Mitsubishi MSZ-GX18NL Hyper-Heat 18,000 BTU vs Daikin Atmosphera 18,000 BTU

Mitsubishi MSZ-GX18NL Hyper-Heat 18,000 BTUSeries photo

Mitsubishi Electric

Mitsubishi MSZ-GX18NL Hyper-Heat 18,000 BTU

~$3,880

vs
Daikin Atmosphera 18,000 BTUSeries photo

Daikin

Daikin Atmosphera 18,000 BTU

~$4,527

Quick take: The Mitsubishi MSZ-GX18NL Hyper-Heat 18,000 BTU costs $647 less; the Daikin Atmosphera 18,000 BTU is the more efficient unit (22.7 SEER2).

SpecMitsubishi MSZ-GX18NL Hyper-Heat 18,000 BTUDaikin Atmosphera 18,000 BTU
Price~$3,880~$4,527
TypeSingle-ZoneSingle-Zone
Capacity18k BTU18k BTU
Coverage~750 sq ft~800 sq ft
SEER2 (cooling)22.522.7
HSPF2 (heating)1010
Low-Ambient Heatingto -22°Fto -13°F
Max heat at 5°F (NEEP)19,000 BTU21,600 BTU
Heat kept at 5°F100% of rated100% of rated
RefrigerantR-454BR-32
ZonesSingle zoneSingle zone
Voltage208/230V208/230V
WiFi ControlBuilt-inBuilt-in
InstallLicensed-contractor install. Mitsubishi's 10-year parts and compressor term applies only when a licensed contractor installs the system and it is registered online; otherwise it is 5 years parts and 7 years compressor. Lineset is 1/4" x 1/2" flare. R-454B is a mildly flammable (A2L) refrigerant, so hire someone trained and equipped for it.Daikin's 12-year parts term requires online registration, and the retailer listing ties extended coverage to professional installation, so treat this as a licensed-installer system. Lineset is 1/4" x 1/2", precharged to 49 ft. R-32 is a mildly flammable (A2L) refrigerant, so use an installer trained for it. Breaker size is 18.8A minimum, 20A maximum.
Warranty5-year parts / 7-year compressor standard; 10 years parts and compressor when installed by a licensed contractor and registered online.12-year limited parts warranty with online registration; extended labor coverage is listed by retailers for registered installs (confirm the terms with your contractor).

Pros & cons

Mitsubishi MSZ-GX18NL Hyper-Heat 18,000 BTU

  • ✓Guaranteed heating to -22°F with the HZ outdoor unit
  • ✓Strong installer and parts network in most metro areas
  • ✓Covers up to about 750 sq ft per retailer data
  • ✗About $3,900 for equipment alone
  • ✗10 HSPF2 is modest for the price
  • ✗Non-HZ MUZ-GX18NL variant is also sold; it is not the cold-climate unit
  • ✗Registered 10-year warranty requires a licensed contractor

Daikin Atmosphera 18,000 BTU

  • ✓Indoor sound range 23 to 45 dB(A) per the retailer
  • ✓12-year parts warranty with registration
  • ✓Head can be reused when planning multi-zone expansion
  • ✗$4,300 to $4,500 for equipment alone, above the Mitsubishi GX18 and Fujitsu 18k
  • ✗10.0 HSPF2 is ordinary for the price
  • ✗Parts-only coverage