Mitsubishi MSZ-GX12NL 12,000 BTU vs Fujitsu Airstage Altair 500 12,000 BTU
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Quick take: The Fujitsu Airstage Altair 500 12,000 BTU costs $824 less; the Mitsubishi MSZ-GX12NL 12,000 BTU is genuine cold-climate hardware (rated to -5°F) while the Fujitsu Airstage Altair is better kept to milder winters; the Mitsubishi MSZ-GX12NL is the more efficient unit (25.6 SEER2).
| Spec | Mitsubishi MSZ-GX12NL 12,000 BTU | Fujitsu Airstage Altair 500 12,000 BTU |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$2,511 | ~$1,687 |
| Type | Single-Zone | Single-Zone |
| Capacity | 12k BTU | 12k BTU |
| Coverage | ~500 sq ft | ~480 sq ft |
| SEER2 (cooling) | 25.6 | 24 |
| HSPF2 (heating) | 10.7 | 10.5 |
| Low-Ambient Heating | to -5°F | to 5°F |
| Max heat at 5°F (NEEP) | 10,100 BTU | 8,500 BTU |
| Heat kept at 5°F | 70% of rated | 61% of rated |
| Refrigerant | R-454B | R-32 |
| Zones | Single zone | Single zone |
| Voltage | 230V | 208/230V |
| WiFi Control | Built-in | Optional / none |
| Install | Licensed-contractor install, like the GL before it: registration plus a licensed install is what turns the 5/7-year warranty into 10 years. The system allows up to 65 ft of line set and 40 ft of vertical rise, so most single-room layouts fit. | Fujitsu's 10-year term needs registration within 60 days and the 12-year term needs an Elite contractor, so plan on a professional install. Lineset is 1/4" x 3/8". R-32 is a mildly flammable (A2L) refrigerant; use an installer trained for it. A 1/4 and 3/8 inch install package is the expected kit. |
| Warranty | 5-year parts / 7-year compressor standard; 10 years parts and compressor when installed by a licensed contractor and registered; 12 years via a Mitsubishi Diamond Contractor installation and registration. | 5-year parts / 7-year compressor base; 10 years parts and compressor when registered within 60 days; 12 years through a Fujitsu Elite contractor install. |
Pros & cons
Mitsubishi MSZ-GX12NL 12,000 BTU
- ✓25.6 SEER2 beats the GL12's 23.1 with the same 10.7 HSPF2
- ✓Wi-Fi built into the head; the GL needed a Kumo Cloud adapter or a third-party controller
- ✓Quiet indoor unit, rated as low as 19 dB(A) on its lowest fan speed
- ✓Same head pairs with the MUZ-GX12NLHZ hyper-heat outdoor unit if you need winter capacity
- ✓Up to 65 ft of line set and 40 ft of rise for awkward head placements
- ✓10-year parts and compressor coverage with a licensed install and registration
- ✗Only 10,100 BTU at 5°F per NEEP, about 70% of its 47°F rating; not primary heat in a cold climate
- ✗About $2,500 for the system, close to $1,000 above the GL12's closeout price
- ✗Easy to mix up with the hyper-heat MUZ-GX12NLHZ; check the outdoor model number on any quote
- ✗R-454B (A2L) installs need an installer trained and equipped for it
Fujitsu Airstage Altair 500 12,000 BTU
- ✓24 SEER2 at about $1,700 is good value for the brand
- ✓ENERGY STAR listed per retailer
- ✓Same Fujitsu warranty ladder as the XLTH line
- ✗Heating floor of 5°F is not for cold-climate primary heat
- ✗Wi-Fi needs an accessory
- ✗10.5 HSPF2 is modest