneer WYT024GLFI19RL Diamante Series are relatively cheaper than single and multi-zone mini-splits. They’re installed near the top sides of a wall.

Floor mounted mini-splits have the same functionality as the wall-mounted mini-splits. The only difference is you will install them near the bottom of your walls.

As the name suggests, ceiling cassette mini-splits like Pioneer CYB012GMFILCAD Heat Pump System Set are installed on the ceiling. They suit homeowners who don’t want to interfere with wall designs.

Cooling efficiency

If your AC system isn’t cooling your rooms well, you should upgrade.

Your AC unit won’t cool properly if the BTU doesn’t match the size that the manufacturers recommend, so you have to consider the square footage of the area you intend to cool before making any purchase.

An AC system with 9000 BTU/hr capacity like PIONEER WYS009GMFI22RL cools 350 to 400 square feet.

If you go with Pioneer CYB012GMFILCAD Heat Pump System Set or Pioneer WYS012GMFI17RL with 12,000 BTU/hr, you will cool an area between 450 to 550 square feet.

You can cool up to 1500 square feet if you go with Pioneer WYT024GLFI19RL Diamante Series with 24,000 BTU/hr cooling capacity.

Heating efficiency

Your AC unit’s heating capacity is a crucial factor to consider if you live in cold regions.

Large rooms need more BTU to heat the room properly, so estimate your room’s size before installation.

However, remember that the size of your pioneer mini-split is not directly related to the BTU amount.

The cooling and heating BTU capacity defer, ensure you look at a AC unit’s rating first. A mini-split with 9000 BTU can heat up to 445 sq. feet.

Get a mini-split with a high heating capacity like Pioneer CYB036GMFI16RL Full Set and Pioneer WYT024GLFI19RL Diamante Series if you want to heat large rooms well.

 SEER and HSPF ratings

Pioneer mini-splits have SEER and HSPF ratings. SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency. It applies to cooling only.

HSPF stands for Heating Season Performance Factor and rates heating only. The mini-splits with higher SEER ratings mean are more energy-efficient.

Most Pioneer mini-splits with a high SEER rating have a high HSPF rating too.

Coverage area

5 Best Pioneer Mini Split Systems - Quiet Operation and Cost Efficiency!

All pioneer mini-splits are designed with a specific coverage area in mind. You can’t just pick on any AC unit and expect it to heat or cool the areas you want without considering its coverage.

If you want to cover wide spaces ranging from 550 to 1000 sq. feet, you should invest in an AC system like Pioneer WYT024GLFI19RL Diamante Series.

If you have a small room, you can opt for PIONEER WYS009GMFI22RL with a 250-350 sq.feet coverage area. AC systems like Pioneer CYB012GMFILCAD and Pioneer WYS012GMFI17RL are suitable for medium-sized rooms.

Dimensions

Whether you want a single, multi, or a floor-mounted mini-split, it’s worth considering whether its dimensions match your installation area. Your mini-split size and its dimensions are directly correlated.

We recommend using a tape measure to get the exact measurements before installation.

If they don’t match, change the installation area or go for another model. A smaller AC unit works best if your installation area is small and vice versa.

Weight

Your mini-split size affects its weight. Most heavyweight mini-splits are designed to cover large areas and vice versa.

Go for a lightweight pioneer mini-split like Pioneer WYS012GMFI17RL that weighs 19 pounds if you plan to do installation alone.

Our other top picks have weights ranging from 55 to 136 pounds. Pioneer CYB036GMFI16RL weighs 55 pounds while Pioneer WYT024GLFI19RL Diamante Series weighs 136 lbs.

Warranty

It’s vital to buy mini-splits from manufacturers that offer a warranty. This guarantees they will do prompt repair and replacements whenever your AC unit comes with defects, common with online purchases.

The Pioneer models we selected have warranties. PIONEER WYS009GMFI22RL, CYB036GMFI16RL, WYS012GMFI17RL and CYB012GMFILCAD have a 1-year warranty, 3-year compressor or limited parts warranty.

Others like Pioneer WYT024GLFI19RL Diamante Series come 5-year limited warranty upon registration.

FAQ

Who manufactures Pioneer mini-splits?

Pioneer mini-splits are owned by Parker Davis HVAC Systems, among the leading manufacturers of heating and cooling equipment in the USA.

They’ve been making mini-splits since 1995. Their headquarters is in Miami. Remember, Pioneer isn’t related to Pioneer Electronics. Pioneer Electronics is a Japanese Corporation which is different from the one Parker Davis owns.

Does a mini-split need a dedicated circuit?

Mini-splits aren’t like window ACs where you plug it in after mounting. You should have a separate electrical line that is connected to your house’s electrical panel.

It’s okay if you can do the wiring alone, but we recommend getting a technician to do it for you so that you save time. Ensure the technician you hire has the necessary skills to install your circuits well so that your AC unit functions optimally.

Our verdict

Whether you want to regulate the air conditioner in your home or office, selecting a good mini-split is priceless, and it will save you a lot in the long-run.

Most Pioneer mini-splits are durable and cost-effective. They have all the models that blend with several home décor and regulate the conditions of both huge and small spaces, and we’ve done the heavy lifting for you by giving you everything you need to look at when selecting any AC unit.

Our first pick is PIONEER WYS009GMFI22RL that offers comfort, efficiency and ultra-performance. We noted that its components are built to last, though expect to experience a few challenges during installation.

Our second pick is Pioneer CYB036GMFI16RL Full Set, which comes with plenty of settings. It operates quietly, and you can regulate the number of vents you need.

We also loved Pioneer WYS012GMFI17RL with everything you need to install it except the tools. Like most Pioneer models, it operates quietly, and their support is proactive.

9,9
Total Score
PIONEER WYS009GMFI22RL - Editor’s Choice
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