HVAC Rated
    Menu

      12,000 BTU mini-split heat pump · TruInverter

      MRCOOL AEPL**MHV23S1231B1A

      Very good cooling efficiency and average heating efficiency for a 12,000 BTU mini-split heat pump, and certified for cold climates.

      Ranks #187 of 394 12,000 BTU mini-splits for cooling efficiency, and costs about $297 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

      SEER2
      24.0 Cooling efficiency over a season
      Very good · beats 75%
      HSPF2
      10.0 Heating efficiency over a season
      Average · beats 43%
      EER2
      13.0 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
      Average · beats 62%
      Heat at 5°F
      10,000 BTU/h83% of its 47°F output
      Below average · beats 9%

      A good fit if…

      • You want low cooling bills - its SEER2 beats 75% of mini-splits.
      • Your winters get properly cold - it is ENERGY STAR cold-climate certified, with 10,000 BTU/h at 5°F.
      • You want steady temperatures and quiet running - the compressor varies its speed.

      Think twice if…

      • Nothing stands out - its ratings have no weak spot for its class.

      Calculate my running cost

      Details

      Specifications12,000 BTU, R-32
      General
      BrandMRCOOL
      Also sold asIWAE
      Outdoor unit modelAEPL**MHV23S1231B1A
      SeriesTruInverter
      TypeMini-split heat pump
      Nominal size12,000 BTU
      CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerContinuously variable
      RefrigerantR-32
      Connected (smart) capableNo
      On the market sinceJanuary 1, 2026
      Last certifiedJune 9, 2026
      Cooling
      SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better24.0 (range 24.0)
      EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors13.0
      Cooling capacity12,000 BTU/h
      Heating
      HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better10.0
      Capacity at 47°F12,000 BTU/h
      Capacity at 17°F11,500 BTU/h
      Capacity at 5°F10,000 BTU/h
      COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater1.80
      ENERGY STAR cold climateYes
      Heating output as it gets colder83% kept at 5°F

      Every heat pump delivers less heat as the outdoor temperature drops. Certified output of its matchup with AEPL**AWM23E1231B1A at the standard test temperatures, in BTU/h:

      Certified matchups2 indoor units

      The same outdoor unit scores differently with each indoor unit. Ask your installer for the AHRI reference number of the exact system you are quoted.

      Indoor unitSEER2EER2HSPF2Heat @5°FAHRI ref.
      AEPL**AWM23E1231B1A · cold climate24.013.010.010,000218451565
      AEPL**AWM23E1231B1A IWAE · cold climate24.013.010.010,000218451559
      Same unit, other model numbers1

      These model numbers have exactly the same certified ratings and matchups as the MRCOOL AEPL**MHV23S1231B1A: the same equipment under another brand, or a variant code for voltage, colour or market. Everything on this page applies to them.

      Yearly running cost in 10 large cities$237-$733

      At each state's average electricity price and the city's typical heating and cooling hours.

      Questions6
      What is the SEER2 rating of the MRCOOL AEPL**MHV23S1231B1A?
      The MRCOOL AEPL**MHV23S1231B1A is rated at up to 24.0 SEER2 and 13.0 EER2 for cooling and up to 10.0 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with.
      Is the MRCOOL AEPL**MHV23S1231B1A good for cold climates?
      Yes. At least one certified matchup meets the ENERGY STAR cold-climate criteria, delivering up to 10,000 BTU/h at 5°F with a COP of 1.80, so it is still 1.8 times as efficient as electric resistance heat at that temperature.
      How much does the MRCOOL AEPL**MHV23S1231B1A cost to run per year?
      At its rated efficiency it costs about $237-$733 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $306 in Phoenix and $623 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
      Is the MRCOOL AEPL**MHV23S1231B1A the same as the MRCOOL AEPL**MHV23S1232B1A?
      Yes, as far as the certified ratings go. ENERGY STAR lists both model numbers with identical efficiency, capacity and matchups, which means the same outdoor unit sold under a different brand or with a minor variant code (voltage, colour or region). The full list is on this page.
      Which indoor units work with the MRCOOL AEPL**MHV23S1231B1A?
      ENERGY STAR lists 2 certified combinations for this outdoor unit. The highest-rated ones use AEPL**AWM23E1231B1A, IWAE AEPL**AWM23E1231B1A.
      What refrigerant does the MRCOOL AEPL**MHV23S1231B1A use?
      It uses R-32.

      Running cost and savings

      Pre-filled with this model. Pick your city and what you heat with today; everything else is optional.

      Heat pump $310/yrYou save $308/yrSee details ↓
      1. Where you live
      Adjust heating and cooling hours

      Filled in from your city's climate. Change them if you run the system much more or less than usual.

      2. The heat pump MRCOOL AEPL**MHV23S1231B1A
      3. What it replaces
      4. Price replace the example with your quote
      Heat pump, per year
      $310
      Current system, per year
      $619
      You save per year
      $308
      Payback
      14.6 years
      Net after 10 years
      -$1,417

      Cooling $176Heating $134Electricity used: 1,940 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $164

      Estimates use the unit's rated SEER2 and HSPF2, full-load hours derived from NOAA 1991-2020 degree days, average residential electricity prices from the U.S. EIA (12 months to July 2026) and fuel prices from EIA (2025 for natural gas, week of 2026-10-05 for propane and heating oil). Very cold days that need backup heat are not modelled. Federal minimum for comparison: 14.3 SEER2 / 7.5 HSPF2.

      Similar 12,000 BTU models

      See all 394 12,000 BTU mini-splits, ranked

      Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of June 9, 2026. How we use the data.