I’ve put together this Fujitsu Mini Split Heat Pumps review to help you understand exactly what these AC units offer, and which one is the perfect solution to your temperature regulation needs.

I’ve worked in the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry for over a decade. Beginning as a licensed electrician, my expertise and professionalism earned me quick successive promotions and I have since set up my own business, working with hundreds of models of air conditioners- and thousands of satisfied customers. 

Shopping for the right AC unit can seem like a daunting task when presented with the plethora of numbers, features, and confusing terms that you’ll inevitably come across.

Consistent technological advancements mean that rival manufacturers are in constant competition in making the best use of ever-evolving machinery- and convincing consumers to buy it afterward. The mini split air conditioner has been around since the late 1950s, but many people are still unaware of its benefits (and drawbacks). Read on, and I’ll help you find the right Fujitsu mini split for you.

About Fujitsu Air Conditioners

Fujitsu is an information and communication technologies (ICT) giant, founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1935. Throughout their history, they’ve made many highly diverse breakthroughs in areas such as computing and computer software, telecoms, wireless technology and communication, and- since 1965- HVAC systems.

Fujitsu developed their first window air conditioner in 1965, in collaboration with American HVAC firm Suburban. They continued to produce popular and easily installed air conditioners over the next five decades, expanding their product range as well as their global reach. 

Nowadays, Fujitsu employs 156,000 people worldwide, selling to over 100 countries, and regularly winning international design and innovation awards. They are commonly compared against their closest rival, and fellow Japanese ICT company, Mitsubishi. 

After finding niche success with the small and discreet ‘min-min’ cassette air conditioner, Fujitsu then introduced their first mini split AC to the US in 1976. These ductless air conditioners were an instant hit due to their energy efficiency, zonal temperature control, and obvious lack of intrusive ductwork. 

Before taking a detailed look at some individual Fujitsu mini split models, I’ll expand a little more on what makes a mini split air conditioner a worthy consideration for your home.

Energy Efficiency

The effect we have on the environment is a subject discussed now more than at any other time in history. We’re increasingly aware of our carbon footprint, and keeping energy consumption as low as possible is an important factor for many when considering what type of air conditioner to buy. It’s here that Fujitsu ductless mini splits excel.

In a traditional air conditioning system, energy lost through insufficiently tight ducts in your walls, attic, or crawlspaces, can account for 30% of the total amount of energy used within your home. 

That’s 30% of that energy wasted pointlessly cooling these unused spaces and 30% of the cost of your energy bills being spent on absolutely nothing!

Mini split air conditioners are either completely ductless or have very little ducting. Their simple design allows for easy installation, and the lack of internal ducting eliminates these losses, consuming less energy and helping you save money. 

They’re especially useful in older homes that often don’t have any existing ductwork, since adding this ductwork involves substantial digging into your floors, walls, and ceilings– not to mention the substantial fees this can incur.

The best way to get a good grasp of how energy efficient your prospective air conditioner is is to check its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. This is calculated by dividing the number of British Thermal Units (BTUs) of heat removed from the air by the AC unit by energy consumption in watt-hours. 

The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit is at turning electricity into cool air throughout your home. 

Another benchmark of energy efficiency is whether the AC unit has been assigned the Energy Star© logo, given to products meeting the most stringent efficiency standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. 

It’s well worth noting that all Fujitsu ductless mini split AC units have been awarded the ‘Most Efficient’ rating by Energy Star©.

Temperature Zoning

Temperature zoning involves the installation of an air conditioning system that can heat or cool designated rooms, whether this is an individual single zone or multiple (multi) zones.

Mini split systems operate through a setup that is significantly different from the one used by traditional air conditioners. Instead of a single point of origin that distributes cool air through a complex series of ductwork, the mini split is made up of an indoor unit and an outdoor air compressor unit. 

The indoor unit pulls warm air from out of your home and blows it over cold evaporator coils. An environmentally sound refrigerant absorbs the heat from that air, transports it to the outdoor unit, ditches the heat outside, and blows the consequentially cold air back into the room. 

A single zone mini split places the indoor single zone unit in an individual room that you want to heat or cool. Instead of altering the temperature of your entire home, the single zone mini split will solely target this room and give you the home comfort you’re looking for without needlessly adding to your energy bills and wastage. 

Fujitsu mini splits can also be set up to regulate the temperature of between 2 and 4 individual rooms (some mini splits can handle 8!), by running separately placed indoor air handling units back to one outdoor compressor unit. 

Each indoor unit has its own thermostat that can be altered independently from the rest of the system. Also, unlike central air conditioners, they allow for installation across multiple levels due to long refrigerant lines. 

This is perfect if there are inhabitants in your home that prefer differing levels of heating and cooling!

Heating Capability

Mini split systems can be an effective and important addition to your home all year round thanks to the ability to be able to heat your home, as well as cool it, using a ductless mini split heat pump.

A ductless heat pump effectively reverses the process that the system uses to cool your home, and instead absorbs heat from outside and transfers this indoors. It can heat your home without the need for a more traditional gas furnace, allowing you to save energy and save money on gas bills.

Like regular air conditioning systems, how efficient a ductless heat pump is at generating heat into your home is measured by a rating called the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF rating). A more efficient heat pump will use less energy and have a higher HSPF rating. 

But what if it’s freezing outside? How can a ductless heat pump warm up your home when it’s snowing in winter, and you need it most? 

Well, the refrigerant used in a mini split system is very, very cold, and following the 2^nd Law of Thermodynamics- which states that all heat disperses from a warmer body to a colder one- a ductless heat pump can, incredibly, remove heat from the outside air even when it’s as cold as -4⁰F! 

However, since the heat pump needs to work especially hard to achieve this, many of my customers have complained that a heat pump is ineffective below zero. If you live in a colder climate with more extreme conditions, I’d suggest instead considering a backup heating system.

Fujitsu Mini Split Models

Fujitsu has been producing reliable and cost-effective air conditioning solutions for over five decades, and I’ve been keen to put a few of their most popular mini split systems through their paces to help you understand which is right for you and your home.

Fujitsu Halcyon™9RLFCC

This ‘compact cassette’ style system is Fujitsu’s mini split entry-level option, and I’ve found it to be reliable, efficient, and budget-friendly. Since the 9RLFCC is easily and discreetly mounted into the ceiling of a single zone, with only the grill visible, it can be placed centrally allowing for maximum airflow coverage. 

Impressively, for such a reasonably priced model, this mini split system uses an inverter. This energy-saving technology controls the unit’s motor speed, without having to turn it on or off, and can consume around 58% less energy than an air conditioner fitted without an inverter. 

This kind of tech usually comes at a premium, so it’s a welcome surprise to see Fujitsu deploy it across all of their mini split range. 

The 9RLFCC can heat your home effectively at low temperatures of 20⁰F and comes in with a solid SEER rating of 23, easily capable of regulating temperature and humidity of a large space such as a living room or garage.

Fujitsu Halcyon™9RLFF 

This floor-mounted system doesn’t need to distract from the aesthetics of your living space thanks to its sleek and modern design. Two individual airflow vents provide temperature regulation for the whole room, providing heating and cooling wherever you decide to install it. 

The included Apple-Catechin filter, contained within the fan coils, uses electrostatic filtration to isolate and remove mold, bacteria, and dust from the air within your home- an obvious health benefit especially if you live with somebody vulnerable, elderly, or children. 

An additional ion deodorizing filter catches and removes unpleasant odors.  

The 9RLFF offers both efficiency thanks to its inverter and a 26 SEER rating, as well as longevity owing partially to the addition of a blue fin coating to the outdoor heat exchanger, compressor, and condenser- protecting them against common causes of corrosion such as the weather, dirt, and bacteria.

Fujitsu Halcyon™9RLS3Y

This premium mini split unit comes with an impressively high efficiency rating of 33 SEER that quite literally blows the competition away, and is among the top models of ductless mini split systems I’ve come across available on the market today.

Boasting the same inverter technology and advanced filtration as other Fujitsu mini splits, the 9RLS3Y also comes fitted with built-in Wi-Fi, allowing for complete comfort control through your phone or tablet- without even having to get up from your sofa! 

Fujitsu themselves claim this mini split system offers ‘world-class performance’, and from my experience with it, I have to agree. 

Although pricey compared to the initial cost of purchase and installation against other Fujitsu mini splits, and competing top models, the high efficiency rating of 33 SEER alone should be enough to slash your energy bills and provide a sizable return on your investment within just a couple of years!

Fujitsu Mini Split Price List

Fujitsu Mini Split Warranty

Fujitsu’s general parts warranty is applicable to every Halcyon model and covers parts such as compressors, controls, and accessories. Parts are covered for 5 years, the compressor for 7 years, and controls and accessories for just 90 days. 

This is adequate for general parts and the compressor, but consider upgrading to cover controls and accessories for longer.

Subject to certain conditions, the Fujitsu general parts warranty can be extended to up to 10 years. To qualify, your Fujitsu Mini Split must be registered within 60 days of purchase, be installed in a residential household, and malfunctioned equipment, both parts, and accessories, must be returned to Fujitsu General America, Inc. 

Your parts warranty can be extended to a very appealing 12 years if you meet all the above criteria, and your Fujitsu Mini Split system was installed by a Fujitsu Elite Contractor. I’d highly recommend doing so!

Who Can Install My Fujitsu Mini Split?

As is the case with most air conditioners, you should use a registered HVAC professional to install your Fujitsu Mini Split. There is a somewhat dangerous myth that because they are smaller and don’t require the same ductwork as their more-traditional counterparts, mini split systems can be easily installed by just about anyone. 

This is simply not true!

The truth is, unless you’re a trained and licensed electrician, it’s unlikely you have the expertise to make sure your Fujitsu Mini Split is installed properly. Attempting to do so could leave you and your family living in an unsafe environment due to incorrectly wired electronics and defective equipment. 

You’ll also be likely to void your warranty and have to pay out for any repairs or replacement parts further down the line. 

Using a Fujitsu Elite Contractor to install your mini split unit ensures you’re getting a thorough and safe installation. Your elite contractor will be known for exceptionally high levels of training when it comes to Fujitsu and Halcyon branded products, as well as diligent customer service- you’ll always get a timely follow-up to any future queries or callouts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fujitsu Better Than Mitsubishi?

Fujitsu and their fellow Japanese rival brand Mitsubishi are both at the top end of the air conditioning market when it comes to quality and efficiency. Both Fujitsu and Mitsubishi mini splits deliver powerful and energy-efficient temperature regulation, both operate at whisper-quiet levels of around 20 decibels, and both offer excellent levels of reliability and longevity.

Mitsubishi even have their own brand of the Fujitsu Elite Contractor, called a Mitsubishi Diamond Contractor!

Many of my customers have positive feedback for both brands’ model of AC unit, whilst claiming there isn’t really all that much difference between the two- and I have to agree. Although Mitsubishi mini splits lower upfront cost than Fujitsu units, the two become very similarly priced if you also want the add-ons such as Wi-Fi capability. 

If you’re looking for a ductless mini split heat pump, I’d go with Fujitsu since they offer a specialized line of air conditioners tailored for especially cold climates.

Is Fujitsu A Good Mini Split?

As I’ve previously mentioned, the Fujitsu is internationally recognizable and has deservedly earned a reputation for manufacturing quality mini split systems that are affordable to the common consumer. 

Fujitsu mini splits offer effective heating and cooling in all but the most extreme temperatures, and you don’t have to break the bank to purchase one, either. Their extensive array of ductless mini split heat pumps range from entry-level to premium grade, so there is something for every budget.

Is Fujitsu A Good AC Brand?

Fujitsu can be considered a very good quality AC brand thanks to its many decades of technical expertise and experience in the industry. Each HVAC unit is built to last- with care, and attention to detail.

How Efficient Are Fujitsu Mini Splits?

There’s an easy answer to this question- very! All Fujitsu ductless mini split AC units have been awarded the ‘Most Efficient’ rating by Energy Star©, the gold standard of energy conservation in the US. 

While many competing mini split manufacturers such as Mitsubishi have also developed products with high SEER ratings, few can reach the 33 SEER rated Fujitsu Halcyon™9RLS3Y. Even Fujitsu’s lower-priced models offer ratings of at least 23 SEER, and as such can be considered some of the most efficient mini splits on the market today.

Conclusion

If you’re aiming to regulate the temperature of only one room, or you want to maintain different temperatures across multiple zones in your home, then a Fujitsu ductless mini split air conditioner may be just what you’re looking for.

Mini split systems benefit from excellent energy efficiency ratings, zoned cooling, and the capability to heat your home during the cold winter months, as well as cool it down when outside temperatures soar.

Perhaps Fujitsu’s biggest downside regarding their mini split series is their pricing compared to direct competitors, which when accounting for installation by one of their Fujitsu Elite Contractors, can seem an expensive initial outlay. 

However, the generous terms of your extended parts warranty when doing so should more than makeup for it.

Overall, Fujitsu stands out from other mini split manufacturers, their products shaped by over 5 decades of experience at the very top of the air conditioning industry. You could do a lot worse than Fujitsu if you’re looking for complete home comfort!