A multi-zone mini-split is an efficient, flexible, and adaptable way to cool and heat specific rooms in your home. They consist of two or more wall-mounted units installed indoors and connected to an outdoor compressor. Their ductless nature makes them easier to install than full-ducted systems, and because they are deployed in separate spaces, they can be more efficient than central HVAC.
Multi-zone mini splits can also be excellent supplements to an inefficient home heating and cooling system. Add thermostat-like controls and smart-home integration, and these appliances can offer the convenience of maintaining a desirable room temperature right from your smart mobile device.
That said, multi-zone mini splits do not come cheap, and their installation costs can reach into the five figures. For such a significant investment, getting the right unit the first time is crucial. Therefore, if you have been thinking of buying a multi-zone mini-split, particularly one that can heat or cool four separate spaces, it pays to have the right information.
Read on for a dive into our picks for the top five four-zone mini-splits based on expert and user reviews, along with useful tips for choosing the unit that will best suit your needs.
Top Five Best 4 zone Mini Splits 2021
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Senville SENA-36HF/Q Quad Zone Mini Split Air... | See Latest Price | |
 | Gree 30,000 BTU Multi21+ Quad-Zone Wall Mount Mini... | See Latest Price |
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Senville Aura 36000 BTU Quad Zone Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump
Senville SENA-36HF/Q Quad Zone Mini Split Air...
- PERFECT FOR MULTIPLE ROOMS: Comes with multiple indoor air handlers for individual rooms and a single outdoor unit. Enjoy individual temperature controls in each room for ideal climate control.
- ALEXA ENABLED: Use voice or app control to control your air conditioner from anywhere. Use routines to adjust temperature settings while you are away and enjoy energy savings of up to 40%.
- ULTRA HIGH EFFICIENCY: AHRI Certified Air Conditioner and Arctic Heat Pump (Up to -22°F/-30°C) Uses 208-230V, UL Listed, Works with Alexa
- DESIGNED FOR HOME & BUSINESS: Powerful performance and dependable durability with high quality design for an attractive appearance. Great for bedrooms, additions, living rooms, and even commercial applications like stores, restaurants and warehouses.
- 10 YEAR WARRANTY: Backed by an industry leading manufacturer’s warranty, with 5 years on parts replacement and 10 years on compressor. Trusted quality and design by Senville, with free technical & installation support included.
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This 36000BTU Quad Zone Mini Split by Senville is among the most advanced split units on the market. Providing you with top-notch features like Turbo Mode, Dehumidification, Ionizing Air Filter, Timer, and zoning system, this model offers the best of both comfort and convenience.
As part of Senvile’s AURA Series, the quad-zone mini-split offers efficient heating and cooling with up to 25 SEER efficiency rating, surpassing numerous other top name brands within its price range. The unit is also one of the quietest split air conditioning systems out there.
Also included in this ductless system are niceties like diagnostic display, self-cleaning, and leak detection, all of which come together to ensure a proper running, long-lasting operation.
Like all Senville models, the Quad-zone Senville Aura is backed by a comprehensive seven-year warranty to protect your purchase. This coverage provides a seven-year cover on the compressor and a three-year warranty on other parts, which speaks of the confidence that Senville has in the quality of the unit. While air conditioners and heating units are typically prone to failure over time, you can rest assured that your purchase will be protected for several good years to come.
Pros
- A comprehensive set of smart features
- Energy efficient
- Low noise output
- Comprehensive manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- None
2. Mitsubishi MXZ 42,000 BTU Quad-Zone Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump
No products found.
Mitsubishi’s MXZ Series of multi-zone mini splits provides individually controlled rooms using an efficient outdoor unit. With the MXZ Quad-zone model, you can heat and cool four spaces to enjoy ideal comfort levels in the areas you use most, all while reducing your overall energy costs.
The MXZ Quad-zone mini split’s inverter-driven compressor maximizes energy savings by ensuring only the energy needed to cool or heat a room is used. It also offers easy and convenient remote control for the temperature, fan speed, and operating modes. You can toggle among four different settings; COOL, HEAT, DRY, and AUTO depending on what you intend to achieve. The controller also comes with a 12-hour ON/OFF timer.
Although the Senville Aura wins in the quiet department, this quad-zone mini-split from Mitsubishi puts up quite a fight. It is also easy to maintain because of its accessible filters and simple wiring between indoor and outdoor units.
As for after-sales service, the unit comes with a generous five-year full-cover warranty. Just make sure you get a licensed professional to do the installation as it is a prerequisite for compensation.
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Remote control functionality
- Four modes of operation
- Quiet run
- Easy to maintain
- Comprehensive warranty
Cons
- Relatively lackluster smart features
3. LG 48000 BTU Quad-Zone Mini Split System
No products found.
LG is known for its flexible and adaptable selection of indoor units, and their Quad-zone Mini Split is no exception. With this model, you can achieve independent temperature control for up to four separate indoor spaces.
With a focus on efficiency, the unit is Energy Star rated for use with either wall-mount or ceiling cassettes. It also comes with an enhanced heating range that enables it to operate on heat mode down to -4°F, which makes it an excellent primary heating solution for a variety of climates. Add the optional drain pan heater, and you can achieve even better heating and range.
Arguably the strongest selling point for this LG quad-zone mini-split is its straightforward installation. All you need are the accompanying line sets, which only require about a 3-inch hole, to connect each indoor unit to the outdoor system.
The mini-split offers standard features like an efficient variable speed inverter, defrost and de-icing capabilities, a three-minute restart delay, soft-start functionality, and a self-diagnosis system. It can also stay operational when the outside temperature is as low as 14°F on cooling mode and as high as 64°F when heating.
Pros
- Energy efficient with an Energy Star rating
- Easy installation
- Decent operating range
- Standard efficiency, safety, and troubleshooting features
Cons
- None
4. Gree Vireo+ 30,000 BTU Multi 21 + Quad-Zone Wall Mount Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump
Gree 30,000 BTU Multi21+ Quad-Zone Wall Mount Mini...
- Required, but not included: 1/4" x 3/8" line set (x2) | The Gree Multi21+ Quad-Zone VIREO 30,000 BTU System is powered by Grees G10 inverter-driven compressor and eco-friendly R410A refrigerant. These units can heat and cool 4 zones without distribution boxes.
- Our G10 inverter technology saves energy, reduces outdoor noise and keeps room temperature steady by eliminating the harsh starts & stops of conventional systems.
- The Multi21+ Vireo Wall Mount has a compact design that blends well with any decor. Theres even an option to upgrade with a field-installed Wi-Fi kit accessory (sold separately), allowing you to remotely control the unit with your smartphone.
- Wi-Fi Capable - Kit Sold Separately. The perfect option for your home or office needs.
- Manufacturer's Warranty terms is 5 Year on parts and 7 years on the compressor. *Please Note, installation must be performed by a state Licensed HVAC contractor in order to be eligible for the warranty.
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The GREE Vireo+ may be the least powerful quad-zone mini-split on our list, but it compensates outstandingly by combining world-class technology, convenience, and stylish aesthetics. The unit’s slim, compact cabinets will hang inconspicuously on your walls and blend well with any decor you have.
Equipped with Gree’s G10 inverter, the compressor is energy efficient and exceptionally quiet. The inverter also keeps room temperature remarkably steady by eliminating the harsh starts and stops you will find in more conventional models. It ensures the system reaches the desired temperature much quicker and maintains comfort levels for longer.
For the ultimate convenience, you can upgrade your new Gree Vireo+ quad-zone mini-split with a field-installed Wi-Fi kit accessory, which will allow you to control the unit remotely with your smartphone. The system is compatible with standard iOS and Android operating systems, making it the perfect option for your smart home or office needs.
Pros
- Compact and stylish
- Wi-Fi connectivity and smartphone control
- Energy efficient
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Relatively less powerful than average quad-zone systems
5. Cooper and Hunter 4 Zone Mini Split AC System
No products found.
Cooper and Hunter have been in the HVAC business for more than 20 years now, and they have garnered a reputation as one of the best new millennium brands on the market. This quad-zone model will heat, cool, and dehumidify your four rooms when outside temperatures are as low as -13°F and as high as 60°F.
Its whisper-quiet outdoor unit is exceedingly efficient, mainly due to the incorporation of inverter control to eliminate those power guzzling starts and stops. The company claims energy savings of as much as 60 percent compared to average four-zone models.
Besides an accommodating operating range and energy efficiency, this Cooper and Hunter quad-zone system packs features like turbo-mode for fast heating and cooling, a quiet sleep-mode for comfortable night time, Automatic cleaning to prevent mildew, automatic reset to protect against damaging power interruptions, and a 24-hour timer with last-settings memory. It is also Wi-Fi capable with an optional connectivity device.
Cooper and Hunter are well known for their high-quality systems, and this quad-zone mini split does not disappoint. The company is confident enough to give buyers a seven-year warranty on the compressor and a five-year warranty on parts, along with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you do not like it within the first month of owning it, Cooper and Hunter will repurchase it from you, “no questions asked.”
Pros
- Commendable operating range
- Whisper quiet
- Energy-efficient inverter control
- Turbo-mode
- Wi-Fi capable
- Generous after-sale guarantee
Cons
- None
4-zone Mini Split Buying Guide
Now that you know the quad-zone mini-split models to look out for in the market, the next step is to understand the factors that make a unit worth it. While the units above will likely fit your bill, you can only be sure if you weigh each of them with your needs and preferences. Read on for a deep dive into the considerations to make when buying a mini-split.
Where Do Mini-Splits Work Best?
Mini split systems are regarded as the best temperature control option in a mild climate. However, they are more often used for rooms that are not supplied by a home’s central HVAC, such as house extensions, garages, basem*nts, and attic bonus rooms. You can also deploy them in high-traffic areas like your kitchen or living room, or perhaps one where you just want a little more temperature control like a nursery.
For the average home, however, a couple of well-placed indoor units connected to a reliable and capable outdoor system can be enough to handle all its heating and cooling demands throughout the year.
Multi zone mini splits make more sense for controlling the temperature in more than one room than the much more affordable, single-room window air conditioners and portable units. They can be effective energy savers when deployed to supplement a home or office building’s central HVAC system, and they are easy to install, which makes them ideal for renters.
How To Choose The Right 4-Zone Mini Split Air Conditioner
Mini-split models are best distinguished by five key factors: size, type, efficiency, features, and installation.
1. Size
Every mini-split offers a set number of BTUs (British Thermal Units) of cooling power. Both the outdoor and indoor units of the model you choose will have a BTU rating attached. Because each indoor unit runs independently, it is best to check the rating of each unit separately and match it to the size of the room for which you are buying.
Keep in mind that a unit that is under-powered relative to the room will require to be on for longer to maintain the temperature you want, which will undermine its efficiency and durability. On the other hand, an overpowered unit will start and stop more frequently, drawing more power. For the best balance between room-size and mini-split power, have a look at the chart below.
2. Compressor Type
The outdoor unit of a four-zone mini-split is the compressor, and it is undoubtedly the most critical part of the system. Compressors come in two main types: Inverter and Rotary. While a rotary compressor switches on and off to maintain a set temperature, an inverter type uses only enough power to reach the setting and then idles at that point until more power is required.
Consider the type of your outdoor compressor unit
Rotary units turn on with full power, and that makes them significantly less efficient than inverter compressors. Most new quad-zone mini-split models use inverter-controlled outdoor units.
3. Energy Efficiency
Mini-splits are generally efficient heating and cooling appliances. Their efficiency is measured by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), and the higher the rating, the more efficient the unit. The most efficient four-zone splits have a SEER rating of more than 20.
Another energy rating to watch out for is the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), which is a measure of energy usage per square foot. Exemplary efficient models are also Energy Star rated, meaning they have proven to contribute to energy savings significantly.
Watch out for the Energy Star symbol for the most efficient mini split system.
Related Articles: Eco-friendly Solar Mini Split Air Conditioner
4. Additional Modes and Features
Mini-splits can come with multiple modes to keep a home or office comfortably cool in the summer and warm in the winter. If you do not have a central air conditioner, you will likely appreciate the flexibility that comes with additional modes. When out shopping, keep an eye out for modes like Heat, Dehumidify, Fan-only, Automatic, and Sleep for adaptable year-round comfort.
Additionally, mini splits come with other features that, while usually influential to the unit’s operation, can significantly impact convenience. The newest models on the market will have a programmable timer to turn them on or off before you enter a room and automatic or remote-controlled louvers for adjustable airflow. You can also land yourself a unit with auto-restart, which enables it to resume operation in the last programmed settings after a power failure.
5. Installation
Installing a four-zone mini-split will require a professional, more so if the validity of the warranty depends on whether an authorized HVAC technician installed your unit. Get a qualified HVAC professional to install your four-zone mini-split system
Most indoor units are hung on walls using brackets that typically come with the system, or from ceilings. Whichever option you choose, be sure the refrigerant lines running from the outdoor unit will reach each indoor hanging unit before you commence installation.
How to power your mini-split is another crucial consideration when thinking about installation. Most four-zone models use a 220- to 240-volt plug, so ensure your home or office’s voltage matches the unit you intend to buy.
All in all, the complexity of the installation process often determines how long it will take and how much it will hurt your wallet. Before closing the deal, therefore, ensure you have done enough pre-work to determine how straightforward it will be to install the unit.
Wrap Up
Quad-zone mini splits are excellent solutions for controlling the temperature in as many as four separate rooms but buying the best unit can be quite the challenge. We hope this guide has given you the clarity you need to come to the right decision, or at the very least, know where to start.
