3 big rooms, and you need an air conditioner or heater in each of them. What to do? Get the 3 zone mini-split system, of course. With 1 outdoor unit, you can install 3 indoor mini-split heads.
Here is an example of where to put the indoor units:
3 Zone Mini-Split = Living Room + Bedroom + Kitchen
The best thing about mini-split units is that they are, above all, easy. They require no ductwork, the cost to install 3 zone mini split is much lower than for central air conditioner, and they are energy-efficient (high SEER, HSPF ratings).
Every three zone mini split is comprised of:
- 3 indoor units or ‘heads’.
- 1 outdoor unit (the generator with compressor).
You can place each of the 3 heads in any room you like. A typical 3 zone mini split head has a 9,000 BTU or 12,000 BTU capacity. That means they can cool/heat a room up to 450 sq. ft. and 600 sq. ft., respectively. All 3 heads together can total up to 36,000 BTU which is equivalent to a 3-ton system.
The most important energy-efficiency specs to look for when buying a 3 zone mini split are:
- SEER rating should be 20+ (cooling energy-efficiency rating).
- HSPF rating should be 10+ (heating energy-efficiency rating).
20+ SEER and 10+ HSPF rating mini-splits can save you more than $100 per cooling/heating season.
Let’s look at the list of the best ones:
Top Three Zone Mini-Split Units In 2020
| 3 Zone Mini Split | 3-Heads+1-Outdoor Unit: | BTU (Capacity) | Efficiency Specs | Price And Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Senville SENA-36HF/T With 22.5 SEER Rating
(Best 3 Zone Mini Split) |
 |
12k +12k + 12k
Total: 36,000 BTU |
SEER: 22.5 HSPF: 10.3 |
$$$$ Check Price |
| 2. Mitsubishi MXZ-4C36NA2 / 3-MSZ-GL12
(Best Mitsubishi 3 Zone Mini Split) |
 |
12k +12k + 12k
Total: 36,000 BTU |
SEER: 19.2 HSPF: 11.0 |
$$$$ Check Price |
| 3. Carrier 38MGRQ24C-3 / 3-40MAQB09B-3
(Most Energy Efficient 3 Zone Mini Split)
|
 |
9k + 9k + 9k
Total: 24,000 BTU |
SEER: 23.0
HSPF: 9.8 |
$$$$ Check Price |
| 4. COOPER AND HUNTER Full Set WiFi Ready
(Affordable 3 Head Mini Split) |
 |
9k + 12k + 12k
Total: 36,000 BTU |
SEER: 22.0 HSPF: N/A |
$$$$ Check Price |
| 5. Mitsubishi MXZ3C24NA2U1 MSZ-GL06NA-U1 MSZGL09NAU1MSZ-GL12NA-U1
(Standard Mitsubishi 3 Zone Mini Split) |
 |
6k +9k + 12k
Total: 27,000 BTU |
SEER: 16.2 HSPF: N/A |
$$$$ Check Price |
3 Zone Mini Split Reviews
As you can see, the best 3 zone mini splits have a capacity up to 36,000 BTU, solid SEER, HSPF ratings and come from reputable companies such as Senville, Mitsubishi and Carrier.
Everyone expects that Mitsubishi’s 3 zone mini split will be the best. Mitsubishi does make great mini-split systems; the MXZ-4C36NA2 / 3-MSZ-GL12 (the 2nd choice) is the best three zone mini split for the heating season.
However, the 1st choice is the remarkable Senville SENNA 36HF/T because of two very important things:
- Very high 22.5 SEER rating. You will notice that the Carrier system has an even higher SEER rating.
- Unbeatable price. Compared to Carrier and Mitsubishi, Senville offers same-specs devices at a reduced price.
All in all, Senville 36HF/T is a well-rounded 3 zone mini split for a surprisingly low cost.
While Senville and Mitsubishi offer bigger 3 x 12k systems, Carrier 38MGRQ24C-3 / 3-40MAQB09B-3 offer 3 x 9k system for up to 450 sq. ft. rooms. These smaller heads have 23 SEER ratings which is just exceptional. However, the HSPF rating is below 10. The Carrier system is great in summer but not as great in winter.
COOPER AND HUNTER offer a mixture of 9,000 BTU and 12,000 BTU heads. The high 22 SEER rating is great, especially because the price of the 3 zone mini split is not as high as the Mitsubishi or Carrier system.
You can see more details about the best mini-split systems here.