For a ductless system rated to heat through very low outdoor temperatures, I would start with the Cooper & Hunter Hyper Heat 12,000 BTU or DELLA 12,000 BTU: both list operation down to -22°F, while the DELLA adds a slightly higher SEER2 rating and Alexa control. If you need more room coverage, the DELLA Optima 18,000 BTU offers more capacity but has a warmer -13°F minimum heating specification. The Goodman packaged heat pump takes a different route, with 2.5-ton capacity for a whole-home or light-commercial setup rather than a single room.
Get backup power and energy gear delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
My ranking gives the most weight to stated low-temperature heating capability, then capacity fit, efficiency, controls, and installation implications. A low-temperature operating claim is useful, but it does not tell me how much heat a unit delivers at that temperature or whether it can carry the whole heating load. These picks are not interchangeable: the leading mini splits suit targeted zones, while the Goodman requires a compatible ducted installation. I would check load calculations, electrical needs, and local installation requirements before choosing any of them.
Key Takeaways
- Cooper & Hunter Hyper Heat is my strongest all-around single-zone pick here because its listed -22°F operation pairs with 24 SEER2 efficiency and a 12,000 BTU size.
- DELLA 12,000 BTU also lists -22°F operation and has the lineup’s highest mini-split efficiency rating at 25 SEER2, but the stated coverage is limited to rooms up to 550 sq. ft.
- DELLA Optima 18,000 BTU is the capacity choice for larger zones up to 1,000 sq. ft.; its -13°F low-temperature figure is less cold-tolerant than the two 12,000 BTU picks.
- Goodman GPHH33031 is a 2.5-ton packaged system for ducted residential or light-commercial projects, not a direct substitute for a wall-mounted room mini split.
- None of the supplied specifications gives a full heating-capacity curve at low outdoor temperatures, so I would have a qualified professional check design heat load and backup-heat needs.
| cold climate heat pump | Efficiency | Cooling capacity | Low-temperature heating | Refrigerant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper & Hunter Hyper Heat 12, | 24 SEER2 | 12,000 BTU | Operates in outdoor temperatures as low as -22°F | R-454B |
| DELLA 12,000 BTU Ductless Mini | 25 SEER2; 10.5 HSPF2 | 12,000 BTU | Minimum listed heating temperature: -22°F | — |
| DELLA Optima Series 18000 BTU | 23 SEER2; 10 HSPF2 | 18,000 BTU | Down to -13°F | — |
| Goodman 2.5-Ton 13.4 SEER2 Pac | 13.4 SEER2 | — | — | R-32 |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Cooper & Hunter Hyper Heat 12,000 BTU Wall-Mounted Mini Split, 230V, 24 SEER2
I place the Cooper & Hunter first because it combines the most useful cold-climate claim in this group—heating operation down to -22°F—with a manageable 12,000 BTU single-zone format. Its 24 SEER2 rating is close to the DELLA 12,000 BTU’s 25 SEER2, while the two models share the same listed minimum heating temperature. That makes this a practical lead choice when a buyer wants a dedicated room or zone system without sizing up to the larger Optima.
The included Wi-Fi Smart Kit and 16-foot installation kit give the package useful controls and a line set, but they do not remove the need for professional installation. A licensed technician is required, and the freight carrier coordinates delivery to the nearest accessible point outside the home. Those logistics are less convenient than a small parcel delivery and should be planned around before ordering.
Compared with the DELLA 12,000 BTU, Cooper & Hunter gives up one SEER2 point and does not list Alexa compatibility or a defined 550-square-foot coverage figure in the supplied details. In return, its listed 22.5 dB noise figure is lower than DELLA’s 30 dB mute-mode figure, though the measurement conditions may not be directly comparable. I would choose it for its balanced cold-weather claim and quiet stated operation, not on the assumption that it will heat every home alone. The published information does not include low-temperature capacity output, so a heating-load calculation remains necessary.
Pros:- Lists heating operation down to -22°F.
- Combines 12,000 BTU capacity with a 24 SEER2 rating.
- Includes Wi-Fi Smart Kit and a 16-foot installation kit.
- Lists a 22.5 dB noise level.
Cons:- Requires installation by a licensed professional.
- Freight delivery is coordinated to an accessible point outside the home.
- The supplied details do not give heating output at -22°F or a coverage estimate.
Best for: Buyers who need a professionally installed 12,000 BTU ductless zone and value a -22°F operating claim, Wi-Fi controls, and a low listed noise figure.
Not ideal for: People seeking a DIY-ready kit, a ducted whole-home system, or documented heating capacity at severe outdoor temperatures.
- Cooling capacity:12,000 BTU
- Efficiency:24 SEER2
- Low-temperature heating:Operates in outdoor temperatures as low as -22°F
- Voltage:230V
- Noise level:22.5 dB
- Refrigerant:R-454B
- Included kit and controls:16-foot installation kit; Wi-Fi Smart Kit
Our verdict“I rank it first for a cold-climate single zone because its -22°F claim, useful efficiency, and included controls make a balanced package, provided a professional confirms capacity for the space.”
DELLA 12,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump, 25 SEER2, 230V, Wi-Fi and Alexa, 16.4 ft Installation Kit
The DELLA 12,000 BTU earns its place near the top with the highest stated mini-split efficiency in this lineup: 25 SEER2. Like the Cooper & Hunter, it lists heating operation down to -22°F, so a buyer comparing these two can focus on their other distinctions: DELLA adds Alexa and app controls, a stated coverage area of up to 550 sq. ft., and a 10.5 HSPF2 figure. Those specifics make its fit easier to picture for a modest room or defined zone.
It also lists 30 dB in Mute Mode and soft airflow, features that may suit a bedroom or workspace where air movement and sound are part of daily comfort. The supplied 16.4-foot pre-flared copper line set and drain hose are convenient package details, but setup still calls for vacuuming and a 20A fuse. The new outdoor unit requirement rules it out as a simple replacement for an existing outdoor unit unless the project is designed as a complete system change.
Compared with Cooper & Hunter, this DELLA has a small efficiency advantage and more explicit smart-home compatibility, while Cooper & Hunter lists a lower noise figure and includes Wi-Fi control without an Alexa claim in the supplied specs. Against the larger Della Optima, this 12,000 BTU model gives up reach but gains the colder -22°F operating specification. I would choose it when the space fits its stated coverage and voice control matters; I would not treat the 550-square-foot figure as a substitute for room-by-room heat-loss sizing.
Pros:- Lists heating operation down to -22°F and 25 SEER2 efficiency.
- Provides stated coverage up to 550 sq. ft. and a 10.5 HSPF2 rating.
- Supports remote, app, and Alexa control.
- Includes a 16.4-foot pre-flared line set and drain hose.
Cons:- Requires a new outdoor unit rather than a simple indoor-unit swap.
- Installation calls for vacuuming and a 20A fuse.
- The supplied coverage figure does not establish low-temperature heating capacity for a specific room.
Best for: Buyers seeking a 12,000 BTU cold-weather mini split for a space listed up to 550 sq. ft., especially those who want Wi-Fi, Alexa, and a stated 25 SEER2 rating.
Not ideal for: Those needing a larger zone, a replacement that reuses an existing outdoor unit, or an installation without the required electrical and refrigerant work.
- Cooling capacity:12,000 BTU
- Heating capacity:12,000 BTU/h
- Coverage:Up to 550 sq. ft.
- Efficiency:25 SEER2; 10.5 HSPF2
- Low-temperature heating:Minimum listed heating temperature: -22°F
- Voltage and power:230V; 970W
- Noise:30 dB in Mute Mode
- Controls and kit:Remote, app, and Alexa; 16.4-foot pre-flared line set and drain hose
Our verdict“I recommend this DELLA over the Cooper & Hunter when the extra efficiency point, Alexa integration, and stated room coverage matter more than the Cooper & Hunter’s lower listed noise figure.”
DELLA Optima Series 18000 BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner with Soft Airflow, Hyper Heat down to -13°F, up to 1000 sq ft, 23 SEER2, 230V, Energy Star, WiFi & Alexa, Inverter, 1.5 Ton Pre-Charged Heat Pump, 16.4ft Kit
When a 12,000 BTU unit looks undersized for the area, the Optima offers a clear step up: 18,000 BTU cooling capacity, 19,000 BTU/h heating capacity, and stated coverage up to 1,000 sq. ft. That makes it the capacity pick in this group for a larger open room or zone, subject to proper load sizing. Its 23 SEER2 and 10 HSPF figures are respectable, though the 12,000 BTU DELLA leads on listed SEER2 and has the colder -22°F minimum heating specification.
The tradeoff is important for a cold-climate shortlist: Optima lists heating down to -13°F, not -22°F. It may fit many winter conditions, but the two smaller ductless candidates give a lower listed operating threshold. The product description also emphasizes soft indirect airflow and an “I Feel” sensor, which can help direct comfort toward occupants rather than simply blowing strongly across the room. At a listed 34 dB, it is quiet by the supplied figure, though not as low as Cooper & Hunter’s 22.5 dB claim.
Wi-Fi and Alexa control, an inverter compressor, and a 16.4-foot pre-flared line kit add convenience, but the kit does not make installation a casual DIY project. The listing notes vacuuming and a 20A fuse, and the system needs a new outdoor unit. Compared with the 12,000 BTU DELLA, this is the stronger choice for a larger zone but a weaker match for buyers whose main priority is the lowest stated operating temperature. I would confirm both the room load and expected output in local winter conditions before selecting it.
Pros:- Offers 18,000 BTU cooling and 19,000 BTU/h heating capacity.
- Lists coverage up to 1,000 sq. ft. and 23 SEER2 efficiency.
- Soft indirect airflow, an “I Feel” sensor, Wi-Fi, and Alexa support.
- Lists quiet operation at 34 dB and includes a 16.4-foot kit.
Cons:- Lists heating operation down to -13°F, warmer than the -22°F claims on both 12,000 BTU models.
- Requires a new outdoor unit and installation involving vacuuming and a 20A fuse.
- Its coverage estimate does not show heat output at the coldest stated temperature.
Best for: Buyers who need more capacity for a larger, open zone and whose design conditions fit the listed -13°F minimum heating temperature.
Not ideal for: Those in colder locations who want the lowest listed operating threshold, or anyone expecting its 1,000-square-foot coverage figure to replace a heat-load calculation.
- Cooling capacity:18,000 BTU
- Heating capacity:19,000 BTU/h
- Coverage:Up to 1,000 sq. ft.
- Efficiency:23 SEER2; 10 HSPF2
- Low-temperature heating:Down to -13°F
- Voltage and power:230V; 1,390W
- Noise and controls:34 dB; Wi-Fi and Alexa
Our verdict“I would choose the Optima when the zone needs more capacity than the 12,000 BTU picks can offer, but not when the coldest stated operating limit is the deciding factor.”
Goodman 2.5-Ton 13.4 SEER2 Packaged Heat Pump, Model GPHH33031
The Goodman is the lineup’s outlier by design: a 2.5-ton packaged heat pump for residential or light-commercial applications, rather than a wall-mounted single-zone mini split. I include it for buyers planning a ducted system who need a larger nominal capacity and an outdoor package configuration. It cannot be fairly ranked as a direct substitute for the 12,000 BTU Cooper & Hunter or DELLA units, which are aimed at individual zones and list far higher seasonal efficiency figures.
Its specified features are practical system components: a scroll compressor, multi-speed ECM motor, and all-aluminum evaporator coil, along with R-32 refrigerant. The 10-year limited parts warranty is conditional on qualified installation and online registration. That warranty condition aligns with a contractor-led project, but buyers should confirm eligibility, registration steps, and service coverage before committing.
The main drawback for a cold-climate comparison is missing information. The supplied details do not state a minimum outdoor heating temperature or a heating-capacity curve, and its 13.4 SEER2 rating is below the mini splits’ 23–25 SEER2 figures. Those gaps mean I cannot claim it is better for severe cold based on this product information alone. Its listed dimensions also conflict across measurement fields, so I would verify the exact footprint and clearances with the seller and installer. Choose it for a compatible ducted project, not because its 2.5-ton label automatically fits a home.
Pros:- Provides 2.5-ton capacity in a packaged heat-pump configuration.
- Uses a scroll compressor and multi-speed ECM motor.
- Includes an all-aluminum evaporator coil and R-32 refrigerant.
- Offers a 10-year limited parts warranty with qualified installation and online registration.
Cons:- The supplied details do not state a low-temperature operating limit or cold-weather heating output.
- Its 13.4 SEER2 rating is lower than the listed ratings of the ductless options.
- Product details give differing dimensions in different measurement fields.
Best for: Homeowners or light-commercial buyers planning a professionally designed ducted system who need a packaged 2.5-ton heat pump.
Not ideal for: Buyers wanting a wall-mounted room unit, documented -22°F operation, high listed SEER2 efficiency, or verified dimensions without further confirmation.
- Model:GPHH33031
- Capacity:2.5 tons
- Efficiency:13.4 SEER2
- Refrigerant:R-32
- System configuration:Horizontal packaged system
- Electrical:208/230V, single phase
- Motor and compressor:Multi-speed ECM motor; scroll compressor
- Warranty:10-year limited parts warranty with qualified installation and online registration
Our verdict“I would consider the Goodman only for a contractor-designed ducted project, since its capacity and format suit a different job and its cold-weather performance needs verification.”
How We Picked
I ranked these options around the question a cold-climate buyer actually faces: how low the unit is specified to operate, how much area it can reasonably serve, and what the installation demands. For this comparison, the two 12,000 BTU ductless systems lead because each lists heating operation down to -22°F. That is a more directly relevant cold-weather specification than efficiency alone, though it does not prove either unit can meet a particular home’s full heating load at that temperature.
Capacity and system format also shaped the order. The Cooper & Hunter and DELLA 12,000 BTU models are single-zone options for smaller spaces; the DELLA specifies coverage up to 550 sq. ft. The 18,000 BTU Optima is a more suitable candidate for a larger zone, with up to 1,000 sq. ft. listed, but its stated minimum heating temperature is -13°F. Goodman’s 2.5-ton packaged heat pump has much greater nominal capacity and a different installation format, so I rank it for ducted projects rather than small-room comparisons.
I also weighed efficiency, controls, noise information, included line sets, and installation constraints. The DELLA 12,000 BTU has the highest stated SEER2 figure among the mini splits, while Cooper & Hunter pairs near-matching efficiency with the same listed low-temperature threshold. The Optima’s soft airflow and larger capacity distinguish it from both. Goodman’s ECM motor, scroll compressor, and aluminum coil are relevant system features, but its 13.4 SEER2 figure and packaged configuration serve a different use case. I did not treat included installation materials as permission for unqualified DIY work: refrigerant handling, electrical requirements, permits, and warranty terms need professional review.
Finally, the supplied product information does not provide matched heating output at specific outdoor temperatures, sound levels for Goodman, or enough system-design detail to establish whole-home suitability. I keep the ranking limited to the stated specs and call out those gaps rather than guessing. A local heat-loss calculation and installer confirmation matter more than a broad room-coverage estimate, particularly where winter temperatures regularly fall below freezing.
| cold climate heat pump | Low-temperature heating | Refrigerant | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper & Hunter Hyper Heat 12, | Operates in outdoor temperatures as low as -22°F | R-454B | — |
| DELLA 12,000 BTU Ductless Mini | Minimum listed heating temperature: -22°F | — | Up to 550 sq. ft. |
| DELLA Optima Series 18000 BTU | Down to -13°F | — | Up to 1,000 sq. ft. |
| Goodman 2.5-Ton 13.4 SEER2 Pac | — | R-32 | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Cold Climate Heat Pumps
I would choose among these four only after separating cold-weather capability, zone size, and system format. A mini split’s stated minimum operating temperature is not the same as its delivered heating capacity at that temperature, and a packaged unit belongs in a different installation plan from a single-zone wall system.
Start With the Cold-Weather Heating Data
The Cooper & Hunter and DELLA 12,000 BTU models both list operation down to -22°F, while the larger Optima lists -13°F. Those figures help screen options, but they do not tell me how much heat the equipment can supply at the threshold. Ask the manufacturer or installer for a performance table showing heating output and efficiency at the outdoor temperatures relevant to your area. Also check defrost behavior and whether supplemental heat may be needed during the coldest periods.
Goodman’s supplied specifications do not identify a minimum outdoor temperature or a cold-weather capacity curve. I would not infer either from its 2.5-ton rating. If dependable heating in severe cold is the main goal, get written confirmation for the exact model and system configuration before choosing it over either mini split with an explicit -22°F claim.
Size for the Space, Not a Rule of Thumb
The two 12,000 BTU models are the smaller ductless choices; DELLA lists coverage up to 550 sq. ft. The Optima steps up to 18,000 BTU cooling and lists up to 1,000 sq. ft. These numbers are starting points, not guarantees. Insulation, window area, ceiling height, air leakage, layout, and local design temperatures all affect the load. A heat-loss calculation can show whether one unit can serve the space and whether its output remains adequate in winter.
Oversizing is not a safe shortcut to more cold-weather heat. It can affect comfort, cycling, and humidity control, depending on system behavior and conditions. A single wall unit may also struggle to distribute warmth through several closed rooms. For a home with multiple zones, ask whether a multi-zone system or a ducted design is more appropriate rather than stretching a single-zone estimate across the whole building.
Compare Efficiency Ratings Carefully
The listed mini-split SEER2 ratings range from 23 to 25, with the 12,000 BTU DELLA at 25, Cooper & Hunter at 24, and the Optima at 23. DELLA’s 12,000 BTU option also lists 10.5 HSPF2; the Optima lists 10 HSPF. The Goodman is listed at 13.4 SEER2. These ratings help compare standardized efficiency, but they do not by themselves establish cold-weather output, operating cost, or performance in your climate.
Check that comparisons use consistent rating standards and the exact system combination being sold. Ask for heating performance at local winter temperatures, expected electrical demand, and any utility or code requirements. I would treat efficiency as one part of the decision, alongside capacity, installation quality, and the amount of backup heat the building may need.
Match the System Format to the Project
Cooper & Hunter and both DELLA products are ductless split systems with an indoor head and outdoor unit. The supplied kits include line sets, but professional installation may still involve refrigerant work, evacuation, electrical connections, permits, and commissioning. DELLA notes a 20A fuse and vacuuming for its two models, while Cooper & Hunter specifically calls for a licensed technician. Confirm line length, routing, wall penetration, condensate drainage, and outdoor-unit placement before ordering.
Goodman is a packaged heat pump intended for a ducted project, so it needs an appropriate existing or planned duct system and site layout. It is not a plug-in replacement for a wall-mounted mini split. For any pick, have the installer confirm electrical service, disconnect and breaker requirements, clearances, condensate management, and local code compliance. The included materials do not settle those project-specific questions.
Balance Controls, Noise, and Everyday Comfort
For app and voice control, both DELLA mini splits list Wi-Fi and Alexa support; Cooper & Hunter includes a Wi-Fi Smart Kit. The Optima adds soft indirect airflow and an “I Feel” sensor, while the 12,000 BTU DELLA describes soft airflow and a mute mode. Cooper & Hunter lists 22.5 dB, compared with 30 dB in DELLA’s Mute Mode and 34 dB for Optima. Since the figures may reflect different measurement modes or conditions, I would not treat them as a strict head-to-head sound test.
Think about where the indoor head will sit and where the air will travel. A quiet rating is less useful if the unit points directly at a bed or desk, and remote control may matter more in a room that is hard to access. Check app compatibility, control options during internet outages, and whether the listed features apply to the exact version being sold.
Verify Warranty, Delivery, and Model Details
Goodman’s stated 10-year limited parts warranty requires qualified installation and online registration. Read the full warranty terms for registration deadlines, labor exclusions, and coverage conditions. For the Cooper & Hunter, plan around freight delivery to the nearest accessible outside point rather than assuming delivery inside the home. Confirm who moves equipment to the installation location and whether the delivery appointment works for your schedule.
Before purchase, compare the model number on the listing, quote, and equipment label. Goodman’s supplied product information lists differing dimensions in separate measurement fields, so I would request a verified dimensional drawing and required service clearances. For all four options, confirm what is included, what the installer must supply, how service is handled, and whether the product is approved for the intended building and climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these heat pumps has the lowest listed operating temperature?
The Cooper & Hunter 12,000 BTU and DELLA 12,000 BTU models both list heating operation down to -22°F. The DELLA Optima lists down to -13°F, and the supplied Goodman details do not give a minimum operating temperature. These thresholds do not show how much heat a system delivers at the stated limit, so I would request the model’s low-temperature capacity data before relying on it as the sole heat source.
Does a -22°F rating mean a mini split will heat a whole home at that temperature?
No. A minimum operating temperature indicates a stated operating boundary, not that the unit will meet a home’s full heating demand there. Output depends on the exact equipment, outdoor conditions, building heat loss, and system design. I would have a qualified installer calculate the load and check the manufacturer’s output table at the local winter design temperature, then discuss whether backup heat or additional zones are needed.
Which option is the best fit for a larger room or zone?
The DELLA Optima 18,000 BTU is the clearest larger-zone candidate in this group because it lists coverage up to 1,000 sq. ft. and 19,000 BTU/h heating capacity. That comes with a warmer -13°F minimum heating figure than the two 12,000 BTU models. The coverage estimate is not a load calculation, so confirm room construction, layout, and winter conditions before choosing it.
Can I install one of these mini splits myself?
The supplied product information does not support treating these systems as simple DIY appliances. Cooper & Hunter specifies licensed professional installation, and DELLA notes that installation involves vacuuming and a 20A fuse. Refrigerant-system work, electrical connections, permits, warranty conditions, and local rules can all affect the job. I would ask a qualified installer to confirm the required work and whether the included line set suits the planned route.
Is the Goodman packaged heat pump a direct alternative to the ductless models?
Not usually. Goodman’s 2.5-ton GPHH33031 is a packaged heat pump intended for a ducted residential or light-commercial installation; the other three are ductless split systems designed around individual zones. Its larger capacity does not make it a better match for a single room, and the supplied Goodman details lack a cold-weather operating limit. I would compare it with other ducted equipment through a contractor-designed system plan.
Conclusion
For a cold-climate single zone, I would begin with Cooper & Hunter if the lower listed noise figure and balanced package appeal, or the DELLA 12,000 BTU if Alexa control, a stated 550-square-foot coverage figure, and 25 SEER2 matter more. Both list operation down to -22°F, but I would verify heating output at local winter temperatures before making either the main heat source.
Choose the DELLA Optima when a larger zone needs more capacity and its -13°F specification fits the project’s design conditions. Consider the Goodman only for a professionally designed ducted project where a packaged 2.5-ton system is appropriate; confirm its cold-weather performance and dimensions before purchase. Across all four, I would let a heat-loss calculation, verified performance data, and a qualified installation plan settle the final choice.
Fall Picks
fall essentials
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
